NACAS Recognizes the National Used Textbook Association

Omaha, Nebr., May 21, 2007 - As part of a nationwide initiative to help make college textbooks more affordable, NACAS recognized the work of 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 continue to drive up the cost of textbooks.

NACAS looks forward to working with UTA 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.

"This is an excellent opportunity for many of us in higher education to play a larger role in educating students and informing faculty about the benefits of used textbooks," said Bob Hassmiller, Chief Executive Officer, NACAS. "It's clear that many people have the ability to increase the rate of early adoptions and get students more money during buyback. NACAS has an opportunity to help many people understand their important role in the equation."
NACAS has offered to work with the UTA and others in higher education to promote the importance of promoting greater understanding in the impact of new editions, aiding in the de-coupling of textbook packages, and increasing timely adoptions to create stronger buy-back programs.

Jim Sheppard, Executive Director, UTA, said: "We are pleased to work with NACAS. Administrators and faculty play an important role in helping to keep textbooks affordable and we hope NACAS will be able to further the message and encourage ways for everyone to submit adoptions in a timely fashion."

About NACAS
Founded in 1969 as National Association of College Auxiliary Services, NACAS (www.nacas.org) is a non-profit higher education association providing The Connections That Count to over 900 institutions of higher learning throughout North America and other nations around the globe. NACAS partners with more then 200 businesses who support the higher education enterprise. NACAS serves as the one-stop connection for information, insight, and opportunity for auxiliary service professionals through educational events, networking opportunities, on-line resources, and printed publications. The membership manages campus support services such as bookstores, food service, student housing, security, transportation and parking.

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

Back to Main News