By Michael Lynard
Since the beginning of college time as I know it, books have been a financial challenge for most. In the whirlwind of college life, it’s essential for a student to manage his/her finances in order to have a sense of tranquility along the journey. Textbooks are required in a lot of classes and sometimes the cost of them can be devastating.
In 2018, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) implemented a policy named price matching to ensure that students get the best deal possible on books. In most instances, price matching helps both the retailer and consumers. The stipulations of the terms may seem more appealing for one side, so students must investigate the terms clearly.
Currently, Tri-C offers price matching which does not apply to access code books. Unfortunately, if the class requires an access code book, then the student must purchase the access code from that entity. Also, the books must match and be in the same condition which means used books must be used and new books must be new with the ISBN number being the same. Finally, if a book is found on the Amazon platform, then it must be shipped and sold only by Amazon.
Proper preparation prevents poor performance and a student without a textbook is not likely to succeed. So, the implementation of price matching policies at the Tri-C bookstore represents a significant step towards enhancing affordability and accessibility for students.
By ensuring competitive prices and empowering students to make informed purchasing decisions, the bookstore is not only supporting the academic community but also fosters a culture of fairness and inclusivity.
As students navigate the challenges of student life they should also continue to advocate for initiatives that prioritize the well-being and success of their peers. Whether it’s through price matching policies, textbook rental programs, or other innovative OERSs, (open educational resources), students should work together to create a campus environment where every student can thrive.
