It’s time to cut textbook costs
By: Paige Prangley
Over the past 20 years, the costs of post-secondary textbooks have drastically increased, making it harder for students to afford schooling. With this increase, many are questioning if they should consider going to school and splurging thousands of dollars on books and courseware over the period of their study. Tuition costs alone are a huge expense, and having to pay for other necessities such as residence, parking passes and meal plans are substantial burdens for most budgets. This large amount of money puts students in debt for years, even decades, after they have finished their education. One way to help out students with their expenses would be to lower the costs of the books they need to buy for their courses.
Since 2003, the price of textbooks have increased by over 82 per cent, leaving students in a position where they would need to choose between spending the money on the book or not buying it and risking their chances of doing well in the course. On the first day of classes, many hope that their professor will let them buy used copies of the textbook, or that it isn’t required at all. To the disappointment of many, the majority of courses require you to buy the latest edition, often unavailable as a used copy.
Not being able to buy older editions is often frustrating because courses often don’t change much in less than a year. Students are told that the older editions do not have the necessary context that we need to be successful in the course. However, when compared side to side, there are only a few modifications to the text.
One way that has been increasingly gaining attention is Open Educational Resources, where you can find textbooks or materials online for no cost. Instead of spending $1,300 yearly, like the average student does, OER allows you to download or print a copy for yourself and share it with others. With the start up of this program, students won’t have to worry as much about the amount they are spending on schooling and focus more on their studies. Getting post-secondary education is a path that everyone should have the option to do. Many students decide not to go for reasons such as a lack of funding or wanting to start work right after high school. Lowering textbook costs will help those who can’t spend that extra $1,300 a year.
Some schools have started to lower textbook costs, but the majority of schools are still at the same high prices. While Justin Monaco-Barnes’ MSU presidential campaign emphasized on reducing courseware costs by up to 30 to 50 per cent, it is difficult to note how much progress has been done so far. The emphasis on physical courseware instead of advocating for more online options also limited the focus for cutting costs.
The Simon Fraser University Bookstore, in comparison, has found ways to reduce the costs for their students such as re-adopting textbooks and giving advice to the students about reducing costs as purchasers. By re-adopting these books, over a million dollars is given back to students each year — drastically helping reduce the costs of schooling.
Having to pay high tuition as well as other expenses throughout the year causes enough stress and concern for students. Focusing on studying and enjoying the experience of post-secondary should be the main priority, not having to worry about being in debt for many years to come after graduation. Textbooks are one of the major investments that students have to worry about, and the prices need to be lowered to allow more students the opportunity to attend school and be successful.