Students enjoy benefits of textbook exchange By David Jenkins Daily Staff Reporter At the beginning of each new semester, one activity consumes some attention of each University student - buying books. Text and reading books can often be expensive, but one student organization aims to cut down on the costs of books for University students. The Student Book Exchange, in its 11th year, is a non-profit, student-run program that allows students to get more money for their used books and save money on new ones. Students can bring their used books to the book exchange in the Michigan Union Pond Room today. Tomorrow and Friday, students can purchase the books for the prices set by their owners and all unsold books can be picked up Sunday. "We have all sorts of books," said Annie Chu, Student Book Exchange vice president, "but the ones that sell the best are always the books from larger classes." LSA junior Bennett Borsuk, the exchange's financial accountant, said the group expects a minimum of between 3,000 and 4,000 books to pass through its hands during the next week. "People usually save anywhere from 25 percent to 90 percent of what they would be paying in the bookstores," Borsuk said. Borsuk added that roughly 400 people usually sell books through the exchange and more than 1,000 are expected to buy. More than 40 subject areas from all colleges and schools are included in the exchange, including books from Residential College courses. LSA senior Lee Ann Benkert has participated in the book exchange for three years. "I definitely make back at least 50 percent of what I originally paid," Benkert said. Benkert said she is usually able to sell all the books that are still in use by using her personal book exchange system. "I usually go 10 or 15 dollars off what I paid," Benkert said. Benkert also recommends trying to sell old books that students were not able to sell back before. The book exchange grossed more than $40,000 during the 1998-99 academic year. Eighty-five percent of the money paid for the books goes directly to the seller. Fifteen percent of the sales cover the upkeep of the program including room rental and advertising. LSA first-year student Scott Kobetis said he plans to take part in the book exchange. "For me, the Student Book Exchange provides a fun, yet safe way to explore my underdeveloped entrepreneurial spirit." SAM HOLLENSHEAD/Daily LSA junior Melissa Savage sorts through books at the Student Book Exchange in the Michigan Union Pond Room yesterday. Originally on page 7A in the 1-5-2000 issue of the Daily.