More than 500 college mathematics professors from 125 major
universities throughout the country will formally express their
concern about the rising cost of textbooks by issuing a joint call
to action today in Schoenberg Quad.
The event is coordinated by the California Student Public
Interest Research Group, a group that has been working to shed
light on increasing textbook costs since January.
A letter with the professors’ signatures will be sent to
Thomson Learning, the main publisher criticized by CALPIRG.
Students passing by will also be asked to call Thomson Learning
and ask for changes in practices and lower textbook costs.
According to CALPIRG, Thomson Learning has refused to take
simple steps to reduce the cost of textbooks, or even recognize
that there is a problem.
Merriah Fairchild, CALPIRG’s higher education program
advocate, said the group is trying to put pressure on publishers to
release new editions only when necessary, or release supplementary
material containing new information.
A report released by CALPIRG in January argued that textbook
publishers release unjustified new editions and add useless
features to drive up the price of textbooks.
The report cites what it considers unnecessary new editions of a
calculus book published by Thomson Learning. The newest edition was
reportedly released without any significant changes made to the
content of the book.
Representatives of the company have said they are taking steps
to reduce costs of textbooks for students.
In February, Thomson Learning announced a new line of books
called the Advantage Series will be available to students, starting
in the summer of 2004.
The company has said these books will cost 25 percent less than
the hardcover books it produces for the same courses.
Professor Ronald Miech, vice-chairman of the UCLA mathematics
department, said professors do not have a choice when it comes to
introducing new editions to students, because in large classes like
calculus it is important that all students have uniform books.
Miech added that he supports CALPIRG’s efforts because he
has noted that many textbook prices seem to be on the high
side.
To make progress with publishers, CALPIRG is also sponsoring a
state bill that would prevent publishers from constantly increasing
textbook prices.
The bill was introduced by assemblywoman Carol Liu, D-La
Cañada Flintridge, and was passed by the Assembly Higher
Education Committee on March 30.
Candice Chung, a spokeswoman for Liu, said the committee passing
the bill was a major hurdle, as it was passed with a unanimous,
bi-partisan vote. The bill still needs to go through the
Assembly’s Appropriations Committee and the state Senate to
become law. Many expect it to become law by the end of this
summer.
The ultimate goal is to reach a solution by getting publishers
to see the students’ standpoint and start discussion about
the issue, Chung said.
If the bill passes, publishers would be asked to make their
products and prices available to faculty and departments before
books are ordered.
Publishers would also be asked to explain what new editions
offer over the old ones.
Still, Chung said, too many restrictions and regulations cannot
be put on publishers since they are private industries.
“We cannot mandate what they do,” she added.
The bill also encourages faculty members to choose lower-cost
alternatives and requests that campuses provide means for students
to purchase used books or have rental programs available.
According to the bill, the production and pricing of textbooks
deserves attention from both educators and lawmakers since it
impacts the quality and affordability of higher education.
Though it helps to have a law on record saying these problems
need to be addressed, Fairchild said the publishing companies are
more likely to be impacted by public pressure.
The event will take place today at 10 a.m. in Schoenberg
Quad.