Used Bookstore as a Vehicle for Improved Learning and Development: The Case of a South African Tertiary Institution

Abstract

In South Africa, the capability of tertiary institutions to provide the best possible education to its students is hindered by financial difficulties. Determining how to make a place of learning more accessible takes decent consideration for the needs and wants of students as well as management. Most South African tertiary institutions have large numbers of students who are faced with challenges of learning. A major challenge that this study highlights is that of the short supply of and access to both prescribed and recommended textbooks. Short supply refers to the library not acquiring enough support texts that go round, while access refers to the lack of funds by the student to own a prescribed or recommended text book. The study sample was derived from the business faculty of a South African university of technology. In order to get a representative sample, 300 business students were randomly chosen. Out of this number, only 157 usable questionnaires were returned. The results indicated, amongst others, that the majority of the participants come from less fortunate backgrounds and as a result sought support from several sources for their studies. This is a strong indication that given the cheaper cost of textbooks, these students will favor a secondhand book store. This study explored the possible contribution to teaching, learning and academic development by a used book store. The findings indicated that a used bookstore would provide enormous support to student learning and development. This paper’s significance stems from its originality given that it is the first time that attention is paid to this serious issue of teaching and learning challenges in this regard.