Textbooks
Outrageous textbook prices and abysmal buyback prices are frequent student complaints, as ancient as the lousy cafeteria food. Now however students have empirical evidence to back them up.
College textbook prices have risen at twice the rate of national inflation over the last two decades according to a summer 2005 Government Office of Accountability report. Textbook prices have risen by an annual average of 6 percent since 1987, compared with a 3 percent average annual rise in national prices.
Winthrop students have been feeling the pull on their pocketbooks.
“Textbooks are too expensive,” said 19-year-old English major Rhine Gourrier. “It hurts psychologically and financially to pay $100 for a textbook and only get $20 back.”
“They’re way too expensive and if they’re not sold as used quickly, they’re obsolete and useless,” said 35-year-old special education major Julie Jones.
“They’re way too expensive and if they’re not sold as used quickly, they’re obsolete and useless.”
Some Winthrop officials believe the problem is out of their hands.
“As far as I am concerned the real problem is with the book publishing industry and the cost of paper production,” said Winthrop Vice President of Student Life Frank Ardaiolo. “The bookstores across the country are often the ones blamed for economic forces beyond their control.”
Winthrop students are able to buy books from several locations. Many opt for the Bookworm, some for the Books That Matter tent and others shop online.
Don Douglass, who co-owns Books That Matter with his wife Angie, says his business offers a higher percentage of used books than a traditional bookstore.
“We do less volume so we have more used books which saves students money,” Douglass said. “Students want used books.”
Douglass is frustrated with his promotional options on Winthrop’s campus.
“You can’t advertise on campus if you’re in direct competition with meals, housing or books,” Douglass said. “The school feels we’re taking away scholarship money.”
Winthrop receives approximately 10 percent of all sales at the Bookworm up to $5 million and 12 percent thereafter. The Bookworm revenue is given to a scholarship fund. Douglass believes there are negative aspects to the program.
“Students are providing their own money for scholarships for other students,” Douglass said. “We try to give all students a break on their books.”
Douglass said textbook buyback prices have increased since Books That Matter was established seven years ago.
Some students prefer Books That Matter to the Bookworm.
“I was told Books That Matter was cheaper and it was,” said 17-year-old political science major Matthew Bratton.
Others shop at the Bookworm.
“The Bookworm has a better buyback program,” said 18-year-old environmental studies major Kelley Phifer. “Sometimes the books are less expensive and it’s conveniently beside Woody’s Music Store.”
