Owners of nearby bookstores want to create a central textbook order list, which they would have access to, so they will be to compete and become more a part of the university.
Unfortunately, the school is resisting the move, claiming the added level of bureaucracy - namely the clerical work involved - will result in more of a mess than it is worth. Since all of the professors already submit book lists, The Spectrum believes a few minutes of effort to make another photocopy to compile into a database is worth the lower prices that would be afforded to students.
Increasing competition is beneficial in many different regards. The immediate bonus is lower prices, due to the economic principle that competition drives down prices. Also, with many stores selling the same books, shopping will be spread out, so it will take less time to wait on lines. Basic economic theory dictates this plan of action will benefit everyone involved economically, at nearly every level.
Some worry that independent bookstores, such as Talking Leaves, would suffer under a centralized book list because lists solely provided to them in the past will now be handed out across the region.
However, Talking Leaves may be forced to increase their selection, so that students living on South Campus and in University Heights can do more shopping there. Also, the impact may not be too severe, as the same students who were going to Talking Leaves - primarily due to social and geographic reasons - will continue to shop there.
The Student Association has followed this issue closely for over a year, and has pushed for the creation of a list. While SA did not return calls placed by The Spectrum, we feel this is an issue that will directly benefit the students and will require no extra money to be spent on its creation.
Administration officials said enforcement would be a problem if a centralized book list were created. If professors or a department do not hand things in, they cannot be punished.
However, this should not be an issue where things are to be hidden for any reason. Once a list exists, it is required to go to all parties under the Freedom of Information Act. As demonstrated by departments that have tried it, and several other SUNY schools, it can be done easily and effectively.
This plan is beneficial for every party - including the University Bookstore, which may have to lower prices to stay competitive but would no doubt reap the rewards in increased business from on-campus residents. In exchange for these clear-cut benefits, school administrators will do a little more paperwork.
However, The Spectrum feels that in order to best serve the interests of the students, the administration needs to work with the departments in order to provide a list for the bookstores so they can compete with each other and serve the students. Mild inconvenience is no excuse to stand in the way of a system that will benefit so many.
There is no reason why the centralized book list should not become reality. Every party must come together to reach an applicable solution.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
