By Dannielle Lowe
I stood in amusement and admiration as I watched an underclassman pick up her books this semester. An employee handed the student a heavy box. I think she was waiting for a friend or something because she didn't leave. Rather, she shifted to a nearby table loaded with Pilot gear and sweatshirts. I guess she had some time to kill because she proceeded to open the familiar white box and examine the materials inside.
I accidentally overheard her mumbling. I listened to her drop a list of obscenities that would give most truckers a run for their money only to conclude with, "It's a lot more than I thought it was going to be."
The receipt must have piqued her curiosity because she then proceeded to pick up a book, find the price on the receipt, and roll her eyes. She did this with almost every textbook.
Silently, I laughed at her perplexed look as she counted the number of textbooks required for each course. Her hands quickly slid over each book. All the while she stood there, mumbling to herself about the utter ridiculousness of textbook prices.
Apparently she wasn't satisfied with what her mother's $600 had gotten her. She concluded her examination with a brilliant use of words I will not repeat. I guess she was frustrated. Maybe a little perturbed.
Who could blame her?
I mean, we've all been there. It doesn't matter whether it's your money or your parents. The simple fact is, textbooks cost too much. And it hurts like a violent kick to the gut each time we get a receipt. If you're anything like me, you begin to think of the things you could have bought instead. Hey, but what's a student going to do?
"Five hundred and 57 dollars for eleven books," junior communication major Emily Mannix said. "Only one was new. Ten were used. Granted, I am taking one class that required seven books. So we will be reading them, but still, that's ridiculous."
Most would agree with Mannix that the cost of books is outrageous. A common complaint from students is that it is not even worth it to buy textbooks for some classes because professors do not use them.
"I don't mind buying the books if we actually use them," Mannix said. "But sometimes I don't think it's worth it when professors are going to only use it for a couple of chapters."
Students who agree with Mannix often take chances, such as not buying books at all.
One student I talked to decided to order her books from the interlibrary loan program.
I wish I would have thought of that. But I didn't.
No, I too spent a whopping $500 and something on textbooks. And then I dropped another $42 at the print shop on a philosophy packet.
I grimace each time I whip out the Visa, thinking to myself I should have ordered online. But I still buy at the bookstore because it's more convenient than spending the time to look up books online.
I could save money, or time. I guess I value my time more. However, that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to save a buck or two. So I set out to see if it was just here at our fine academic institution where books break the bank.
What I found is the price of books is expensive no matter what the university. My little sister goes to Portland Community College and her books cost more than a grand. My little brother attends school in Los Angeles and his books were closer to $900, which is not uncommon.
According to a survey conducted by the California Student Public Interest Research Group (CSPIRG), college students in California and Oregon spend a yearly average of $898 on new and used textbooks. I guess the bookstore does keep costs low. But students can help get prices down even more.
First and foremost, talk to your professors. Encourage them to get their book lists in early. Also, ask them be conscientious of student expenses. More professors are thinking about the costs of textbooks because students were brave enough to address the issue.
Secondly, be your own advocate. Shop around and do price comparisons. According to CSPIRG, textbooks can usually be found online for 40 percent less than the original costs. But, students should be wary because "like new" and "gently used" doesn't always mean like new and gently used. Sometimes it means cover hanging off and water damage, which translates to no sell back for you.
Finally, share books or try to buy from friends. Sometimes you can even trade with a friend or fellow classmate.
Dannielle Lowe is a senior staff writer for The Beacon
