Book theft reports increase

    Murray State students who leave their textbooks unattended increase the risk of falling victim to textbook theft.
    There were three different accounts of textbook theft reported in the Public Safety Activity Log, on Aug. 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Two of those accounts came from the University Bookstore.
    Karol Hardison, director of the University Bookstore, said she did not see an increase of textbook thefts on campus.
    “Actually, there have only been two students, that I know of, who have reported stolen textbooks to the bookstore,” Hardison said. “I feel that for the most part, our students are honest.”
    One student had her textbook stolen while she left the classroom to go to the restroom, Hardison said. The student reported it to the bookstore, in case someone tried to sell it, she said. Luckily, her textbook had some detailed marks on it so it was easily identified, Hardison said.
    Hardison said the bookstore encourages students to keep their personal belongings with them at all times and to mark their textbooks for easier identification.
    “You may have noticed that the bookstore has removed the backpack cubbies,” Hardison said. “With the economy like it is, students may be tempted to resort to actions that they normally would not take.”
    Sara Bynum, senior and bookstore worker from Belleville Ill., said stealing textbooks is an easy way to get money.
    “Textbooks are free money,” Bynum said. “People who have left their textbooks in the bathroom and even in unlocked cars run the risk of them getting stolen, and you can sell textbooks just about anywhere and get cash for them.”
    Because of the cost of textbooks, the library and the bookstore are partnering in a textbook reserve program to assist students in obtaining their textbooks, Hardison said. The Murray State library Web site has a search engine for students to enter their classes and reserve the textbook at lib.murray state.edu.
    “The bookstore has loaned the library 30 different titles to go on reserve for student use,” Hardison said. “We hope that this will help some students who cannot afford to purchase their textbooks.”
    Melissa Mortimer, junior from Chattanooga, Tenn., said she believes the textbooks are reasonably priced, but the textbook reserve program will benefit students affected by the economy, and perhaps decrease the textbook thefts.
    “I like the idea of the textbooks going to the library for student use,” Mortimer said. “Some students just can’t afford them right now. The program may help cut down thefts from the bookstore, but not necessarily from individuals.”
    For more information on keeping textbooks and other personal belongings safe, go to murraystate.edu/public safety.
    Ashlee Cobb can be reached at ashlee.cobb@murraystate.edu.

2 comments

Amit Sehgal

Mon Oct 5 2009 05:17

Check out www.bookase.com, Books Price Comparison website searches all the major online bookstores worldwide to help you find the lowest price for the book. It also offer discounts coupons for various online bookstores to help you further reducing your costs

Frances

Wed Sep 23 2009 04:18

You can also check out www.DealOz.com , DealOz compares 200 bookstore prices and free discount coupons too. Their coupons are valid and have saved over $500 on my textbooks.

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