Textbook Rebels textbookrebellion.org

TextbookRebellion.org is a movement of students, parents, professors and organizations inspired to take action against skyrocketing college textbook prices. The textbook publishing industry is broken. We’re raising awareness of the problem of textbook affordability and seeking solutions, like open-license textbooks. Please sign and share our petition so we can bring change to this industry. var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-21514809-2']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

[textbookrebels-blog]

"Surely, it's time to fight back again greedy publishers and arrogant professors indifferent to the economic plight of their students.

Or . . . maybe it's not that simple."

[textbookrebels-blog]

In triangulation, each of three separate entities uses the other two to its advantage by shifting accountability onto them, playing them against each other, or consolidating power by making them dependent. All of this has been at work for a very long time in academic bookselling and the college-textbooks sales and buyback process.

[textbookrebels-blog]

Many students are familiar with the frustrating ritual at the end of any college term — selling back those costly textbooks, only to be handed back a fraction of the cash you originally paid. The "Textbook Rebellion" campaign is all about lowering that initial high price.

[textbookrebels-blog]

Excerpt: "With few exceptions, textbook markets in the United States are not regulated by any governmental agency...there are unusual, even quirky aspects of textbook markets that differentiate them from most other markets. It is these unusual, uncommon characteristics of textbook markets that make it difficult for policy makers to influence prices there."

Help the Textbook Rebellion influence textbook affordability. Spread awareness of the movement.

[textbookrebels-blog]

Over the next six weeks, the Textbook Rebellion aims to collect 10,000 petition signatures calling on decision-makers to prioritize open textbooks, a type of OER that is rapidly gaining traction at colleges nationwide. Open textbooks reduce costs 80 percent on average over traditional, expensive textbooks.

[textbookrebels-blog]

Solution to textbook inflation: Just rent 'em

  Source: Msnbc.com 

 Ask any college student and they’ll tell you: "Books cost too much.” The College Board says the average student at a four-year public college should expect to spend $1,137 this year on textbooks and other course materials.

“Books cost a ridiculous amount of money,” says April Wade, a student at the University of Rhode Island, who has paid as much as $160 for a single book.

Textbook costs are rising far faster than inflation. A new analysis by the Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) shows textbooks prices have increased 22 percent during the last four years.

 Textbook prices have been cited as one of the reasons many students drop out of the California community college system.  “The entire cost of college, including textbooks, is going up so quickly that families cannot plan for the expenses,” says California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott.

 Faced with skyrocketing textbook prices, many students simply don’t buy some of the books they need.  Student PIRGs surveyed 1,900 undergraduates on 13 campuses and found that 70 percent said they had decided not to buy one or more of their assigned textbooks because of cost.

“Students are already struggling with the rising cost of tuition and living expenses and textbooks can end up being the straw the broke the camel’s back,” says Nicole Allen, textbooks advocate with the Student PIRGs.

Here’s the good news. There are ways to significantly reduce the cost of these books. Used books are the traditional money-saving option, but many required textbooks are not available on the used market. In some cases, e-books are the answer. But paper books are still the format of choice. So many savvy students now rent their textbooks.

“Renting is normally cheaper than buying used. And they guarantee to take it back when you’re done with it,” says Sami Main, a sophomore at the University of Florida at Gainesville. For the coming semester, she rented several $40 books for just $10.

“It’s sort of like Netflix for textbooks,” says Chegg spokeswoman Tina Warner. “Textbook renting has now proven to be a successful model that is here to stay.”

Demand rising for rental books  The first major textbook rental sites were launched about four years ago. Chegg.com, one of the leading companies in the market, was founded in 2007 by a student at Iowa State who had a hard time paying for his books.

Competition is growing. Sites such as BookRenter.com, half.com, TextbookRentals.com, CampusBookRentals.com, ecampus.com, CollegeBookRenter.com and ValoreBooks.com, just to name a few, specialize in textbook rentals. Even Amazon and Barnes & Noble have entered the market.

Students rent the books they need for a quarter, a semester or even a few weeks in some cases and return them when they’re done. The price varies by title and the length of the rental.

