This semester, the new BookBundle program was implemented through the Longwood University Store, operated by Follett Higher Education. The program was met with mixed reviews — including critiques from students and faculty.
BookBundle is Longwood University’s textbook program that automatically provides students with required course materials for a flat fee added to tuition, which aims to simplify access and reduce costs.
“It caused some difficulties at the beginning of the year with planning. It was frustrating for both me and the students. Luckily, it seems like most of the issues have been resolved, but it definitely created a tumultuous beginning of the semester for sure,” said Dr. David Moore, assistant professor of music.
In response to criticism about the program, the bookstore has communicated that they are working towards improving the BookBundle experience for next semester.
“The most common feedback I hear from students is that they are confused about which course materials are digital or physical,” said Campus Store Manager Amanda Alter via email. “In response, we are partnering with Longwood’s marketing team to develop new visual guides, step-by-step instructions and signage that clearly explain how to access course materials.”
Each semester, students opted into the program pay a flat rate depending on how many credit hours they are enrolled for. This fee is automatically added as part of tuition and other semesterly fees. This cost is capped at $360 for anyone taking 12 or more credits. For some, the program saved them from spending more than the $360 to acquire all of their necessary texts.
Other students, like Emma Heisig, recognized that they could acquire their books from elsewhere for cheaper.
“I may have ended up spending more on [BookBundle] than what my textbooks would have cost. But that's because somebody else is saving a lot of money,” said Heisig, “In fact, the only reason that I paid any money for textbooks this semester was because I needed to pay to do the homework.”
Programs such as Cengage Mindtap and InQuizitive are used by some professors as a platform to assign homework. Subscriptions to software such as these can cost hundreds of dollars. A year-long subscription to Cengage currently costs $229.99.
Although the program was expected to face a few logistical issues during its first semester, some of the issues upon launch have impacted students’ view of the program and their willingness to opt-in for future semesters. Multiple students reported not receiving required books for their classes, either because of supply or technology issues, until after the beginning of classes.
“Even though I was supposed to have my German book for day one of my class, and we needed it for day one, I didn’t receive it until two or three weeks into the semester,” said Julianna Bateman, who was one student who had ARO accommodations for books. According to Bateman, the process for requesting alternative formats for those materials was not clear.
In response, Alter stated that, “Students requesting alternative format textbooks must reach out to ARO to request alternative format.”
As the next semester approaches, students will once again be faced with the decision to opt out of the BookBundle if they choose. The bookstore is preparing for the new semester as well, according to Alter.
“We’ve enhanced staff training so our team can answer questions even more effectively and provide hands-on support when students visit the store. These improvements have already made a difference, and we’re excited to build on that progress into the Spring semester,” she said.
