Research shows textbook prices have increased at four times the rate of inflation since 1994, with no end in sight. It’s no secret students are turning to alternative methods for cheap college textbooks. College students now spend an average of $900 a year on books.

Here are some tips to help you save:

1. Wait until after the first day

Professors may list a specific textbook on their syllabus and then never refer to it again. Wait until you’ve had a chance to talk with the professor before shelling out big bucks for what may turn into a bookshelf ornament.

2. Don’t buy the whole package

The new federal rules mean publishers can no longer bundle their textbooks with accompanying materials, like workbooks or CD-ROMs. Ask your professor or teaching assistant if you can get by with just the workbook.

3. Use open source textbooks

This movement, led by the co-founder of Sun Microsystems, applies the open-source mantra of the software world to textbooks. Progress is slow, but both Curriiki and FlatWorld Knowledge are steadily growing. You can either download a text for free or buy a printed and bound version for $20 to $40.

4. Download free books

Google Books has scanned many texts into its database, although you may not find what you need. Project Gutenberg also has scanned in a lot of free-domain books that English majors will find useful.

5. Purchase international edition

Abe Books coupons will help you take advantage of a well-kept secret: International editions are usually significantly cheaper than the U.S. versions. (Just like medications.) You’ll need an ISBN number to find the correct textbooks online on AbeBooks.com.

6. Rent-A-Text

Some colleges have started programs that allow you to rent your books. For example, Rent-a-Text has teamed up with more than 800 college bookstores. Students pay about half the purchase price to rent for a single semester and you can shop in-store or online.

7. Use Facebook and Twitter

Why not? We use social media for everything else. List the textbooks you need or visit Facebook pages like TexbooksRUs to trade information.

8. Share and share alike

It takes some coordinating, but if your friends are organized, it’s possible to share textbooks and split the cost. This also works well with study groups. Just make sure everyone kicks in their fair share before you put cash on the line.

9. Shop Barnes & Noble

You’ve got yourself a huge deal when you add Barnes & Noble coupons to standard savings of up to 90 percent on used textbooks and 30 percent on new textbooks. Barnes & Noble also will buy your old textbooks for instant cash with no fees and free shipping.

10. Borders textbook marketplace

Here’s another big-box bookstore that’s gotten in on the cheap online textbooks trend. Use Borders coupon codes to cut more off their already low prices (up to 80 percent off), then cash in at the end of the semester by selling your books back to Borders Textbook Marketplace.

11. Amazon.com

Your source for everything…everything…has long sold and bought textbooks. Amazon has a great deal going right now for students: Buy select MacBooks and save up to $200 on textbooks. Current students with a valid .edu email address are eligible to receive free two-day shipping for one year. And, as always, don’t forget to use Amazon coupons to seal the deal.