Massive bulk packs are a necessary evil.
Many Penn classes require students to purchase these packages of notes, which can contain upward of 500 pages.
Printed and bound bulk packs can be expensive, often over $50. With the economy in the trash and textbook prices ever-rising, this cost can put a significant dent in the Penn student's wallet.
Luckily, more professors are starting to post bulk-packs online, giving students the option of skipping the line at Wharton Reprographics or Campus Copy. Wharton is also working with Study.Net this semester on a pilot program that provides online access to selected course pack materials.
Online bulk packs can play an important role in the fight against rising text prices. The University needs to do more to encourage professors to post class notes and readings online - as long as copyright laws aren't violated.
But students must still have the option to buy bulk packs if they'd rather read the texts on good, old-fashioned paper. Many find that hard copies of notes and readings are much easier to annotate, so professors should offer electronic and printed versions of bulk packs when possible.
Education needs to catch up with the Internet age, but students' habits and preferences should be taken into account. This move would accomplish both goals - and help students balance their budgets as well.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
