A new federal law starting on Thursday is designed to help college students. The law requires publishers to provide faculty with details about their selected books, including information about previous editions, any substantial revisions and alternative formats. In turn, colleges are required to list or provide a link to book information including the ISBN and retail pricing on their Internet course schedules. The new is part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

The average student spends about $1,000/year on textbooks. The New York Higher Education Services Corporation has some tips for people shopping for books.

1.) Shop early.

Cheaper editions of textbooks run out the closer you get to the start of class.

2.) Online shopping.

Most of the large online booksellers carry new and used textbooks at competitive prices that could save you money over purchases made at a traditional

3.) Rentals.

Renting books online can save hundreds of dollars over the cost of purchasing and may be a good idea if you don't plan to keep the book after the end of the class.