Laura Gonzalez / Roundup
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As the last days of the semester approach, students are faced with the dilemma of what to do with the textbooks they no longer need.
The Pierce College Bookstore will start buying back books June 1 through June 10 with the promise of giving back students 50 percent of the price they originally paid.
A list is available of returnable books, which varies depending on next semester’s demand. There is also a wholesale company called Nebraska Book Company that comes in and offers students a smaller amount of money for the books the bookstore cannot buy.
“For us to be a responsible business, we just buy whatever we can sell,” said Greg E. Osweiler, bookstore manager. “To give saving options to students, the wholesaler comes in and they give anywhere between zero to 30 percent for a book.”
Other common options for students are selling their books to other students or selling them on Web sites like eBay or Amazon.
Textbook prices are a constant struggle for college attendees. In the last two decades, college textbook prices have increased at twice the rate of inflation, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Students like Stella Massachi are disappointed with the buyback system and are looking for alternative ways to sell their books.
“Last year I kept all my books and I couldn’t give them back because they were updated, so that was upsetting,” said Massachi, 20. “Some people put up posters or flyers and have people call if they need the book. I want to do this for next semester.”
Some students, like 20-year-old Marlon Sanchez, do not feel the 50-percent return price is sufficient.
Osweiler said the bookstore always tries to expand the list of acceptable buyback books.
“We are more than aware of all the frustration that exists from the buyback and we try our best to overcome through just being more and more aggressive with what the bookstore’s list can be,” Osweiler said.
Besides the buyback event starting June 1, there will be three more before the fall semester starts. The next buybacks will take place June 22 – 24, July 23 – 28 and Aug. 24 – Sept. 4.