Faculty Decisions Drive Textbook Adoption Cycle

Used Textbook Association Releases Position Paper on Role of Faculty Decisions in the Textbook Adoption Process and the Impact on Students

Omaha, Nebr., February 6, 2008 - The Used Textbook Association has released a position paper that identifies faculty members as the key element in the textbook selection cycle. The paper, "Faculty Decisions Drive Textbook Adoption Process," explains that throughout the selection process, the faculty member's decision to adopt -- or not -- a textbook is the driver of textbook costs for students.

Students, bookstores and faculty members are in a related cycle of textbook selection and purchase. Faculty decisions determine what books are chosen for classes, and in turn, if the books can be used versions or must be purchased new. These decisions have a direct impact on the cost for students - used books save students money. If faculty members select textbooks currently in use, students can sell their books back at the end of the session, and new students can buy those cheaper used books.

The increasing costs of textbooks are attracting attention from students and lawmakers. A 2005 General Accounting Office Report reveals students at four-year public educational institutions pay textbook totals equal to 26 percent of tuition and fees while community college students face textbook expenses that are 72 percent of tuition and fees.

"A key goal of the Used Textbook Association is to increase understanding of the textbook adoption cycle, especially among faculty members. We highlight the importance of making textbook selections in time for bookstores to buy and sell used books," said Jim Sheppard, Executive Director Used Textbook Association. "This paper explains the interdependent cycle of students, bookstores, and faculty members in the textbook process."

The complete paper, "Faculty Decisions Drive Textbook Adoption Process," along with support materials, is posted on the Used Textbook Association website, www.usedtexbookassociation.org

UTA and member bookstores work to help reduce the cost of textbooks and keep more used books available for students. The Used Textbook Association advocates the role and value of used textbooks in the marketplace. The organization began in 2006 with founding members from textbook wholesale companies across the United States. Currently, more than 590 bookstores are UTA members.

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