Course Materials FAQ

Updated Mar 10, 2026

How do I know what textbooks I need for my class? 

Start with our website, bookstore.dal.ca. Click My Booklist for a personalized list. This will tell you everything you need. Alternatively, you can search your courses with our Textbook Search. Our website is continually being updated as orders for textbooks and other course materials are received and processed, so it’s a good idea to check our website regularly. If you don’t find your course or a textbook for the course, you should contact your instructor or consult your course syllabus.

How do I order textbooks and course material through the Dal Bookstore website?

To begin, click on My Booklist. This uses your NetID to show you the materials required for the courses you are currently enrolled in. 

How much does it cost to have my print course materials delivered? How long does that take?

Shipping costs vary based on several factors, including the weight of textbooks ordered, where they are being shipped to (locally, nationally, or internationally), and the courier used (Canada Post, Purolator, FedEx, etc.). Visit our Shipping Info page for more details.

What textbook formats are available?

Some textbooks are available in different formats:  

  • New
  • Digital
  • Used

Not every textbook is available in all these formats – often it depends on the publisher – but as much as possible, we try to give a variety of options and prices to choose from.

The title I want is out of stock; what do I do now? 

If it is a textbook, you will be able to see if the book has been re-ordered. Delivery timelines depend on where the publisher is located and whether they have the book in stock. 

How do I know if my web order went through? 

As soon as you successfully place your order, an email confirmation is sent to the email address that you provided. Occasionally, these may end up in your spam folder, so we recommend checking there if it is not in your inbox. If you closed the order window before you saw a confirmation that the order was successfully placed on the website, then your order may have been approved by the payment processor, but this approval may not have flowed back to our website. Please reach out to us if you cannot locate your order confirmation email.  

Why is my transaction being declined? 

There are a few reasons a transaction might be declined:
    •    There could be insufficient funds in the account
    •    The account may have a daily maximum limit that may have been exceeded
    •    A bank outside Canada may block a transaction, suspecting it is fraudulent
    •    Visa debit cards sometimes work and sometimes don’t, depending on the bank

How long will it take to process my web order?

Order turnaround timelines are based on order volumes. Online orders are typically processed and shipped in one to two business days during regular operations. At the beginning of each term, this period can extend to two to four business days from the time your order is placed until it is shipped or ready for pick-up. Throughout the process, you will receive automated notifications with updates on your order.   

How can I track my order? 

As soon as a shipping label is generated for your order, you will receive an email with tracking information. You may need to wait up to one business day before this tracking number is live in the courier’s tracking software. Items are often not scanned by the courier until they reach the depot. 

My order arrived damaged. What can I do? 

Please send an email to Kaela.Zhang@dal.ca. Be sure to take photos of any damage to the packaging as well as photos of the damaged merchandise itself. The staff member following up on your inquiry will request these images for use in our discussions with the shipping company. Hold on to all packaging, as this may be required to resolve a claim with the shipping company. Once we evaluate the damage, you will be contacted about any next steps.  

 

Digital Course Materials 

What is an access code? 

An access code is 12 character string of letters and numbers used to access course content online. The type of content depends on the course but may include practice exam questions, interactive videos, course assignments, and, of course, subscriptions to e-books. An access code may include just one type of content or all of these. Each one is different. 

Where is my e-text or access code? 

After completing your purchase online, the redemption code is emailed to the address you provided on your web order with instructions on how to redeem your publisher's e-text (access) code.

How do I redeem my e-text or digital access code? 

Getting your e-text is an easy two-step process. 

  • Once you complete your purchase, we will provide you with a redemption code and instructions. This works as your proof of payment to the publisher. 
  • Once you redeem the code on our website, you will be emailed an access code and instructions. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure you register and set up your e-text correctly. 

Printed access codes sometimes come packaged in shrinkwrap with a physical textbook. Be careful not to lose or dispose of the card containing the access code. Also, be sure to scratch the silver coating and do not attempt to peel it. 

I can't find my redemption code for my e-text or access code.   

After completing your purchase online, the redemption code is emailed to the address you provided on your web order with instructions on how to redeem your publisher's e-text (access) code. Be sure to check your spam folder for emails from bookstore@dal.ca as your computer may have flagged them as spam. 

I've lost my publisher access code. What can I do? 

Please contact us for help.  

If I buy an e-text, do I have access forever? 

It depends on the publisher and the e-text. Most are a 180-day (six-month) subscription. Some are lifetime access. We try to list the subscription length in the title when we have the information. 

If I get a message saying my code has already been activated, what should I do? 

You will need to contact the publisher of that access code. 

My publisher code doesn’t work; what do I do? 

Were you able to redeem the Bookstore redemption code for the publisher's access code? If so, you should contact the publisher for technical support. Once you have received and entered the second access code, you are on the publisher's platform, and we aren't able to troubleshoot any issues that you may be having. You should have received a support phone number or email address for the publisher's technical support team when you received your access code. If not, please reach out to us, and we can connect you with the publisher. 

Can two people share one access code? 

No. Each access code can only be registered to one individual.  

Can I sell my code when I finish the course? 

No. Access codes are designed to expire at the end of your course and cannot be sold or transferred.

 

Pick-up Information

What are your hours? 

Our online store is open 24 hours a day. We offer in-store pickup during our open hours Monday-Friday, and we ship worldwide.     

Where are you located? 

We have two locations on the following Dalhousie University campuses: 

  • Studley campus: Our main store is located on the bottom level of the Student Union Building, 6136 University Ave. 

  • Agricultural campus: Serving Aggies is our location on the Dalhousie Agricultural campus. It is located in the Cox Institute, 50 Pictou Rd. (level 2), room 254.

    Orders are only available for pick-up at the location where the items purchased are warehoused. 

Can someone else pick up my web order, or does it have to be me? 

Yes, someone else can pick up your order on your behalf. The person picking up the order will need a copy of your web order confirmation. They will also need to show either their valid student card (DalCard) or government-issued photo I.D.

 

Returns

What is your return/exchange policy? 

 For full details on our refund and exchange policies, please visit our Return Policies page.