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Buying used textbooks can sometimes save students a bit of money. But one of the problems with this solution is that, often, the professors change the required textbook every semester.

One other way to reduce costs is to share a text book with a classmate. This solution will, however, require coordination and cooperation.

Another way to save is to photo copy or scan pages from the textbook.

Some classes such as literature classes don't really require you to have a specific text book. If you get a list of the required readings, you can go to the library and check out books that contain those works. You may, however, need to check out quite a few books.

Often, professors write their own textbooks and have an interest in their students buying new copies. While they have a right to supplement their income and determine the best methods of teaching their topic, this must be weighed against the interests of the students. Huge increases in the cost of tuition along with inflation in every other aspect of living make it even more imperative that the costs of textbooks be held to a minimum. Students, particularly on college campuses, should voice their opinions on this matter to the administration. It is important to have advocates for students' problems.

Some areas of study such as computer science, ecology, and biological sciences require up-to-date information. Rapid advancements in technology and new discoveries make textbooks soon become obsolete. Thus, it is understandable that the required textbooks for these classes would go through rapid change. But why not address this problem with supplements that contain revisions and up-dates rather than requiring an entire new book to be used?

Perhaps universities could publish their own textbooks and circumvent some of the costs of advertising, distribution, middlemen, and other costs. I believe some colleges already do this, but more should consider this route to saving money for students while still promoting the academic writings of their professors.

Since paper comes from trees and I am for conserving our forests, we should all promote the use of e books. This is a green practice that can earn our colleges some carbon credits which could be sold to offset inflation in other areas. It would also save money for the students while still allowing the professors to earn money from their writings.

Some classes have a negligible need for textbooks. Classes such as intermediate algebra and college algebra could be taught without requiring students to spend $100 on a book. When I took college algebra over ten years ago, my textbook for that course was $120. Heaven knows what it costs now. But I doubt the content has changed much. However, colleges and universities want to retain good teachers and may need to bend a little by giving them latitude in what their textbook requirements are, this in lieu of giving them a higher salary or more benefits. Would instructor salaries be adequate without the supplementary income from their writings? If we don't bend on this, our colleges and universities might lose some great teachers.

Buying used textbooks may not entirely solve the problem of the cost of textbooks, but it will continue to be one method of dealing with the problem. Motivated students will always find a solution to their problems and I have no doubt they will learn how to win this battle, too, using many methods and much ingenuity.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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