Understanding how the University Store competes with online vendors by creating the most affordable options for textbook purchases

What’s Going on: Students typically think with their wallets when purchasing textbooks every year. Finding the best price is often the priority. 

• Textbooks can be purchased new through the University Store. The University Store also has digital and used copies of textbooks which are less expensive. 
• Students looking for alternative options purchase their textbooks through online vendors like Amazon, Chegg and Bookboon. 
• Publishers often update their books every year to have the most recent information published. To maximize profit, publishers sell universities the most updated versions of books, which are more expensive than the older versions. 

Why it matters: “Five years ago, a large portion of students looked at other venues to find course materials. However, the landscape has changed and the University Store can provide those materials cheaper than most online avenues,” said April Burke, Engagement & Communications Strategist at the Division of Business & Finance at Georgia Southern. 

• Georgia Southern reported the Day1Access program provides students textbooks at a reduced cost compared to market price. The program has saved students over $4.2 million so far. 
• Through the introduction of eBooks and Inclusive Access, materials have been delegated to students more quickly and cheaper than before the addition. 

What’s next: Every student is required to purchase textbooks for specific classes so creating an affordable environment is key. 

“The University Store is shifting to the needs of the students and actively finding new ways to provide required materials cheaper,” said Burke.