Textbook Publishers Need To Disclose More Information
I am passing along some information on textbooks from Nicole Allen at Student PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups) about textbooks. Student PIRGs have been around for at least 40 years to organize college students on pressing public interest problems.
They are independent statewide student organizations that work on issues like environmental protection, consumer protection, and hunger and homelessness.
I picked up on their efforts recently to organize around textbook prices because it relates to my own work in promoting open textbooks.
A new federal law took effect July 1st, a provision from the Higher Education Opportunity Act, that requires publishers to disclose textbook prices, revision histories and alternate formats when marketing textbooks to faculty. PIRGs own studies (see Analysis of HEOA Textbook Affordability Provisions) have shown that publishers often withhold prices in sales conversations, so the new law ensures this information is readily available to consider on students' behalf.
Student PIRGs recognizes that with more than 1,300 adoptions this fall alone, open textbooks - which are offered under a license allowing free online access and low-cost print options - are gaining momentum.
In response to growing student demand, major college bookstore chains rolled out rental programs at more than 1,500 campus stores this fall. Although renting is often limited to the most popular titles, the savings are significant -- 60% on average.
Another notable development is the rapidly growing assortment of digital reading options, including laptops, smartphones and e-readers like Kindle and iPad. Their research suggests that these options might take a while to catch on: 3 out of 4 students still prefer print textbooks, and unlike open textbooks, e-books are mutually exclusive with print copies and prices can exceed $100.
You can check out their site for their latest information on their textbook efforts, but here are a few links that can start your research on this issue.
More choices alter college textbook landscape - Associated Press (Aug.
Get college textbooks for less by renting instead of buying USA Today (Aug 17)
Open Textbooks and the Tech-Friendly Generation The Huffington Post (Sept.30)
In a Digital Age, Students Still Cling to Paper Textbooks The New York Times (Oct 20)
Guidance for colleges and publishers U.S. Department of Education
Cost of textbooks must be disclosed Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Jul 22)
Students and faculty: Do you find that publishers are following the new law? Click here to report your own experience.
They are independent statewide student organizations that work on issues like environmental protection, consumer protection, and hunger and homelessness.
I picked up on their efforts recently to organize around textbook prices because it relates to my own work in promoting open textbooks.
A new federal law took effect July 1st, a provision from the Higher Education Opportunity Act, that requires publishers to disclose textbook prices, revision histories and alternate formats when marketing textbooks to faculty. PIRGs own studies (see Analysis of HEOA Textbook Affordability Provisions) have shown that publishers often withhold prices in sales conversations, so the new law ensures this information is readily available to consider on students' behalf.
Student PIRGs recognizes that with more than 1,300 adoptions this fall alone, open textbooks - which are offered under a license allowing free online access and low-cost print options - are gaining momentum.
In response to growing student demand, major college bookstore chains rolled out rental programs at more than 1,500 campus stores this fall. Although renting is often limited to the most popular titles, the savings are significant -- 60% on average.
Another notable development is the rapidly growing assortment of digital reading options, including laptops, smartphones and e-readers like Kindle and iPad. Their research suggests that these options might take a while to catch on: 3 out of 4 students still prefer print textbooks, and unlike open textbooks, e-books are mutually exclusive with print copies and prices can exceed $100.
You can check out their site for their latest information on their textbook efforts, but here are a few links that can start your research on this issue.
More choices alter college textbook landscape - Associated Press (Aug.
Get college textbooks for less by renting instead of buying USA Today (Aug 17)
Open Textbooks and the Tech-Friendly Generation The Huffington Post (Sept.30)
In a Digital Age, Students Still Cling to Paper Textbooks The New York Times (Oct 20)
Guidance for colleges and publishers U.S. Department of Education
Cost of textbooks must be disclosed Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Jul 22)
Students and faculty: Do you find that publishers are following the new law? Click here to report your own experience.
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