Because of the prices of textbooks, many University of Alabama students look for cheaper options than the University Supply Store, but custom textbooks compiled by professors are making it harder for students to buy books off campus.
The University Supply Store and a few off-campus bookstores are usually the only places students are able to purchase the custom UA textbook materials. These books are purchased only at the request of the professor and not used simply because the SUPe Store orders them.
“The University Supply Store supports academic freedom. All textbook information is provided to the Supply Store by the academic departments and faculty,” Bernadette Chavira-Trull, associate director of books at the SUPe Store, said.
Cathy Andreen, director of media relations, said the choice for textbooks is determined by each professor or department and not based on contracts with publishing companies.
“University policy does not allow for the University or departments to have contracts with publishing companies for textbooks,” Andreen said.
Chavira-Trull said there is no recommended list of publishers, but that all decisions are made by departments.
The SUPe Store also publishes faculty-submitted resources including class notes, PowerPoint presentations and course packets submitted by instructors, Chavira-Trull said.
These Alabama-edition textbooks can be modified, and original work by the professor can be added. Professors also have the option to have the book printed in different formatting, such as three-hole-punched, unbound. Ruth Ann Hall, a professor of economics, finance and legal studies, said she frequently requires a UA edition textbook for her courses.
“These textbooks allow you to only use the chapters that you teach since professors rarely use the whole textbook,” Hall said. “[Students] wouldn’t have to purchase a textbook with excess material, which makes it more economical for students.”
However, some students are skeptical that the specialized, shortened versions of the textbooks actually result in savings when purchasing books.
“The SUPe Store raises all the prices, so I can’t buy it on Amazon because the rest of the country uses the same textbook,” Harlie Waldon, a junior majoring in marketing, said. “It ends up being really expensive.”
George Vankirk, a junior majoring in civil engineering, said purchasing textbooks that are only available through the SUPe Store greatly affects how far his money will go.
“I am a student on the post-9/11 GI bill. I get a limited amount in book stipends each semester,” Vankirk said. “If I purchased all course material through the SUPe Store, it would far exceed the amount allocated for my textbooks per semester.”
Vankirk also spoke about the negative effect a customized book had on his ability to resell his books at the end of the semester.
“Having to use custom editions dramatically affects resale value and puts the hurt on students with limited means,” Vankirk said.
Although UA specific books are often changed from year to year, Chavira-Trull said the Supply Store buys back many used books from students and from other sellers.
“The Supply Store strives to assist students with stretching their educational dollars by buying back their textbooks at the end of each semester and shopping nationwide for used textbooks as well as offering course materials in various formats, i.e., hardback, paperback, binder ready and digital and renting textbooks,” Chavira-Trull said.
