Built-In Obsolescence Impacts Textbook Affordability

A Strong Used Textbook Program Saves Students Up to 75% on Textbook Costs

Omaha, Nebr., July 11, 2007 - Built-in obsolescence comes in various forms including textbooks with only a few pages of material which will be torn out during the term such as quizzes or problems, textbooks sold with web access cards, textbooks with school names embossed on the cover, textbooks that are sold without binding and simply have holes punched for a three ring binder. When these items add value for the student, enhance the students' ability to learn, or are used by the faculty as part of the teaching, they are warranted. However, all too often, these are simple examples of built-in obsolescence designed to market and sell more new textbooks adding to the overall issue of increasing textbook prices.

Barry S. Major, President, Used Textbook Association, said: "There are numerous examples of faculty members using these tools to the advantage of students - those faculty members should be applauded. However, in some instances, the only change to the textbook may be the inclusion of the University's logo on the cover. It's imperative that we stop this type of un-necessary built-in obsolescence if we are going to work toward a marketplace solution to the issue of textbook affordability."

Textbook affordability is a growing concern. Custom textbooks are often promoted as saving students money and as an economical choice; however, when looking at the complete picture and including buyback into the financial equation, these textbooks cost students more and limit the number of used textbooks available.

To calculate the true cost of the textbook, the student must subtract the amount received at buyback from the purchase price. In many instances, the student receives nothing at the buyback counter for neither custom textbooks nor books with tear out quizzes and problems and web access cards. This makes the true cost of the textbook what the student originally paid for it. It also means that there will be no used textbooks available the following term - students will always be required to purchase new textbooks.

Paul Mares, Bookstore Manager, Fort Lewis College Bookstore, Durango, Colo., said: "When a custom textbook is adopted and then used for multiple terms, faculty create a positive solution for students. Those students are able to sell back the textbook at the buyback counter, making the true cost of the textbook lower than a standard textbook. However, when a textbook contains disposable components or is a custom edition that is not re-adopted, students do not have an opportunity to regain any of their investment during buyback - making the textbook more expensive than the standard edition of the textbook."

Combating the issue of rising textbook prices is a priority. One viable solution to making textbooks affordable for students is creating a solid used textbook program on every campus and reducing other sales techniques deployed by publishers to limit the availability of used textbooks. A solid used textbook program can save students up to 75% on their textbooks.

To read the Used Textbook Association position paper and review specific examples of built-in obsolescence go to: http://www.usedtextbookassociation.org/Built-In-Obsolescence.aspx.

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