Books still a problem for students

Janet Petri has always made an effort to keep her priorities straight and stay on top of her schoolwork.

 While her peers wait until the last minute, fretting over what classes to take for the following semester, pre-nursing student Petri usually has her courses prepared in time for the registration period and is rewarded with slots in the classes of the college's best professors.

Although Petri's advanced preparations have benefited her in many ways, they have backfired in one important aspect.

"I wasn't able to save on my books at all by purchasing them ahead of time online," Petri said.

The cost of college textbooks is always a thorny issue. Students try their best to use resources such as the Internet and used bookstores to keep them from lining up in the college bookstore to purchase an overpriced copy of their required textbooks.

Petri signed up to take an Intro to Psychology course during Summer I. Once she was registered, she looked up to see what textbook she needed and, like most students on a budget, searched for her textbooks online and used counterparts instead.

"I usually check alternative sources because books purchased online and books that are used are always much cheaper, but I learned that you have to be very, very careful," Petri said. "My psychology book was $110 at the bookstore and I found it online for $73. However, my professor changed the book at the last minute."

Petri did not end up saving because not only was she unable to return the book she found online, she still had to purchase a copy of the new required textbook from the bookstore.

Even seasoned college students like Petri make small errors that result in unpleasant consequences. Although her experience this past summer frustrated her, she said she is now more knowledgeable in the area of book buying and has offered a few tips.

Consult with professors

Lack of communication with her professors before the semester commenced was the main reason Petri ended up spending so much on books. It is important to coordinate with professors by calling or sending them emails asking them to confirm the books posted on the eConnect site.

Many books come with online access codes. A substantial number of courses, however, do not require the use of the codes. By asking your professor ahead of time, you could be saving an extra $50 by not purchasing the code.

Search for the right resources

Although she had to pay more than expected during the summer, Petri says that online and used bookstores are still good resources for finding more reasonably priced textbooks.

The online providers she frequents, like Alibris and Chegg, have flexible policies. Many online book providers have also started providing rent options for customers.

"Online providers are excellent resources, but you have to familiarize yourself with things like their return policies before making your purchase," Petri said.

Neebo, one of the largest textbook suppliers, also opened a location on Walnut Street near the Richland campus before the fall semester began.  

According to its website, Neebo offers "savings of up to 55 percent off the price of new books on every textbook rental and up to 25 percent on every used book purchase."

Don't rely too much on eBooks

Petri does not use eBooks as an alternative to hard-copy textbooks.

She says she does not like the idea of reading her text on a computer screen and having her subscriptions expire at a certain time.

"At this point, I'm old school," Petri said. "I really like reading my chapters in bed at night. It's good to actually have something to refer to. I don't have my computer with me all the time and I don't have things like iPads. That's not to say that I won't end up using them in the future, but I'm a nursing student and it's important for me to keep my textbooks for future reference."

With the fall semester coming to an end, Petri may already be prepared for registration. This time, however, she will make sure to follow her own advice in order to avoid last summer's mishap.

"It was a lesson learned," Petri said.

Contributing reporters include Chau Nguyen, Devin Joseph and Mary Chanell.