Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Legislation proposed for cheap books

A house bill constructed to provide more affordable textbooks for college students nationwide was added to the 2009 General Assembly’s agenda. This bill proposes to make textbooks cheaper. Students could also receive more money when reselling their books. Finally, the bill includes plans to institute an easier textbook-buying experience for students.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that the bill includes provisions that would require collegiate publishers to disclose full textbook pricing information to colleges and faculty. This includes wholesale prices of textbooks, descriptions of content revisions and other formats in which the books are applicable, such as paperback or unbundled. Colleges would also need to provide textbook information alongside course descriptions in their annual course catalogs, according to the Chronicle.

Anais Terry, a criminal justice and law major, spends about $600 in the Point Park bookstore each semester.

“I think legislation would be beneficial to lower the cost of books. However, students need to also know their resources and how to utilize them,” Terry said.

Keri Painter, assistant manager of the bookstore, was unable to disclose any information about the legislation because the store is owned by Barnes and Noble Booksellers.

According to a Jan. 11 press release from Barnes and Noble Booksellers, they would be the first to offer a multi-channel textbook rental program. Students would be able to rent online, have the books shipped or be able to buy from their Barnes & Noble campus bookstore. This could result in college students across America saving millions of dollars.

Karin DePrefontaine, a funeral service major, orders directly from the bookstore.

“I feel more comfortable getting my books from the school bookstore, because I know it’s the right text, and legislation for cheaper books available on campus would be beneficial to my preference of purchase,” DePrefontaine said.

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