Is it illegal to buy a textbook, copy pages from it and then return it to the store for money back?

Question

This is something I have been doing in many of my college classes for a while now and I'm wondering if it's okay to do. I never give them to anyone else and I throw them away when I'm done.

In regard to the people slamming me for being "unethical":
If what I did was illegal, then that is fine and I thank everyone for answering because that is indeed what I wanted to know. But to call it unethical is where I disagree.
I am a second year college student, paying $8,000 a semester to attend college (out of my own pocket) and expected to spend over $400 a semester on books and supplies. I think the unethical thing here is for textbook companies to charge $200 for a single book that is REQUIRED for a class. I did not copy an entire book, I copied 65 pages. I did not buy from a small, private bookstore that was charging a reasonable price. I bought it from a giant bookstore that buys many books back for about $15 and turns around and sells them for $100. That seems way more unethical to me to rip people off who are trying to get an education and have no choice but to get the books required for a class then me copying 65 pages from a book and returning it.

Answer 1

Yes, it is stealing because you are infringing on the author's/publisher's copyright. May I suggest your local library? You can check the book out, take notes on the subject matter and return the book. Just don't copy pages from it or forget to reference the book in a foot/end note and you'll be ok.

Answer 2

Think of it this way, if you buy a T-shirt and try it on and you don't like the way it fits, you return it and nothing is wrong. But if you wear it for a couple of hours around the house, and then return it, did you do something illegal? This is a gray area. Were you wearing it just to see if it was still comfortable after a couple of hours, or were you making use of the item?

The issue of your copying texts is similar. If you take the book home, thumb through it and decide it's not the right book for you, then you are complying with the store's return policy. The question that arises is that when you copy some pages, you continue to make use of the book long after you return it. In essence you just "stole" those pages. (I doubt a store has a return policy that states you can copy all of the pages you want and then return the book.) It really doesn't matter that you don't share or sell the pages to anyone else, you use them.

So, now that we've confirmed that what you are doing is stealing, why aren't you in jail? Well, unlike the comments from others who've answered this question, let's face reality. No one is going to jail for this, but you theoritcally could face both civil and criminal penalties. Civily, you could be charged with stealing the value of the book plus fraud. This usually results in a payment of $$$ to the book seller (if they wanted to sue you). Criminally, you could be charged with larceny, fraud, etc. Again, these are relativeluy minor offenses which may be violations or misdemeanors. Either way (civilly or criminally) the cost of pursuing action is probably greater than the recovery, and probably would not be pursued even if you were caught.

Is the copying illegal? Yes. Could you be subject to both civil and criminal actions and penalties? Yes. Is it likely that you'd get caught? No. If you did get caught, what's the likely outcome? Being banned from the bookstore, having your name listed at the bookstore as a thief, or the like.

Keeping things in perspective, it's not the right thing to do. But on the other hand, if that's the worst thing you do, you're not such a bad person after all.

Answer 3

No it is not illegal to buy a textbook and then make copies. I call that money management and keep up the good work. Look at it this way, its better than tearing out the pages you need or wasting that money on a book that probably won't be used next semester. Good Luck with school. Tosha W

Answer 4

It is wrong on many levels. One, it's stealing information, even though you have returned the books. Because it's stealing, it's also morally wrong.

It would be like buying a dress or some special outfit for some special event, then returning it the next day after you have worn it.

I don't know what kind of classes you are taking, but when I was in college I kept a lot of my books because I found them a great resource for future classes. If you are concerned about the cost of the books, then look at the used books.

Answer 5

Technically it's illegal, but there was a copy store where I went to school that let students take a textbook in, copy every page, and then they would bind it for you....

Then you could return the book....

The only catch-22 is if you have to have a book that is still in the plastic. Most bookstores won't take it back if the wrapper is off.

Answer 6

Technically, yes what you are doing is called copywright infringement unless you get express consent from the writer of the book. But it is not that big of a deal its not like your pirating copies of the newest movie out but if your conscious is getting the better of you check with the bookstore. It is a common practice. I used my text books til my class was over then sold them back and there was nothing illegal about that. another question are you buying new books or used you can save money buying used textbooks instead of new ones

Answer 7

Technically it's illegal and called copy write infringement.....on the other hand who cares those bookstores are a rip off anyway.

Answer 8

It is illegal - without question

Just as illegal for me to just rent a DVD, copy it, and then return it to the store, and then just keep it for my private use.

Could you get caught? YES! Will you? Probably not.

It is up to you if you want to take that risk or not. But, it is still stealing. I say - live your life as ethically as you can. don't do it anymore.

EDIT:

YOU CAN'T JUSTIFY IT! STEALING IS STEALING IS STEALING!!

If your MEGABOOKSTORE is overcharging for your books, then you have options. Go to another bookstore. Order your books from Amazon, of Half.com.
If they aren't paying you enough, sell your books online

IT IS NO EXCUSE TO STEAL!

Answer 9

I believe copying sections of books (not the whole thing) for educational purposes falls under the "fair use" guidelines.

Answer 10

Would you want someone to do that to you? Let's say that you own a dress store, and people came in to buy the dresses, only to wear them once and return them for the money back. It's just not right.