Editor:
This is in reference to Liz Carlston’s column (“Online textbooks hurt students in the end,” Sept. 3). The author failed to address all aspects of one of the most important issues to the students. Why do we go to school? For education. What is the most important duty of an educational institution? To provide an affordable education. The present scenario is completely opposite to my idea of educational institution. They have become more like capitalist business houses.
During my school time my duty is to study, but I have to work 20 to 40 hours, otherwise I will not be able to pay my tuition. With that, how can one expect us to pay $300 for organic chemistry study material? Linux, the open-source operating system, is helping many developing countries to spread computer literacy. Open-source books are not freebies but a community service.
The campus store guarantee of 50 percent buyback is restricted to some books. Last Spring Semester, I purchased the Survey of Jazz text for $162, but I am not able to resell it, as the professor has changed the text. I am going to pay $9,218 for Fall Semester for 15 credit hours as out-of-state tuition. How can you expect me to spend another $500 on books? Overall, I felt that you failed to explain why online and open-source textbooks will hurt students in the end, other than hurting publishers.
Sudhir Khanger
Sophomore, Biology