Students getting textbook relief

By Trisha Marczak (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, August 30, 2008

Most college students can tell you that the price of books alone puts a pretty big dent in their pocket books. And after years of students expressing frustration, the Minnesota Legislature is paying attention.

This year marks the first for textbook pilot programs across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, in which six universities have been allocated money through the Legislature to test programs that could provide affordable textbook options for students.

The pilot program at Minnesota West Community and Technical College is testing a plan that would allow students to rent a portion of required textbooks. Creating an online textbook program through the library subscription base is the plan at Hibbing Community College.

According to a national survey, two-year public college students spent around $850 a year in 2006-07. Students at four-year public universities spent an average of $942.

Students at MSCTC are spending around $400-$600 a semester, according to Sue Peterson, MSCTC bookstore coordinator.

The pilot programs will be used to determine whether or not the practices are worth expanding to other campuses.

“We’re going to be watching these pilot projects like a lot of the other colleges will be to watch for their success and see how they go,” said Steve Guttormson, Director of Public Relations for MSCTC. “Hopefully we’ll be able to incorporate lessons they’ve learned through the process and see if we can make changes.”

MSCTC students are optimistic to hear the wheels are in motion.

“I think it would be awesome,” said Mara Reome, speaking in regards to the possibility of future MSCTC students having a few more options.

Some students, like Pelican Rapids native Kristina McKeag, are working in cooperation with fellow classmates to share the burden. That’s McKeag’s situation with her psychology book, which rings in at around $100.

“The books are definitely taking a toll,” said McKeag, who is paying out of her own pocket for the time being.

Student L.A. Sture mapped out his yearly schedule with his sister and friend to ensure that the three would be able to swap books from semester to semester to help save on costs.

“I know a couple of students who are doing that with friends,” Sture said.