Used Textbook Association Launches Oversight Committee

Bookstore Managers Acquire a Voice

Lincoln, NE, Feb. 26, 2007 - The Used Textbook Association (UTA) announced today the formation of an Oversight Committee comprised of bookstore managers from various sized bookstores and locations throughout the United States. Through the Oversight Committee, bookstore managers have the opportunity for a voice in the strategy of the UTA and the materials being created to support and educate on the issues of the textbook industry.

As the UTA has begun to increase membership and therefore marketing strategies, the Board of Directors determined an immediate need to have a select group of the current membership involved in the development of strategies and promotional materials.

Barry Major, President of the Used Textbook Association, said; "The Used Textbook Association was developed to support bookstore managers, advocate the value of used textbooks in the marketplace and to help reduce the cost of textbooks. It is imperative that bookstore managers have a voice in the strategies and direction we are taking. We believe the creation of an Oversight Committee is a good first step to getting bookstore managers involved in the Association."

Jim Sheppard, Executive Director of the Used Textbook Association stated; "By combining my knowledge from the university administrators and faculty perspective and the knowledge of the committee members from the bookstore and students perspective it will ensure the UTA develops accurate and useful materials for our bookstore members and their campus faculty.

The one-year appointed committee, initially selected through a volunteer solicitation, will be responsible for reviewing marketing and educational materials, as well as be involved in periodic meetings to review the strategy and tactics of the UTA. The UTA will be launching additional committees soon in the areas of marketing and membership. Annually, bookstore members will be solicited to serve on one of the committees in order to keep fresh perspectives and to ensure that a well-rounded group of bookstores is represented.

Major added: "We created this association to support the bookstore manager and their campus; therefore, since they are in the "field" addressing issues, it only makes sense that they should have a voice in providing the UTA with input into the strategy and materials being created in this ever evolving industry."

Our current committee members include: Bradley Bridges, Illini Union Bookstore (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Champaign, IL; Scott Joraanstad, IU Bookstore (Indiana University), Bloomington, IN; Lara Konick Mann, Western Associated Students Bookstore (Western Washington University), Bellingham, WA; Paul Mares, Fort Lewis College Bookstore (Fort Lewis College), Durango, CO; Anthony Martin, HBU Bookstore (Houston Baptist University), Houston, TX; Debra Pizzo, Defiance College Bookstore (Defiance College), Defiance, OH; Bob Somers, UMBC Bookstore (University of Maryland-Baltimore County), Baltimore, MD; Bob Spencer, Seattle University Bookstore (Seattle University), Seattle, WA; Barry Waters, CMU Bookstore (Central Michigan University), Mt. Pleasant, MI; Lynda Weathers, Coyote Bookstore (California State University-San Bernardino), San Bernardino, CA; Steve Westenbroek, Warrior Bookstore (Midland Lutheran College), Fremont, NE;.

Used Textbook Association
The Used Textbook Association was founded in 2006 to advocate the role and value of used textbooks in the marketplace and in turn, increase the supply of used textbooks available to students. The Association works to provide students and faculty members information on the buyback process, improve the rate of early adoptions by faculty members, and ensure textbook merchandise practices are appropriate and meeting the goals of higher learning. www.usedtextbookassociation.org

Media Contact:

Sue Riedman
402-421-0450
sue.riedman@usedtextbookassociation.org

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