While I understand the frustration a college student experiences when he receives less money for a used textbook than he believes it is worth, I assure you there is no used-book-market conspiracy in effect, as some quotes in the Aug. 14 article "The price of knowledge" allege. In fact, the existence of book wholesalers increases the possibility that a student will be able to obtain money at buyback. Ultimately the value of a used book depends on whether it is going to be used on the same campus for the next term. Books that are going to be used on the same campus next term generally have a higher value, possibly as much as half the price of a new book.

The mission of the college store is to provide the course materials students need to succeed while operating as a self-sustaining entity. If any profit helps reduce tuition increases, how can that not be a good thing for students?

Charles Schmidt

director of public relations

National Association of College Stores

Oberlin, Ohio