Financial concerns prevent some students from purchasing required books

In Japanese 101 on a Monday morning, the professor asks her students to pull out their textbooks, and everyone does as told except for one student. Sophomore computer science major Kevin Stamps didn't have his book that day. In fact, he never has his book.

This wasn't just "a case of the Mondays." For Stamps, this was a matter of money.

"I just don't have the money for them (books)," Stamps said.

This was the only class he hasn't purchased books for. Stamps said he was a little late signing up for the class but wanted to enroll because he had previously taken three years of Japanese classes and has a interest in anime.

Kelly Bartling, manager of news for the office of university communications, said she hates to hear when students can't afford their materials but understands that students have budgets.

"I think we could figure out different options so they won't jeopardize their success in the course," Bartling said.

For students who don't want to or can't spend the money on class materials, Bartling suggests another alternative.

"A viable option is to borrow course materials from a friend or classmate," she said.

Now, Stamps' solution for keeping up in the course is borrowing his friend's textbooks.

"It was a last-minute thing," Stamps said.

With midterms approaching, students are hitting the books even harder. But for Stamps, not having the textbooks gives him the motivation to study just as hard.

"Without the books, I feel like I'm one step behind, so it makes me work harder," he said.

While Stamps will keep relying on the generosity of his friends and classmates in the course, other students decide it's time to get a hold of their own course materials. John Parish, manager of the University Bookstore, said he does see sales of books and other course materials rise this time of the semester.

"Some students do wait until the middle of the semester with the belief that they can get through the semester," he said.

Parish said the bookstore keeps plenty of materials on hand for students who come in right before midterms.

Midterms aside, Dan Riley, director's assistant for the Kawasaki Reading Room and Japanese tutor, believes students would be at a severe disadvantage if they don't purchase required materials for a course.

"In my opinion, it's always a good idea to buy the required text for most classes," Riley said. "Especially in the case of foreign language courses where many instructors teach directly out of the book."

Bartling said if students do find themselves in a position where they can't afford the course materials, there are always resources available such as the office of scholarships and financial aid.

michellerieger@
dailynebraskan.com