Multimedia CD-ROM textbook supplements can be nice, but new editions of textbooks are generally unnecessary, students say.

The comments follow a recent study titled "Ripoff 101: How the Current Practices of the Textbook Industry Drive Up Cost of College Textbooks," which was conducted by the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group. The study was done at 10 public universities with 677 faculty and students participating.

The report blamed some of the price increases on textbooks bundled with CD-ROMs or other supplements and on frequently updated editions.

According to the report, 65 percent of instructors surveyed "rarely" or "never" use textbook extras.

But visiting French professor Sandhya Gopalan said she falls into the 24 percent of reported professors who use materials "usually" or "always."

"Usually, we have two types of audio material that come with the textbook - there's a CD which is found in the instructor's copy and the exercises they listen to and do in the workbooks," she said.

She said the tapes and workbooks are used frequently.

Gopalan coordinates 100- and 200-level French courses, which use video and audio recordings. Although the number of supplements used is determined by the individual instructors, they're trusted to use it appropriately. She said students also are encouraged to visit the Language Lab, located on the first floor of Old Horticulture Building.

All the audio and video materials are available to use or purchase in the lab, a good alternative for students who can't afford the extras, Gopalan said.

Physiology sophomore Emily Miller said she had mixed reviews for her textbook supplements.

"I've had classes where it's been kind of useful, and I've had classes where it's the most pointless thing ever." she said.

But the more prevalent problem at universities such as MSU seems to be the frequency of textbook replacement, the report states.

"I have about three different (calculus) books because they keep updating," advertising junior Sara Maters said.

Staff writer Sonia Khaleel contributed to this report.