Used Textbook Association

Approaches, Alternatives & Answers

Approaches

Examples of expensive or inconvenient approaches in the textbook industry are pervasive – and well documented. Just take a look at some of the dramatic data shown here. These kinds of industry approaches don’t have to continue. The Used Textbook Association is taking action to pursue a viable solution and give back rights to booksellers and their student and faculty customers.

Alternatives

One of The Used Textbook Association’s goals is to insure there is a strong supply of used textbooks available to student and faculty customers by effectively communicating their role and value. The following examples reflect some of the alternatives the industry practices. While there are other alternatives - only used textbook buy-back provides an option that benefits everyone - booksellers, students and faculty.

Answers

With so many approaches related to textbook prices, legislators are sitting up and taking notice. In recent months, many states have proposed, and several have passed, legislation to address the issue of textbook affordability. According to the National Association of College Stores, 18 states in 2006 saw legislation introduced that dealt with textbook costs:

• In April 2006, Virginia enacted a law requiring the state’s public colleges to address the issue of bundling. In short, at the state’s public colleges, if a professor is not going to use each of the items included in a bundle, the professor must notify the bookstore. The bookstore must then attempt to order each of the components separately, if it’s less expensive for the student.
• Connecticut passed legislation in 2006 that requires publishers to inform professors of the price the textbook is sold to the bookstore and the textbook’s history of revisions.
• Washington State now requires bookstores affiliated with state colleges to inform faculty members of the cost of new textbooks and the differences between the editions.^*

Capitol Hill has also recently become involved again in the drive to reduce textbook prices. The Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (ACSFA) is in the process of conducting a one-year study on textbook affordability. The committee has until May 2007 to submit its report to Congress. Barry Major, Used Textbook Association president, testified at an ACSFA hearing in December 2006.

Used Textbook Association Solution:
Have a voice and work with legislators who believe booksellers deserve a right to provide affordable textbooks for students and faculty.

In 2006, Used Textbook Association members worked with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to propose legislation that would provide a task force to study textbook costs in postsecondary institutions.