Legislation passed by the Pennsylvania Senate last week requires faculty members at the state's community colleges and universities to choose "the least expensive, educationally sound textbooks." It's unclear at this point whether the House will take up the bill. Quite predictably, however, faculty groups around the country are criticizing the measure. As one would expect, part of the problem lies with the definition of "educationally sound."
Here's a statement from the American Association of University Professors.
As reported here frequently, state legislatures and Congress often get involved in the issue of textbook prices, as elected officials hear a lot of complaints from students and their parents. Here in Texas, witnesses have testified in House and Senate hearings that textbooks can cost more than tuition.
At the most recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, a witness commented on the relatively new practice of renting textbooks by campus and online booksellers. One of the most popular online sites, as noted here before, is Chegg.com. Interestingly, major publishers are getting into the rental business, too.
Another significant development is the availability of free online resources providing open source information. Many community college instructors, particularly in certain disciplines, now assign such material for students exclusively. Google is currently engaged in a project to digitize virtually all books that are not copyrighted or are available with permission. This pedagogical strategy assumes, of course, that students have access to the Internet when they need it. In order for it to work, institutions must provide computer labs that are available conveniently. Many entering freshmen don't have personal computers, particularly those from low income households—the very cohort burdened with the most obstacles to success.
Generally speaking, the laws of supply and demand are highly preferable to legislative regulation, in the view of most college instructors. Where the market is not driving down costs sufficiently, faculty organizations often set up funds to help needy students obtain the materials they require. Libraries can also hold desk copies in reserve for students to use on site or to check out. (As with computer usage, libraries must be open at convenient times, which can put a strain on institutional budgets.) Many faculty members encourage students to share textbooks.
According to media reports, the publishing industry is in turmoil right now. Electronic readers such as the Kindle and iPad may signal an entirely new era—one that truly can benefit students, if the competitive forces in our economy are allowed to flourish.
Prices may be headed in the right direction soon, and local remedies are increasingly available where they are not.
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