Jaguar Bookstore

1. Q. How will instructional supplies (e.g., Cosmetology kits, art supplies, school supplies, etc.) be sold to students?
2. A. Students may be able to purchase supplies through the virtual bookstore or directly from vendors. Area Deans were required to submit a list of non-text needs to the VPAS office by December 15, 2024.

1. Q. How will the virtual bookstore work with programs like EOPS or Financial Aid?
2. A. The virtual bookstore accommodates vouchers for Financial Aid, scholarships, and special programs, allowing eligible students to purchase materials seamlessly.

Overview

The Bookstore Voucher system is designed to provide students with funds that can be used exclusively in the Akademos online bookstore. These vouchers are typically issued by campus departments, programs, or third-party partners. Once created, the funds cannot be used elsewhere.

Purpose

This guide is intended for staff and authorized users who issue bookstore vouchers to students. It includes step-by-step instructions for using the Voucher Creation Tool, including how to issue single or multiple vouchers at once, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Included Resources

• Bookstore Voucher User Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  A comprehensive walkthrough of the Voucher Creation Tool, including:
  
  • Creating individual and batch vouchers
  • Navigating the interface
  • Understanding voucher status and redemption tracking
• Student Materials (PDFs)
  Informational handouts for students covering:
  
  • How the Bookstore Works (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • How to Order Course Materials (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • Learner Experience (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • Return a Textbook (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • The eLibrary (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • VitalSource Troubleshooting (Mobile) (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• Voucher Email Sample
  A generic example of the email students receive when the "Notify Student" box is checked during voucher creation. This helps students understand how to redeem their funds. See Sample (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• Success and Error Message Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  A troubleshooting resource that explains:
  
  • Common confirmation messages
  • Typical error messages encountered during voucher creation
  • Suggested resolutions for each scenario
• Sample Invoices
  • Parent Invoice: Provides a summary of all vouchers used within a specified time period, including the total amount issued. See Sample (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • Child Invoice: Offers a detailed breakdown of each voucher transaction, including itemized purchases. See Sample (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
  • Invoices are generated monthly and sent to the contact(s) listed on the Voucher Authorization Form. Multiple recipients can be included if needed.

If you have questions or need help with the voucher process, please contact the appropriate department listed in the guide or reach out to the Business Services team.

1. Q. How will the virtual bookstore comply with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) regarding textbook information disclosure?
2. A. The vendor ensures compliance with HEOA. Pricing and textbook information will be automatically disclosed when books are adopted and linked to the college's system.

1. Q. Are basic supplies available on campus?
2. A. Yes. The college works with its vending contractor to supply vending machines for items like pens and pencils. The Jaguar Market also has basic supplies available for students.

1. Q. Does the virtual bookstore rent textbooks? What about shipping and return costs?
2. A. Yes, textbook rentals are available, and shipping is free for orders over $79. Returns will incur a mailing cost. Standard Shipping typically takes 3–6 business days, while USPS Ground Shipping may take 3–10 business days, depending on the origin.

1. Q. Does the virtual bookstore sell new and used textbooks?
2. A. Yes, both new and used textbooks will be available. The store also supports ZTC/OER materials.

1. Q. Does the virtual bookstore sell college merchandise?
2. A. Yes, promotional gear is sold on a print-on-demand basis.

1. Q. How are graduation items like caps and gowns sold?
2. A. The college works directly with a vendor to provide these items.

1. Q. What is the return policy for textbooks if a student adds/drops courses?
2. A. Textbooks can be returned, but students are responsible for mailing costs.

1. Q. What happens if a student claims they didn’t receive their order?
2. A. Students can file a claim with the virtual bookstore.

1. Q. What if textbooks arrive damaged or missing?
2. A. Students should file a claim with the virtual bookstore for resolution.

SJCC Shipping Tip: If you use a P.O. Box or do not have a shipping address, please contact the SJCC Virtual Bookstore Support team at sjccvirtualbookstore@sjcc.edu to schedule an in-person appointment for assistance with placing and receiving your order.

1. Q. How does the virtual bookstore support students without a permanent address?
2. A. Students can select an option if they have no permanent address and will be referred to next steps. Books approved to be sent to campus will be sent to the mailroom, taken to student services where they can be picked up with a PIN and student ID.

1. Q. Are P.O. Boxes an acceptable shipping address?
2. A. No, the virtual bookstore does not ship to P.O. Boxes.

1. Q. What shipping options are available?
2. A. Students can choose from various shipping methods, including overnight and expedited options.

1. Q. How do faculty order textbooks?
2. A. Faculty use an adoption platform with a dashboard to track updates and deadlines. [SME: confirm the Fall 2026 textbook adoption submission deadline] – more details to follow.
   *  Getting Started: Course and Section Select (0:44): see video
   *  Previously Adopted Materials Collect (1:16): see video
   *  Add New Materials (1:04): see video
   *  Review and Submit Adoptions (0:39): see video
   *  If you experience any login issues, please contact help@vitalsource.com

1. Q. What if a professor changes the assigned textbook after the term starts?
2. A. Refunds will depend on the college’s policies; typically, costs for changes are not covered.
3. Q. How are out-of-print or low-stock textbooks managed?
4. A. The adoption platform alerts faculty about availability issues. Digital versions are often the easiest alternative.

Faculty and staff who wish to place bulk orders for textbooks and instructional materials can follow the directions provided by VitalSource. There are separate guides for physical and digital orders:

1. Physical Bulk Orders
2. To learn how to submit bulk orders for physical textbooks, please use the following resource:
3. Bulk Order Tool User Guide – Physical Orders (opens in a new tab)

1. Digital Bulk Orders
2. For step-by-step instructions on how to place digital bulk orders, please refer to the official guide:
3. Bulk Orders with VitalSource – Digital Orders (opens in a new tab)

If you need additional assistance with bulk ordering, please contact your department coordinator or the bookstore support team.

1. Q. Can students resell textbooks?
2. A. Yes, the vendor offers a guaranteed buy-back program based on the condition of the book.

1. Q. Does the virtual bookstore sell digital textbooks?
2. A. Yes, the bookstore is a leader in digital resources. Refunds are available if the resource has not been accessed beyond the return limit.

1. Q. Are technology items like laptops or calculators sold?
2. A. We are exploring this possibility – these items can potentially be made available upon request.

1. Q. What are the virtual bookstore’s hours of operation?
2. A. The virtual bookstore operates 24/7/365 online.

1. Q. Is there a local representative for the bookstore?
2. A. Yes, the vendor has a local representative based in Monterey.

1. Q. Does the college earn revenue from bookstore sales?
2. A. Potentially based on the agreed upon contract and sales volumes.
3. Q. What does the vendor contract look like and when was it approved?
4. A. Please see the Board approved contract (PDF) (opens in a new tab). The contract was approved by the Board on March 11, 2025 (opens in a new tab).