2008 Woodie Awards
Rallying for reserved text
McLorin, Shanae
Issue date: 5/3/07 Section: News
Reserved textbooks have always been available to students in the library, and five years ago members of the ASCC pushed for more teachers to participate and put their books on reserve.
It is evident that the prices of books are entirely too high for many students, and not a lot of students can afford them. A number of advocates for the lowering of books and tuition are on the rise and Chabot's bookstore manager; Kathleen Kaser is the head of the statewide committee to reduce textbook cost for students.
"I didn't even know that, wow, that's good that CC offers those resources [in reference to textbooks on reserve]. I think that they should try to get it out to the student body. I know," said graphic design major, Josh Clark.
Books are not the only things available, sometimes teachers will put videos, DVDs and CDs on reserve for their students as well. This is voluntary, but when new teachers are hired they attend an orientation in the library and are encouraged to put books on reserve.
"It's something quick and simple, it's not difficult and there are a lot of books available," said Chabot student, Isabel Luna.
Books are available from one hour to 24 hours, but 95 percent of the books are available for one to two hours only due to the fact that when the books are put on reserve, usually the teachers purchased their own copy and then is allowing the student body to use it.
"I think that there is a issue with books being unaffordable, but I also think that the reference books here are a limited value, because we do not have every book and there is not a lot of them," said library coordinator, Jim Matthews.
Reserved texts are designed to help students who may not be able to afford the books, or if a student has purchased their books online, there will be books available for them to use until the book arrives.
There are about 900 resources available to students in the library on reference; the problem is that there are not a lot of the same books. Students may renew the book if needed, but if another student is waiting to use it, that causes another problem.
The library staff encourages students to use the resources available to them and requests that the teachers all over campus to put more of their books on reserve. ASCC money is also available for individual textbook scholarships, based on need.
"We're always looking for ways to help students. This year we are offering $35,000 grant fund for books … based on our theory that students pay too much for books and they need help. This $35,000 is for the fall semester only and the scholarship applications are available until July 14," said student of life coordinator Nina Kiger.
It is evident that the prices of books are entirely too high for many students, and not a lot of students can afford them. A number of advocates for the lowering of books and tuition are on the rise and Chabot's bookstore manager; Kathleen Kaser is the head of the statewide committee to reduce textbook cost for students.
"I didn't even know that, wow, that's good that CC offers those resources [in reference to textbooks on reserve]. I think that they should try to get it out to the student body. I know," said graphic design major, Josh Clark.
Books are not the only things available, sometimes teachers will put videos, DVDs and CDs on reserve for their students as well. This is voluntary, but when new teachers are hired they attend an orientation in the library and are encouraged to put books on reserve.
"It's something quick and simple, it's not difficult and there are a lot of books available," said Chabot student, Isabel Luna.
Books are available from one hour to 24 hours, but 95 percent of the books are available for one to two hours only due to the fact that when the books are put on reserve, usually the teachers purchased their own copy and then is allowing the student body to use it.
"I think that there is a issue with books being unaffordable, but I also think that the reference books here are a limited value, because we do not have every book and there is not a lot of them," said library coordinator, Jim Matthews.
Reserved texts are designed to help students who may not be able to afford the books, or if a student has purchased their books online, there will be books available for them to use until the book arrives.
There are about 900 resources available to students in the library on reference; the problem is that there are not a lot of the same books. Students may renew the book if needed, but if another student is waiting to use it, that causes another problem.
The library staff encourages students to use the resources available to them and requests that the teachers all over campus to put more of their books on reserve. ASCC money is also available for individual textbook scholarships, based on need.
"We're always looking for ways to help students. This year we are offering $35,000 grant fund for books … based on our theory that students pay too much for books and they need help. This $35,000 is for the fall semester only and the scholarship applications are available until July 14," said student of life coordinator Nina Kiger.
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