California Association of College Stores Supports National Used Textbook Association

Omaha, Nebr., May 17, 2007 - As part of a nationwide initiative to help make college textbooks more affordable in the industry, the California Association of College Stores (CACS) has voiced its support for the Used Textbook Association (UTA).

The Used Textbook Association advocates the role and value of used textbooks in the marketplace and is working toward a marketplace solution to the problem of textbook affordability while still providing students with high-quality educational materials. The organization began in 2006 with founding members from textbook wholesale companies across the United States.

The average annual cost of textbooks for a four-year college student has risen to $850, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. More than ever, it's important for bookstores to provide students with affordable, yet high-quality, educational materials. However, the increased frequency of new editions, unexpected "bundling" of course materials and less timely adoption of current editions by faculty continues to drive up the cost of textbooks.
As a supporter of UTA, CACS will be able to leverage the power of a unified voice for the industry to address these issues. A primary focus will be encouraging students to sell back their textbooks at the end of the term, to keep an adequate supply available, and to buy used textbooks when possible.

"CACS member stores have always recognized that used books are the key component to reducing textbook costs to students. We look to this new collaboration to further promote our used book programs" said Bob Anderson, Executive Director CACS.

CACS will work in a collaborative relationship with the UTA in supporting legislation to assist professors in understanding changes in new editions and aiding in the de-coupling of economically unsound textbook packages, informing faculty of the importance of timely adoptions to create stronger buy-back programs, and participating in an educational campaign to increase the supply of used textbooks.
Jim Sheppard, Executive Director, UTA said: "We are pleased to have the support of CACS. As the UTA continues to grow and expand, we believe it is important for us to work in collaboration with the regional associations already working with the local bookstore."

About California Association of College Stores

The California Association of College Stores is the premier regional association providing leadership, resources and services to support its bookstore members' ability to prosper in a rapidly changing environment. Most of the member stores are owned and operated by the institutions they serve; the remainder are privately owned or leased. Membership of the Association is comprised of store members and associate members (vendors). There are more than 145 store members. In addition, there are approximately 150 associate members who are vendors providing goods and services to the college store industry. www.cacsonline.org

About the 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

CONTACT:
Sue Riedman
Used Textbook Association
402-421-0450
sue.riedman@usedtextbookassociation.org

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