Spending one's own money on textbooks each semester is often a familiar but unwelcome experience for students, myself included. Just this year, myself and many others have had to spend over $200 on textbooks for a single semester. This problem isn't unique to us at Indiana University of Indianapolis - around the country, the average college student spends around $1,200 on textbooks and supplies each year (National Association of College Stores, 2018). This high cost represents a significant burden for students, affecting their ability to afford basic needs like food and rent.

However, there is a solution we can implement right here on our campus - textbook exchanges. These systems allow students to sell or trade their used books, significantly reducing the cost of obtaining textbooks each semester. Numerous other institutions have implemented similar programs with great success.

By adding this program at Indiana University of Indianapolis, we could ease financial strain on students and promote a sustainable practice of reusing textbooks. Let's make education accessible for all students – regardless of their financial situation. Please support our struggle to eliminate the high cost of textbooks and sign this petition to implement textbook exchanges at Indiana University of Indianapolis.