Industry Issues

(Research noted below is taken from Harris Interactive studies with US College Faculty and US College Students, conducted April 2005.)

Publisher merchandising practices of frequent new editions, bundling, and customization are leading to rising textbook costs.

There is an overwhelming link between frequent new editions with minor changes and increased textbook prices. Sixty-nine percent of the professors surveyed stated that new textbook editions tend to contain only minor changes. In addition, 85% of professors stated that new editions cause textbook prices to rise for students.

Added to the overall issue of publisher merchandizing techniques is bundling. In total, about two-thirds (65%) of students have unexpectedly experienced bundling -- the inclusion of other materials with the textbook.

Seventy percent of professors believe bundling causes the price of textbooks to rise and half (54%) report this practice prevents students from selling textbooks back or from obtaining used copies of textbooks. Just 19% of students who have used the ancillary materials see them as useful.

Faculty Adoption Rates

One of the benefits of our educational system is the choice for faculty members to select textbooks and educational materials that will bring value to the course and enhance the students' learning. By proactively partnering with the bookstore, faculty members will satisfy their choice for course book requirements and place their orders in a timely manner to ensure timely adoptions; therefore, making certain students receive the highest dollar for their textbooks at the buyback counter.

Used Textbooks are Down-Played as a Viable Alternative

• On average, around 50% of the textbooks used on any college campus will be used again the following term.
• Buying used textbooks saves students up to 25% immediately and selling back those books being used the following semester nets students another 50% of the purchase price.

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