Textbook Prices Kill
Every semester we, as students, become more aware of the high cost of textbooks. When $500 seems like an inexpensive amount for a semesters worth of books, it seems there is a serious problem. The mistake that is often made is the quick assumption that the book store is to blame.However, the problem goes far beyond what is seen on individual campuses. Textbook publishers across the nation are making prices sky rocket through conniving and manipulative practices.
Let's quickly look at some techniques publishers use to increase their profit:
Bundling- This is when publishers plastic wrap two text books together without giving the student the option to buy the books individually. The problem with this practice is that rarely are both texts utilized to their full value. Causing students to pay more for materials they donÂt necessarily need.
Supplemental materials- These are things like study guides, only help sites or the all too well known CD. Many publishers insist that these materials provide the student with the extra help they need in a class to succeed and do well. However, many students are capable of doing well in a course without the $30 supplementary material.
New Editions- We are all too familiar with this concept. Many books are released on an annual or biannual schedule. What this translates to in student language is an inability to get money back for text books. It is increasingly frustrating when these new editions have little changed in content, just refreshed pictures and tables.
So, what can we do to help with this problem?
The first issue is book orders. Book orders are the forms that professors must turn in before the bookstore is able to buy any books back. This allows the bookstore to buy books that will be guaranteed for use next semester at a higher rate, putting more money in your pocket. The bookstore can't do this unless a professor has turned in her or his book order. Secondly, you can encourage your professors to be proactive in choosing less expensive books. This must be a combined effort between students and faculty to work against these publishing practices. I encourage you all to research and stay on top of this issue, it will only develop at an exponential rate if we don't begin to challenge it now.
Remember, my door is always open and my e-mail is always working.
Kara Brockett
SC 217
brockek@southwestmsu.edu
posted by SMSU Student Associtation @ 6:38 PM
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