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Playing The Waiting Game At The Bookstore

Bookstore illustration by Shawn Cohen
SHAWN COHEN \ THE REPORTER

Long lines, time-consuming, helpful but expensive, those are some of the comments students shared when referring to the Miami Dade College bookstore.

“I like that there’s a lot of people helping you but whenever it comes time to pay, sometimes there’s a lot of people in line and there are only two registers open,” said MDC student, Gabrielle Salazar.

Arrington Copeland said he liked the customer service at the bookstore but wishes the prices of the textbooks were more economical.

“The workers are very helpful and quick but I wish the prices were more affordable for those who don’t use a book advance,” Copeland said.

Thaddeus Clear had issues finding textbooks.  

“They’re very friendly but sometimes you can’t find the books you need. We had to rent our environmental book from the library,” Clear said.

When I began my first semester of college, I believed that my biggest obstacle would be passing my classes but the biggest obstacle, turned out to be the bookstore. I stood in line anxiously waiting to purchase my college textbooks.

I waited, waited, and waited.

After spending an eternity waiting in line, the cashiers were a breath of fresh air. They were  friendly and nice.

Gail B. Austin, the store manager at the Wolfson Campus bookstore, ensures that her cashiers will be a sigh of relief to customers checking out. She said she hates long lines just as much as students.   

“I enjoy all the students’ high energy, new hires, and fresh starts. Everyone is hopeful,” Austin said.

I have purchased all school related items from the MDC bookstore. I have never experienced any issues with the service provided besides the excruciatingly long lines during the beginning of each semester.

I’m also fortunate enough to receive a book advance so prices are not really an issue for me.

Additionally, I just recently learned about buybacks. A buy back is when students are allowed to sell their textbooks in exchange for cash.

Essentially, all the money and time spent at the bookstore can be worth it in the end because you are paid for returns.

I enjoy going to the bookstore and the positive energy it brings. The music in the background is not too bad either.

After conducting a mini-survey on campus, a majority of students believe that textbooks at the bookstore are too pricey, the lines are long, but the customer service is top-notch.

Here are some tips from students on how to make your visit to the bookstore more enjoyable.

  1. Don’t procrastinate.
  2. Bring your schedule.
  3. Purchase your book at your respective campus.
  4. If you are purchasing a book for virtual school, refer to the blue shelf tag.

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