Professor is requiring us to buy their own book off of Amazon. Is this a normal thing?
Hello. I tried posting this in another forum but it was not the correct one. I am hoping I am in the right place.
I started a class today and there is book that is required for the course. The issue, and why I am feeling a bit off about it, is that the author is the writer, and the publisher. The book is from their business and it’s only available on amazon in a paperback. Usually our books go through our bookstore through the college, so we could use financial aid. Its also over 30 dollars without shipping. I am just wondering if this is normal for professors to do or if its not. Thank you
Edit: Thank you all for answering. While I feel some were a bit harsh, I appreciate you all for clarifying. I would like to clarify a bit though. I am less concerned about the professor writing their own textbook, many of you pointed out valid reasons for doing so. The part and the main reason I asked is because it is sold on Amazon and not through my colleges bookstore. The bookstore at my college offers purchases to go directly onto our schools charges and can be paid through financial aid, but even if financial aid does not cover it, it can stay on the school account to be paid off later in the month. This book was needed for the course next week, so in order for it to come in time, I had to buy the book yesterday out of pocket. While 30ish is not alot at all for a textbook for someone who is a broke college student, its a-lot especially if its last minute.
Again I appreciate everyone for the insight and I apologize for not being clear.