“Usually we can save you somewhere between 60 and 80 percent off the new book price,” says Michael Geller, BookRenter.com’s vice president of marketing.

Student April Wade, who uses BookRenter, loves the service.

“I save half or more off the new book price and I can regulate what I pay for the book. I might not need it the entire semester, so I can send it back a lot earlier, which cuts the cost even more.”

Chegg and BookRenter check the books before they’re shipped to make sure they are in good shape. Students I’ve spoken say they’ve never had a problem with quality.

“We allow for light highlighting and light note taking done in pencil in the margins,” says Chegg’s Tina Warner. “We haven’t had any problem with the quality of the books. The students take good care of them.”

BookRenter’s Geller tells me many customers request pre-highlighted books. The company does not offer that option. In fact, a lot of the books they send out are brand new.  BookRenter has partnered with 500 colleges and universities, both big and small, to power their textbook rentals.  The book store at the University of Washington started offering textbook rentals via BookRenter a year ago.

“This makes it easy for students to find out what books they need and how much they’ll cost to buy or rent,” says Shirley Landis, president of the campus bookstore at Philadelphia University. “Textbook prices are exorbitant, and we’re looking for any way that we can to reduce those costs.”

“All the feedback has been great,” says Lara Konik, director of marketing at the University Book Store.

[textbookrebels-blog]

Not sure if this fits into the affordable textbook category, but can we just say about this news....brilliant!   Think about it, Facebook is not distracting AT ALL.  No way.  It's a place for studying and learning.   Seriously, kidding aside, if you want to help make textbooks affordable, sign our petition.  Help make a difference. 

[textbookrebels-blog]

[textbookrebels-blog]

What do you think about this "Students Love Technology" infographic that says 1/2 of all college students believe tablets will replace textbooks within 5 years?  Hmm.  Open for discussion > Loving technology vs. being able to afford it!

[textbookrebels-blog]

WASHINGTON -- As the cost of textbooks continues to rise, many college students are choosing to skimp on textbooks to save money. 

Seven out of 10 undergraduates surveyed at 13 college campuses said they had not purchased one or more textbooks because the cost was too high, according to a new survey released Thursday by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The Government Accountability Office has estimated that textbooks cost a quarter the average tuition for state universities and three-fourths the average tuition at community colleges.

The U.S. PIRG analysis also found the price of textbooks has risen 22 percent over the past four years-- a much faster rate than overall inflation. The rising prices come as student debt has soared record levels -- exceeding total credit card debt in 2010.

"Generally what we get from students is 'Yeah, it's only a few dollars, but it could be my dinner,' " said Jessica Bruning, a student at Iowa State University who has worked with a school group to lobby the Iowa legislature on behalf of college students. "It adds up pretty quickly."

In recent months, some student groups have joined Textbook Rebellion, a coalition supported by U.S. PIRG; Campus Progress, a subsidiary of liberal think tank Center for American Progress; and other organizations that seeks to address the rising cost of textbooks.

The survey, although not scientific, included 1,905 students from 13 college campuses, and found most of the students believed not having all their textbooks would adversely affect their grades.

"Students recognize that textbooks are essential to their education but have been pushed to the breaking point by skyrocketing costs," said Rich Williams, Higher Education Advocate for U.S. PIRG in a release. "The alarming result of this survey underscores the urgent need for affordable solutions."

U.S. PIRG, in collaboration with student chapters, have been conducting research for years on the high cost of college textbooks. Their survey found four out of five students said new editions had been a factor by preventing them from purchasing used copies, and half said bundles or custom editions for their campus caused them to encounter an increased cost.

Bruning said new editions are often a challenge, as even the old editions could cost $50. Many students wait until they begin the class to see how much they need the textbook.

"We're trying to desperately trying to come out of college without loads and loads of debt," she said.

Bruning lobbied legislators unsuccessfully to make textbooks exempt from sales tax in Iowa. It was brought forward in the state Senate, but it failed to advance. However, in light of the financial challenges to students, Bruning said most professors have been sympathetic regarding textbooks.

D. Steven White, professor of marketing and international business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, said many of his students who work their way through college or rely on loans have a hard time affording the $1,000 to $2,000 a year for textbooks that comes on top of tuition, fees, rent, food and other costs.

