University of Wisconsin students gathered on Bascom Hill Thursday and draped yards of student textbook receipts across the Abraham Lincoln statue, in protest of high book costs.
The event, sponsored by WISPIRG and Associated Students of Madison, started as a press conference and turned into action, demanding University of Wisconsin Vice Chancellor Paul Barrows to convene a commission to investigate options to lower the cost of textbooks with emphasis on book rentals. Seven UW system schools have instated book rental programs, which speaker and ASM member Kanjana Thepboriruk asked for specifically.
“We are simply asking for a rental system … textbook rental is a possibility for Madison,” she said. “Textbook rental will have a positive effect on every student walking on this campus today. Most importantly, textbook rental is essential to the affordability of higher education.”
ASM collected at least 1,000 signatures from students indicating an interest in forming a commission composed of four students, two administration appointees, one teaching assistant and one library appointee to further explore the issue.
Rainbow Book Co-op volunteer coordinator Peter Staudenmaier expressed support for the measure.
“My first reaction to book rentals is it sounds like a great idea,” Staudenmaier said.
He went on to say that a book rental system would not affect Rainbow too much. The majority of its business comes from specialized trade books distributed by mainstream publishers, not more expensive textbooks.
Troy Gerkey, co-owner of Underground Bookstore, said a change to book rentals would definitely affect his business, but would not be sensible.
“There’s almost no way it could happen,” Gerkey said. “I don’t know if (ASM) realizes what an uphill battle it is.”
Gerkey did not want to sound harsh about the issue, however.
“I understand why students are upset with book prices. I’m shocked myself … but I think the rental thing is totally an emotional response. It’s not logistical with a school this large,” he said.
Gerkey added that it would also be unfair because of the large number of authors and professors who want to teach from the new editions of their books.
“The image factor, too … the administration would ask why the crown jewel of the state school system would be using outdated books.”
Local student Patrick O’Malley, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, showed interest in the idea of renting books.
“I just bought this used book for $111,” O’Malley said, holding up his new statistics book. “It’s going to be a one and done book. I’m just going to shelve it and not need it again.”
“With book rentals,” O’Malley said, “everyone is a winner.”
But he added that many things must first be considered, such as UW professor-authorship, students’ need for new editions and any campus-area bookstores not affiliated with UW administration.
The momentum from the rally fizzled as the students walked into Bascom Hall and into Barrows’ office to deliver the signed note cards, only to be notified that he was not available at the time. Barrows’ office assistant later disclosed that Barrows had not been notified that this action was going to take place. The groups scheduled a meeting with Barrows Friday with a possibility of dialogue on the ASM action.