Providing for Students

Textbooks on reserve let students spend on necessities

by Clay V. Trainum

The life of a typical college student is hard to define. Some are squeezing in classes between shifts at work, and some are trying to navigate a multitude of duties with their club or sports team; still others may be busy socializing while trying to make the most of their final years of schooling. However, the one thing that cuts across the broad spectrum of all these activities is that college is expensive.

Walker Library is keenly aware of the financial challenges faced by most students attending MTSU, and with the continued implementation of the Library Textbook Program, it is answering the call to make the cost of attendance cheaper for every Blue Raider.

This is a concern that transcends any one university. Earlier this year, OnCampus Research’s Faculty Watch Report stated that two-thirds of faculty members consider textbook affordability their top priority, and while there is a growing use of e-textbooks, nearly three-fourths of faculty surveyed still use print materials for their courses, and the costs only seem to be getting higher.

This is where Walker Library comes in. While the campus as a whole is making strides toward open access materials in its classes, the library is ensuring that students can start college life on the right foot by offering textbooks for checkout for students who are in general education courses.

These are typically classes taken by students in their first year or two on campus. This represents a student population still learning the skill and maturity necessary to be an effective college student, and the library’s commitment to making these materials available free of charge can be life-changing.

“Studies have shown that 63% of students have skipped purchasing textbooks at some point in their college career,” said acquisitions librarian Suzanne Mangrum. “We’ve seen this program’s usage grow, and it shows that we can fill a vital need for students who need access to assigned texts.”

According to the most recent estimates from the University, MTSU students are expected to budget $1,260 on books and supplies during the 2024–25 academic year. That is no small number, and since the 1970s, it represents an increase of more than 1,000%. Oftentimes at MTSU, the average student may forgo purchasing books simply because they can’t afford them, leading to poorer academic outcomes.

That’s just the cost of books and materials. Consider the rising cost of living, especially in the Murfreesboro and middle Tennessee region. When asked what they would do with an extra $1,000, many students’ first reaction was to say that they would pay their rent. As MTSU also welcomes a large commuter population, many students also pointed to gas as a chief concern.

Buying textbooks is a burden for all college students,” said Victoria Grigsby, a Student Government Association senator, “but it is especially difficult for students who are low income.

Available from the circulation desk on the first floor, the textbooks in the general education checkout program are available for in-library use for three hours. This also introduces students to the library’s collections, services, and excellent study spaces.

“This fall marks the fifth year of the program, which has also expanded to include a number of e-books for upper division courses as well,” Mangrum said. “The foundation of the program continues to be centered on providing access to books for introductory courses to smooth the path forward for students, particularly freshmen and those new to campus. We want to be known as a place that can remove barriers and provide a friendly point of contact on campus.”