Dear Editor:
An article concerning the soaring prices of textbooks appeared recently in The Star Press. I'm pleased to see that this issue is finally receiving attention. According to the article, the State Public Interest Research Groups accuses textbook publishers of "engaging in practices that artificially inflate the cost of college textbooks." I have exited the bookstore on many occasions, feeling violated -- like I need to take a shower and then report the incident. I think most students can relate to the experience.
What the article doesn't mention, however, is that faculty could, and should, do their part to help. I have had one instructor that admitted he chose the particular text for the class not only because it was good, but also inexpensive. I think more faculty should consider this when choosing textbooks for the class. I can recall one professor who was shocked when she learned from a student how expensive the textbook was; I think we were all shocked that she didn't already know. When a new edition is released, it should be reviewed for content to verify that the material is indeed updated; not merely an updated and more appealing front cover. If the instructor can determine that the previous edition can be used, then students will have the option of purchasing a more affordable "used" textbook.
Additionally, if an instructor requires notes be purchased for the class, they should make them available separately from the textbook. When class notes are being published by textbook publishers, they are bundled with brand new, expensive textbooks. Even though the textbook edition remains the same, the instructor's class notes are revised every semester and bundled with a brand new textbook. This practice has no benefit to the student; it's done blatantly to undermine the "used textbook" market. Not only is the student required to buy an expensive new book, they have no opportunity to resell the book at the end of the semester since there is no market for used books. The class notes should be printed locally, and made available to students separately from the textbook.
I believe students would feel a little better about the textbook controversy if they knew that their educators were aware, concerned and doing what they can to help.
Andy Van Tassel
Student
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