Why Discount Book Packs are a Bad Deal for Schools | Series 1, Episode 26

Episode 26 transcript

Why Discount Book Packs are a Bad Deal for Schools

In a bid to save money and bulk up their libraries, many UK schools turn to discount book packs for fiction and non-fiction bulk book orders. These bundles, often containing 30, 60, or even 100 titles, seem like a cost-effective shortcut to filling shelves. But are they really worth it? The answer, as it turns out, is often “no.”

The anonymised responses from our recent survey of 100 primary and secondary schools uncovered some glaring issues. Over 60% of schools ended up with books they neither wanted nor needed. Almost half found themselves with duplicates of titles they already owned. Even worse, 35% reported that some of the books never even got picked up by students – let alone read. And if that’s not enough to give you pause, 28% flagged concerns about inappropriate content, ranging from unsuitable themes to books mismatched with students’ ages or reading levels.

The Real Cost of “Savings”

Let’s talk money. Schools reported losing an average of £100 to £250 per order on unused titles. That’s about £3 to £7 per book, wasted – hardly small change for institutions already grappling with tight budgets. Over time, this adds up, draining resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

One primary teacher called the packs a “lottery,” lamenting how many books just sat collecting dust. A school librarian shared a similar frustration, noting that buying specific titles tailored to their students’ needs was far more cost-effective.

A Smarter Approach to Book Buying

So, what’s the alternative? Schools can avoid the pitfalls of discount packs by taking a more strategic approach:

• Assess Library Gaps: Figure out what’s actually missing and focus on filling those needs.
• Involve the Community: Consult teachers and students to understand what they’d like to see on the shelves.
• Buy Smart: Instead of bulk packs, opt for individual books that align with the curriculum.

Other options worth exploring include curated book boxes, digital textbooks, and ordering directly from independent booksellers. These methods might not come with flashy discounts, but they offer quality and relevance—a far better deal in the long run.

Publishers Need to Step Up

Publishers also have a role to play here. Offering customisable packs, where schools can pick and choose titles, would go a long way in addressing the mismatch problem. And while experienced librarians can often assess pack contents more effectively, not every school has that luxury. Clearer, more transparent criteria for these packs would benefit everyone.

The Hidden Trade-Offs

Discount packs may seem like a bargain, but they often come with compromises. Lower quality, outdated content, and inappropriate materials can end up disrupting learning rather than supporting it. These missteps can also create disparities among students, especially when schools with smaller budgets are hit hardest.

By choosing a targeted, thoughtful approach to book buying, schools can ensure their investments truly benefit students and staff. After all, it’s not about how many books you have—it’s about having the right ones.

Key Findings from School Reading List’s Survey

Here’s a quick snapshot of what the survey revealed:

Overstocking & Unwanted Titles

• 62% received books they didn’t want or need.
• 48% already owned duplicates of the included titles.
• 35% said some books were never read by students.

Inappropriate Content

• 28% encountered books with themes unsuitable for a school setting (e.g., violence, inappropriate language).
• 22% received books that were not age-appropriate for their students.
• 18% found books below their students’ reading levels.
• 15% found books above their students’ reading levels.

Quality Concerns

• 12% reported receiving books of poor quality, with damaged covers, flimsy paper, or lacklustre illustrations.

Financial Impact

• Average wastage per order: £100–£250.
• Average wastage per book: £3–£7.

What Teachers and Librarians Are Saying

Here’s what some of the educators had to share:

• Mrs Davies, Year 5 Teacher:
  “These discount packs are a lottery. You never know what you’re going to get, and often it’s a pile of books that sit on the shelf gathering dust.”
• Ms Adeoye, School Librarian:
  “The supposed ‘discount’ isn’t always a bargain. We end up with so many unwanted books that it’s cheaper to buy the titles we actually need individually.”

Additional Observations

• Schools with smaller budgets reported more negative experiences.
• Those with experienced librarians were better at assessing pack contents before purchase.
• The quality of the packs often depended on the ethos of the bookseller or publisher.

Recommendations

If you’re considering buying a discount book pack, here’s some advice:

1. Do Your Homework: Research publishers and their offerings thoroughly.
2. Set Criteria: Have clear guidelines for what you’re looking for in a book pack.
3. Think Outside the Pack: Explore alternatives like book boxes curated by you, or with your input, or direct orders from smaller booksellers.
4. And for booksellers and publishers: offer more flexibility – let schools customise their selections. After all, a “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works in education.
5. For teachers and librarians: find out what the children want.
6. Find out what your teachers will use.
7. Identify gaps in your library that desperately need filling.
8. Just buy the books you need.
9. To get the most out of your budget, make every book count and make every book purchase count.