In response to Tuesday’s article, “Students could save if textbook plan is approved, ODE April 3,” UO Bookstore General Manager Jim Williams informed the Emerald that the bookstore offers a book exchange service to students, free of charge.
The Online Book Swap, which features more than 2,000 titles, can be found on the bookstore’s Web site. But while it began a few years ago, it remains not very widely known.
“Those students who do use it I’m sure find it useful,” said Williams.
To use the system, students must go to the Web site and type in the title they want. If it is available, they are provided with the seller’s contact information and asking price.
Jonathan Rosenberg, the organizer of the textbook exchange measure on the upcoming ballot, called the bookstore’s system “extraordinarily inefficient and annoying.”
“Ours is actually on campus. You come by the exchange, there’s an actual person to work with you, we have staff, and you can actually sell the books.”
Williams said students are free to use whichever service they prefer, but wants them to know a system already exists. He also defended the bookstore’s integrity.
“Books are expensive, but in our case our prices, as compared to the rest of the college bookstore industry, are amongst the lowest in the whole industry,” said Williams. “We’re an advocate for the students – we’re owned by the students.”
Rosenberg still believes the measure should pass.
“It tells you something when employees of the bookstore are willing to sign the petition,” said Rosenberg. “They’re like a for-profit non-profit, if you will. They don’t really give students a deal when they buy back books. We’re in campus government to make sure students get the best deal.”
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