2008 Woodie Awards
Textbook upgrades not always worth the price
DeAnna Goering
Issue date: 8/23/07 Section: Front Page
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Textbook prices might be a fact of life for college students. And professors who choose to update their course textbooks and use only the newest editions can put further strain on student pocketbooks.
Paul McCallum, professor of English, says some professors must upgrade their texts despite the cost to students.
"It depends on the class or the book," he said.
McCallum, who teaches British Literature I, says the textbook for his class hardly changed at all from past editions to what is now the current edition, so he declined to request that his students buy only new texts. However, he also teaches Honors Composition, and says the most recent edition of the book is necessary for the class.
Still, McCallum says other factors influence his decision on whether to update his textbook requirements. When he receives a new book from a publisher, he examines the book to make sure it has what is necessary for the course. Each book must incorporate standard content, but also include some different works.
McCallum says many professors feel their students must buy only the newest editions of their textbooks not only that they might have access to the most up-to-date materials, but for fear that older editions will be phased out and made unavailable.
"But, you see, it's how they make their money," McCallum said. "If something is 'new' and 'improved,' then people will want it, and they can charge more for it."
McCallum notes that some publishers mail new book editions to professors but don't send a representative to elaborate on its content. So it's up to the professors to find the changes within the new text.
Well-informed book representatives can help professors decide whether to change the required editions, McCallum says.
Kyla Scarborough, who teaches descriptive astronomy and physical science, says she takes many factors into account when she looks at an updated text. When faced with a new astronomy book, Scarborough says she wants to make sure the book is not "sugar-coating" science, and that the book is up-to-date on its information, as new discoveries are constant in her field. Scarborough also checks to see if errors she found in older editions were corrected by the publisher.
"I want them to be written for college students," Scarborough said. "Pretty pictures and diagrams are nice as well."
Jerron Davis, sophomore in communication, says students can be at their best when exposed to the most current information available.
"It would be a great contribution to the students," he said. "But the only problem is cost."
High costs for new textbooks are a problem for other students, as well.
Brittni Trytek, junior in elementary education, says that "it's hard, especially when they switch mid-year. It usually costs more, and if you had the old book, you can't sell it back."
Paul McCallum, professor of English, says some professors must upgrade their texts despite the cost to students.
"It depends on the class or the book," he said.
McCallum, who teaches British Literature I, says the textbook for his class hardly changed at all from past editions to what is now the current edition, so he declined to request that his students buy only new texts. However, he also teaches Honors Composition, and says the most recent edition of the book is necessary for the class.
Still, McCallum says other factors influence his decision on whether to update his textbook requirements. When he receives a new book from a publisher, he examines the book to make sure it has what is necessary for the course. Each book must incorporate standard content, but also include some different works.
McCallum says many professors feel their students must buy only the newest editions of their textbooks not only that they might have access to the most up-to-date materials, but for fear that older editions will be phased out and made unavailable.
"But, you see, it's how they make their money," McCallum said. "If something is 'new' and 'improved,' then people will want it, and they can charge more for it."
McCallum notes that some publishers mail new book editions to professors but don't send a representative to elaborate on its content. So it's up to the professors to find the changes within the new text.
Well-informed book representatives can help professors decide whether to change the required editions, McCallum says.
Kyla Scarborough, who teaches descriptive astronomy and physical science, says she takes many factors into account when she looks at an updated text. When faced with a new astronomy book, Scarborough says she wants to make sure the book is not "sugar-coating" science, and that the book is up-to-date on its information, as new discoveries are constant in her field. Scarborough also checks to see if errors she found in older editions were corrected by the publisher.
"I want them to be written for college students," Scarborough said. "Pretty pictures and diagrams are nice as well."
Jerron Davis, sophomore in communication, says students can be at their best when exposed to the most current information available.
"It would be a great contribution to the students," he said. "But the only problem is cost."
High costs for new textbooks are a problem for other students, as well.
Brittni Trytek, junior in elementary education, says that "it's hard, especially when they switch mid-year. It usually costs more, and if you had the old book, you can't sell it back."
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