Textbook policies a result of faculty needs
Ilana Fried’s recent column, “Pricey books can be
avoided” (Jan. 13), was a bit off the mark. Fried attacks
publishing practices but does little to explain how the textbook
publishing industry actually works.
Publishers create supplementary learning materials, such as CDs,
Web sites and workbooks, at the request of faculty. Professors, not
publishers, choose instructional materials they believe will best
meet students’ educational needs. Additionally, publishers
don’t set buy-back policies or profit from used books.
Publishers already offer a wide range of teaching tools ranging
from “no-frills” options and online textbooks to
comprehensive texts with complete teaching packages. The average
cost of university educational materials is just $2.23 a day,
according to the College Board.
Textbooks are the second most important learning tool for
students after their instructors, according to a recent nationwide
survey of 1,029 college faculty by Zogby International. That survey
shows that 84 percent of professors believe their students
absolutely need a textbook to do well in their courses. The same
survey found that 75 percent of professors either require or
recommend their students purchase textbook packages that include
supplemental materials, such as study guides, lab manuals and
digital media.
The Zogby poll also shows that 80 percent of college professors
say it is important that textbook material used for their courses
be as current as possible. To keep up with substantive changes in
subject matter, textbooks are generally updated every three to four
years.
Textbooks are not mass-market novels that sell in the millions.
40,000 copies is considered a best-seller. They are complex works
that can require thousands of hours of research, writing,
development, production and the labor of hundreds of people. Total
cost can easily exceed $1 million.
Publishers will continue to provide choice, a broad range of
instructional materials at a range of prices ““ and value
““ the right materials at the best possible price.
Stacy Scarazzo Assistant director for higher education,
Association of American Publishers