It's been questioned by Congressmen, complained about by many and has dug deep into the pocketbooks of all students attending a university. But, what exactly are college students at UTM paying for when they purchase books for their classes?

Oregon Congressman David Wu, member of the House Education Committee, introduced legislation to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 20 to require an investigation of the college textbook industry's pricing practices. This legislation was introduced after it was made apparent, through study, that often times American students pay more for college text books than do students studying overseas for the same book.

UTM junior Paul McKinney, an engineering major from Woodlawn, Tenn, knows all too well what it is like to have to pay high prices for text books. "I've spent $380 right now, and I still have to buy one more book," McKinney says. "After buying the other one, I'll have spent at least $460."

Sam Covington, Manager of Barnes and Noble Bookstore, which is under contract with UTM says that they are doing everything they can for the students. The contract between UTM and Barnes and Noble is defined for the period of June 1, 2002 through May 31, 2007.

Covington's business practices are like many other bookstore managers across the country. They are focusing on buying back used textbooks and then reselling them.

The contract drawn up between UTM and Barnes and Noble shows that the bookstore will purchase back used books at 50% of the original purchase price (provided the book is a good used copy), until the bookstore fills its quota. These used books will then be sold for 25% less than the new selling price.

For example, if the original price of a textbook was $150, then that book could be sold back for $75. Following interpretation of the contract, this book would go back on the shelf marked "used" with a price tag of $112.50.

This contract also shows that the markup price for textbooks sold in the campus bookstore is to be no greater than the publisher's list price or 25% gross margin on net priced books, inclusive of restocking fees, return penalties and freight surcharges.

Prior to the completion of last fall semester, students could see advertisement on campus telling them that the bookstore would buy back their used textbooks. While this technique brings in a lot of money for the bookstores and allows them to increase profits, this business benefit of reselling textbooks is something that the publishers don't seem to have to together.

"Many of the books that we receive from publishers now include a CD with them or an additional text," Covington says.

Covington also adds that sometimes when CD's go missing or all items aren't brought back for resell, then the items cannot be put back on the shelf. This would be good news for a publisher looking to sell more books.

Publishers are also making their textbooks more attractive. The latest move is to wrap the textbooks in plastic binding along with additional study guides and CD's. This aesthetic look would have the purpose of appealing to the professors that choose the text, given Covington's explanation of that process.

"Teachers turn in their book orders to us and then we process those orders," Covington says. Covington mentions that often times professors do not meet the deadlines of turning in their orders, resulting in students not being able to cash in their books because the bookstore hasn't been informed if the text would be used the following semester.

Some students have complained about professors choosing to be up to date with the latest edition of a textbook, when there is little change on the inside of the book, but a lot of change in the price tag. When asked if she felt professors on the UTM campus were constantly changing to a new edition, Covington said she did not think that was a problem.

The bottom line is that publishers loose money when the same books are recycled. However, if a professor chooses to instruct a class using a "new edition" or a "packaged" text, then bookstores must purchase the items allowing publishers to reel in the bucks.

The newest trend of combating the increasing prices of textbooks is for students to make their purchases online. Consumers these days can get texts with the click of a mouse. Covington says that her store in the UC offers something that the online stores cannot -- service.

"Our staff can help you find anything you are looking for," Covington said.

But, to some students, this doesn't matter and may not be necessary. McKinney says that he doesn't need service or shelves to shop through. "Some bookstores like Bradley's will find the book for you," McKinney says. "All you have to do is tell them your class."

The online option of purchasing books is becoming more attractive mainly because of the decrease in prices. For example, the Barnes and Noble bookstore sells the text Accounting Theory by Thomas G. Evans for a new price of $115.70 and used for $86.80. On amazon.com, the same book was found for $106.95 new and $38.96 used.

Students have options in where they purchase their books. But, despite where you purchase, everyone should begin budgeting for a continued increase in books, following a 6.7% increase in prices during 2003 according to Higher Education Marketing.

If you plan on purchasing books, then get ready to pay. "I think any large hardback book is going to cost a lot whether it's a textbook or not," McKinney says.