Sources: Pat Bosco, 785-532-6237, bosco@k-state.edu;
and Bernard Pitts, 785-532-6591, bpitts@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, 785-532-6415,
ebarcomb@k-state.edu
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
ONLINE PROGRAM MAKING IT EASIER FOR K-STATE STUDENTS TO BUY TEXTBOOKS
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University students have asked for easier access to complete information on their course materials, so the university and Varney's, the university's official bookstore, are responding.
Beginning this summer session, K-State is offering an online program allowing students to obtain detailed information about the books needed for their course load. Bernard Pitts, assistant vice president and executive director of the K-State Student Union, said textbook pricing is a concern on campuses across the nation and that K-State students have asked for more information about required books. He said the online program is an example of the great partnership between Varney's and the K-State Student Union Bookstore.
K-State and Varney's have the textbook information available online in a way that gives students what they want without compromising the students' privacy, Pitts said. The online program includes information students have asked for like textbook ISBN numbers, authors and titles, all at no extra cost to students. The new program will go above and beyond what many students have asked for by also giving them information like whether a book is required, optional or an alternative text.
"We think this meets everyone's needs and gives students what they want," said Jeff Levin of Varney's. "There are not a lot of places in the United States where you'll find this kind of service to the student body."
Making textbook information available online takes cooperation from the university, said M. Duane Nellis, K-State provost and senior vice president.
"I am pleased with the responsiveness of Varney's Bookstore in developing this new initiative for online textbook information access," Nellis said. "We will continue to work with faculty to ensure their responsiveness in turning in textbook orders in a timely way that is beneficial to students."
Steve Levin of Varney's said the bookstore's good relationship with the administration, faculty, staff and students is an acknowledgement that they want to do what's best for the students.
"We work hard to provide quality products and services at reasonable prices," he said. "We hope the students will recognize this and look at all the factors when they are buying books."