Students get bigger bang for book-buying buck

By Dave Groves, news editor

The Barnes & Noble at Oakland University Bookstore saw the greatest ever participation in its textbook buyback program after the fall 2008 semester.

Bookstore Manager Debra Ogg said that while an original projection aimed to put $175,000 back in the hands of OU students, the actual total came close to $270,000. This represented a 29 percent increase over fall 2007 figures.

"The used book is the least expensive book for students to purchase, so we were really pleased with this response," Ogg said.

She added that the success of this semester's event can be attributed not only to the store's efforts to broaden awareness, but to the efforts of university faculty and students who helped spread the word.

Additionally, many university faculty members were willing to hold off on using new editions of textbooks, which meant that students could both buy and sell a greater number of used books.

"We met with members of the faculty and they agreed that we're all here for the students, so let's do what we can to help them keep some money in their pockets," Ogg explained.

While many students reported being pleased with the buyback program, they weren't alone in praising its success.

"We're thrilled to learn that the bookstore and others in the campus community worked together to make this part of students' college education even more affordable," said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. "In these tough economic times, anything we can do to help keep costs low and students in the classroom is certainly welcome news."