Bookstore officials anticipate lower costs
Published Nov. 16, 2004
There might be some good news for students hurting for cash ' textbook prices could be lower at University Bookstore next semester.
An increased number of faculty members have adopted their textbooks for next semester's classes earlier. University Bookstore officials said this allows the bookstore order more used books.
"This time of year, we have about 85 percent of adoptions in," University Bookstore spokeswoman Michelle Froese said. "All in all we are really pleased with the number of adoptions that are in."
Froese said she attributes this to several factors.
"We have upped our communication with department contacts about the importance of early adoption," Froese said. "We also have online adopting, which makes the process easier."
Jessica Roberts, vice chairwoman of the Academic Affairs Committee for the Missouri Students Association, said her committee tries to get textbook adoptions in on time because it lowers costs for students.
"We work with the bookstore and the department chairs, educating them on why it's important," Roberts said. "When (adoptions) don't come in on time, the bookstore has to pay more in shipping and labor to get the books here in time for the students to have them for class. This results in higher textbook costs."
David Schenker, associate professor of classical studies, said the book adoption process is not easy for professors.
He said the hard part is deciding what he wants his course to be about. A professor has to know what new materials he or she can obtain and use.
"We're all in favor of keeping prices down, while at the same time giving authors their due," Schenker said.
Schenker said many faculty members cannot get their book adoptions in early because they simply don't have enough time. Froses said the bookstore tries to keep prices competitive.
"We're trying to take a proactive stance on ways we can make course materials more affordable," Froese said. "Last year, we put over a million dollars in the hands of Mizzou students through buybacks."
Froses said the bookstore would much rather buy books back from students.
She said the bookstore would pay students 50 percent of the retail price of a book if it is part of their order for next semester.
