The Daily Collegian's editorial yesterday ("University, professors can help students with bookstore blues," Jan. 22) focused on the issue of the cost of books for students. Although this is certainly a problem for many students, the editorial seems to place all the responsibility for solving this problem on the professors and the university, while excusing students from making the slightest effort.

It was suggested that booklists and course syllabi could be posted online before the semester begins. This assumes that faculty do not have any end-of-semester obligations and should spend that extra time writing syllabi in advance. Or, faculty could "buy the books themselves." I frankly don't know what this means.

Yet, when the editorial acknowledges that the booklists are available in advance at the bookstore, students are relieved of any responsibility, since "not every student can make it to the HUB at the end of a semester because of commitments." I have noticed that in December and April, students have so many "commitments" that they don't have time to watch TV, chat or eat at the HUB.

The most reasonable compromise was overlooked -- required texts can be put on reserve in the library. However, students often complain about this "inconvenient" solution. So, my advice to students is to go to the bookstore early. Is it worth the few extra minutes to save money? Or is it just easier to complain?