Custom Textbooks Case Study

Title: Decisions for Healthy Living
Edition: 1st
Copyright: 2004
Publisher: Pearson Benjamin/Cummings


Regular Edition ISBN: 0-321-10671-7
Custom Edition for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ISBN: 0-536-12970-3


The publisher of Decisions for Health Living created a custom version of the textbook specifically for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

  • The difference between the custom version and the regular edition was the addition of a chapter, at the end of the textbook, taken from the Personal Health Handbook.
  • According to students, the teacher assistant did not require nor use the chapter for the course.
  • The custom version was not a value-add to the overall learning experience for the students since it was not used to enhance the course.
  • In addition, the cost of purchasing the custom textbook was slightly higher than purchasing the regular edition:

Custom Edition
Publisher net price (10/06): $49.00
New copy retail price: $65.17
Used copy retail price: $48.88

Regular Edition
Publisher net price (10/06): $47.40
New copy retail price: $63.05
Used copy retail price: $47.30



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