Overpricd books for sale, but no newspapers

Aside from grabbing a copy of The Chronicle on my way in to CLO at the beginning of each week, I get most of my news online - either from a news site or an online newspaper. There are, however, occasions when I actually want a print newspaper so that I can keep a copy of an article, picture or announcement.

The Calumet Campus Shop used to carry newspapers. I remember buying occasional copies of The Times there a few years ago, especially in the days when I did not have reliable transportation to leave campus if I needed to make a purchase. Admittedly, it's been a few years since I went looking for a newspaper on campus but I was recently horrified to learn the bookstore no longer sells newspapers. I thought perhaps Outtakes (the new convenience store) was selling them instead - after all, the bookstore no longer carries candy, either. But, no, a woman working at Outtakes told me they do not sell newspapers and recommended I check the bookstore.

I'm concerned. I have a car and can simply leave campus if I need to buy a newspaper. But what about students for whom mid-day transportation is not so readily available - those who carpool, are dropped off at school by a friend or relative or who live in the University Village and do not have a car. Sure, the library has newspapers, but, again, that provides an opportunity for a copy and not a clip from a real newspaper.

And, need aside, what about want? What about students (or faculty) who would simply like to be able to purchase an occasional newspaper to read over lunch or outside between classes when the weather is pleasant? Even in our fast-paced, technologically-driven society, some things should not change. Please, bring back our (print) newspapers.

Originally published in The Chronicle in March 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson