By TJ Meyers
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Current and former students seek cheaper, alternative ways to acquire books rather than buying in university book stores.
Shown are a Writing and Reporting News textbook with a Camden County College Bookstore receipt. By TJ Meyers, CCC Journalism Program
In today’s collegiate world, many may find acquiring books to be the most painstaking process. With today’s economy, books do not come cheap. Many students, as well as former students, agree that the prices of books have gotten out of control. More and more students are abandoning the first option of going directly to college book stores.
Ryann Casey, a photography teacher at Camden County College, agreed that prices have skyrocketed out of control. “I would have always rented if I had the option,” Casey said. Having not had the option to rent, Casey, a Thames Valley University (London) graduate, always bought her books.
Today students have many ways to get the books they need for classes. Whether it be at the college bookstore, online, renting or an outside store, they’re not stuck with just one option.
Samantha Calamis, a freshman at Orange County Community College (New York), said she got her books “online on Valore books … I had to get a few in my (actual) bookstore because I couldn’t find them online.”
Students also have a few choices when it comes to when to get their books.
While many students said it is better to wait until after the first day of class, Calamis stated: “I got my books a month before class (started), once I knew what books I needed.”
Casey, the TVU graduate, agreed, saying: “It is always better to get your books ahead of time.”
Students today also have the option to resell books they buy to their school stores after they’re finished with them.
Calamis said she plans to do that, “as long as they accept them back. Sometimes if there’s no demand for your book you can’t send them back.”
The majority of current and former students, though, said they think the money they get back isn’t fair.
“It’s ridiculous,” Casey said. “It caters to the students who have money.” Casey, who said she considers herself somewhat of a “book snob,” added: “Quality should determine the resale value.”