It seems as if the prayers of students have been answered. East Lansing bookstores might be stocking cheaper books at more affordable prices after the U.S. Supreme Court makes its decision concerning the legality of selling international versions of watches in the U.S.
International watches to international books works like this: In the case Costco Wholesale Corporation v. Omega S.A., justices are examining whether the first sale doctrine applies to U.S. companies selling products made overseas for international consumption back at home.
Essentially, this means international copies could be sold back to U.S. consumers.
Although less durable and not as pretty, international copies of the same books usually are sold for a fraction of the price. That’s fine, a simple cover and a simple price might help students if the result is more money in their pockets.
But it’s not going to be easy if publishers have anything to do with it. Legalizing the sale of international versions of textbooks might not have such an immediate impact because international books mess with profits, and lower book prices are far from what publishers want.
Publishers also can be expected to change around the original formats, pages and exercises to make domestic and international versions different.
Don’t expect bookstores to begin stocking international copies immediately. Their profits would take a hit too.
Professors ultimately are trusted to pick the edition of the book that has the information needed to pass the class successfully and not which book has the prettiest cover.
Hopefully, no professor thinks, “How much money can I make my students spend on books today?” They are aware of the textbook blues and some even try to ease the burden on students by making course packs or copying handouts.
But one really can never know if the professor did his or her homework.
The end result is that some students will go the extra mile in search for cheaper text books; who minds if the pages are a little off if he or she can save $50? That almost is enough to purchase another book altogether.
Will most students go for cheaper versions? Probably not. Local bookstores provide a feeling of legitimacy because one can be sure the textbook contains what is required of the class and coursework.
Also, if one orders his or her books late, he or she might not get them for another two to three weeks.
The questions students will have to ask will be, “Is it worth it?” Is it worth searching for a cheaper edition online with the added shipping and handling cost, along with the constant wonder of whether it is the correct book in the right language?
Or is it more convenient to walk to the campus store where the book you need is right there? Will you pay for convenience and peace of mind?
No matter the answer to that question, it will be on students to find those cheaper versions, whether they’re at the bookstore or online.
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