A new textbook purchasing method at Otterbein University has left students with mixed opinions on whether the change improves credibility, expense, and convenience.
Slingshot is the new official bookstore that claims to ensure all students have the required materials for their courses. It is essentially a subscription box for course materials. Once students are enrolled in a class, all of the materials, such as textbooks, will automatically be ordered and ready for pickup at the Campus Center by the first day of classes.
At first, it sounds helpful, fast, and resourceful. However, there are many mixed responses and reactions to Slingshot among Otterbein students. According to a couple of students, Slingshot is user-friendly and easy to use, but other students disagreed and said that Slingshot could be better.
The main issue with Slingshot is the pricing, which can vary based on which textbook and which class it is for. Students became frustrated with the cost, especially since many college students cannot afford to buy them due to how expensive they are.
Sophomore public relations major Gracie Klug said, “Otterbein University should make changes to Slingshot by showing different websites so students can easily find the best price for their books.”
It’s not just Otterbein students who are struggling with Slingshot. Other universities, such as Concordia University Chicago, are dealing with various issues and frustrations with Slingshot. They said they will be buying or renting their books elsewhere since it saves them both money and unnecessary trouble. Some Concordia University Chicago students have said that they could spend less money by purchasing textbooks on a different platform, such as Amazon.
There is one thing that most students aren’t aware of about Slingshot. “It’s a subscription service, so you’re paying part for the full convenience, but what we do is package all your books, and it’s based on the professors' requirements,” said Samantha Holland. “It’s not always the most cost-effective, and I’m aware of that. But in those first couple weeks of class, you can come in for refunds if you have sourced the book on your own.”
So, what does this mean for Slingshot? What would be a better way to improve Slingshot moving forward?
“After the first year is finished, that is when evaluations could be made and things can be changed from there,” said Holland. For now, Slingshot is a resource available for students to use or opt out of. Next year, they may consider some student feedback to improve Slingshot.
