MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999

Not getting your money's worth

By Alicia Salazar

On-Line Forty-Niner

Many Cal State Long Beach students continually complain about the money they receive for their books during buyback time, but they may not realize that they can receive much more.

In the past, students received 50 percent of what they originally paid for a book, assuming it was still in use. But in fall 1998, students began receiving a 15 percent bonus if they put the money on their Beach Club cards.

To be paid accordingly, the books need to be in good condition: no water damage, missing pages or front covers, said Rochelle McCoy, CSULB used book coordinator.

Books are not bought back when there is no demand for them, no instructor is using them or they are overstocked, McCoy said.

If a student pays $50 for a book, they will receive $25 when they resell it, said Fred Neely, University Bookstore director. The book can then be seen on the shelf for $37.50, 75 percent of the new value, Neely said.

"I paid $50 or $60 for a photography book and I received $10 during buyback," journalism major Ruth Williams said. "Class size had something to do with it I guess."

Beatriz Pina, a speech pathology major, has never sold books back because she said has heard students do not receive much for them.

"I understand that books have a lot of information, but when you sell them back it's not worth it," Pina said. "So I might as well keep my books for reference."

"They rip us off," communications major Angelica Razo said. "I don't want the books to pile up, so I sell them back because at least I get some money for them."