As the textbook-buying season comes to a close, students and professors are completing their search for the cheapest books in the neighborhood and on the Internet.
The textbook wars, locally between Book Culture, the longtime independent on 112th Street, and the Columbia University Bookstore on 115th, part of the Barnes & Noble chain, kick off at the start of each semester, when sellers compete for academic clients.
On campus, many students and professors say they like to support the local independent. But others say they are just looking for convenient shopping and affordable prices. It is unclear which store is ultimately more successful, though anecdotally, many say Book Culture is the way to go.
Wendy McKenna, a professor of psychology at Barnard, said she has her students purchase textbooks from Book Culture, and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I believe in supporting independent bookstores, period,” she said.
Chris Doeblin, the owner of Book Culture, said that his store has an important role in Morningside Heights. “Having an independent bookstore adds a lot to the atmosphere of the college. Everyone recognizes ... that we’re an asset to the area,” he said.
Management from the Columbia Bookstore declined to comment.
English professor William Sharpe made the choice to go independent years ago. “I have always ordered my books at the non-CU bookstore, going back to BookForum in the 1970s,” he said.
Matthew Connelly, a professor of international and global history at Columbia, said he has no real negative feelings toward the chain, but still supports Book Culture. “I’m not against Barnes & Noble, but I think it’s more critical to support independent bookstores.”
But Elizabeth Bauer, who teaches neuroscience, said she prefers Barnes & Noble because it is convenient. “Once you set it up with them, they know what books you need every semester. They also send me e-mails to remind me,” she said. She also said that the Columbia Bookstore can estimate how many students are enrolled in the class and predict book quantities, which makes her job easier.
Justin Guilfoyle, CC ’10, said that Book Culture feels more accessible. “Book Culture is convenient. It’s right there and it’s reasonably priced,” he said.
And Connelly agreed that, ultimately, price is most important—even if the best deal lies outside of Morningside Heights.
“More and more students are buying from Amazon,” Connelly said. Danielle Rizzini, BC ’12, said she prefers to buy her textbooks online. “They’re much cheaper online, and I wouldn’t even think of going to the Columbia Bookstore.”
Rena Greenfield, GS, said of the local sellers, “They’re both really overpriced.”
James Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and a professor of English at Barnard, said that he sends students to the independent, because employees treat customers better there. “I want good service for my students. Years ago, when I first came to Barnard, we had really miserable service at Barnes & Noble ... I really haven’t ever felt like going back.”
Doeblin added, “Having only a university bookstore makes your university life indistinct. That’s the fundamental difference. We’re independent, we’re distinct, and we do things better.”
Book Culture builds a relationship with Columbia, he said. Emily Hill, an employee at Book Culture, said that professors who have recently authored books like to see their texts featured in the store. “A lot of them autograph their own work,” she said.
Some professors, though, simply use Book Culture as a diversion. Lytton Smith, a teaching assistant in the English Department, said, “I go to Book Culture for both work and play, and it is more fun.”
Elizabeth Scott contributed reporting.
paul.hsiao@columbiaspectator.com
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