Your recent editorial, “New textbook law an imperfect solution” (ODE, Jan. 14), did not make it clear that textbook publishers’ primary focus is on meeting the educational needs of students and faculty. At the same time, publishers support transparency and are sympathetic to students’ concerns about cost.
Some believe that professors are kept in the dark about the price of textbooks and supplemental course materials. In reality, providing instructors with information is a part of the adoption process, enabling them to make informed decisions on which learning tools are best for students.
For the average four-year student, textbooks represent less then five percent of the overall cost of higher education and in 2006 students spent about $670 on textbooks, according to the independent research service Student Monitor.
As for “bundles,” publishers already offer professors the option of choosing only the textbook for their course. However, 86 percent of instructors require or recommend supplemental materials and 65 percent of faculty believe supplemental course materials help retain students who might otherwise fail to complete courses, according to a Zogby International study. These figures help to explain why many textbooks can be found bundled in the bookstore.
Ultimately, publishers share the common goal of student success and are committed to working with all stakeholders to make this a reality. For more information, please visit www.textbookfacts.org.
Stacy S. Skelly
Assistant Director for Higher Education
Association of American Publishers