Why exactly are college books so expensive?

Why do all college students buy their books?

• im in college, but i see this happen all years, people will rush to the bookstore and spend hundreds of dollars on books that they never even open. this hppen to me the first year, but the rest i just keep the money and still get good grades. that why you have libraries, internet, and more resources. they go to the bookstore thinking if they buy the book, they'll automatically pass the class......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Answer:

  It really just depends on the class. I had a sociology professor that told fascinating lectures about his travels in India and Tibet. Unfortunately his exams were almost entirely based on the reading. You could never come to class except on test days, keep up with the reading assignments, and pass the class. Conversely, though, if you came to every class, took notes, and paid rapt attention to his lectures, there was no way of passing unless you read the book (or were extrememly lucky). On the other hand, I had a philosophy professor, that tested over lecture, and I don't recall ever opening the book. So maybe wait it out a couple of class periods to see if you will actually use the book assigned for the class.