White was an early adopter of open-source textbooks, which are essentially digital versions of the books students can access on multiple platforms. The books he assigns using an online open-source platform allow students to save highlights in their books, and print them out for a small fee. And rather than issuing new editions, updates can be made at any time.

"Students are happy; faculty is happy; quality is as-good or better," White said. "This model is the future of textbooks."

White said students have adopted the digital versions readily since they have largely grown up with more mobile technology.

"For years, a handful of powerful textbook publishers have monopolized the industry and driven up costs four times the rate of inflation," said Nicole Allen, textbooks advocate for the Student PIRGs, last week in a release. "Better options are out there. Between used books, rental programs and long-term alternatives like open textbooks, we have the tools we need to make textbooks affordable for more students."

White predicted the open source textbooks alone are going to turn the industry on its head by taking away power from the major publishers.

[textbookrebels-blog]

[textbookrebels-blog]

[textbookrebels-blog]

College instructors react to TextbookRebellion - Spring 2011

Instructors are concerned about soaring textbook prices, too.  We appreciate everything they're doing to keep quality high and costs low when it comes to textbooks and technologies.

@gwu.edu        I joined the rebellion already. For one course I use my own electronic manuscript; students pay nothing for it. I may use another manuscript for a different course, again at no cost.  I am aware of open textbooks. @colostate-pueblo.edu    If you really believe what you say, you should encourage professors to forego textbooks altogether.  It is extra work, but I have not used a single textbook this year." @mail.wtamu.edu          Thanks for letting me know.   @columbia.edu        Way ahead of you.  I don't use textbooks in my classes. @ucmerced.edu        Unless I'm required to use specific texts, I always consider the costs and give students time to use alternative methods of buying texts.  I just finished putting two kids through college.  I hear you. @nmsu.edu I am with you!  In the only course that I choose my own texts, they cost a total of under $30.  One is available free online as a pdf file, you can view or download it.  However, you should know, your instructors at NMSU have very little choice in the texts used.  Those decisions are made by program administrators here and in Las Cruces.  For any hope for action, and less exorbitantly priced texts, please forward your petition to the appropriate decision-makers.  @atlantic.edu    I appreciate your email and I share your pain. I have two kids in college myself. Some points that you should consider:  Although students may spend $1000 per year for books on average, they can recoup 40 to 50 percent of that back by reselling the books. So, the average is really like about $500 for books per year. The books can be sold back to the college bookstore or online. The following website searches for the highest return on books: http://bookscouter.com/ The trend for needing physical books will decline to nothing eventually. Online materials will be the norm. Publishers will charge for this content because they put lots of work into developing, selling, and supporting this electronic product. Students pay for an access code and there is no used resale market. Cost wise, using physical books may be cheaper for the student. I don't use any books for my online course. But students need to purchase lab simulation software at $190. They will not be able to resell the software.  I think that the bigger cost target to put your efforts into is college tuition. Private schools run about $30K a year, four-year publics run about $12K, and two-year publics run about $4K. If you look at <our school’s> budget, you will find that less than 30% of the college's budget makes it to the classroom (instructional).  Most of the money goes to various administrators and workers. There are to many high-salaried administrators...They make twice as much as I do. That is the real problem and it leads to high tuition costs for the student.  Set your target higher. You'll get more of a savings. @skymail.csus.edu    Interesting concept, there are a lot of free and open access books and articles in criminal justice et al, but to date no one has brought them together as a “text” per se. Certainly bears some investigation and conversation   @csus.edu I agree with your concerns about textbook prices, so my classes all have "recommended"" books - not ""required"" ones, and the tests only cover material we've gone over in class. I am very concerned about the economics of textbook choice, and am pleased that you sent this email.  I looked at the website, and was equally pleased to see books from Flat World knowledge there.  I'm planning on using their intro book the next time I teach that, and would like to see cognitive and perception books as well. @nmsu.edu    I appreciate you letting me know about this.  I don't have the authority to change or order textbooks, but the department chair people do.  Have you sent this email to all of them for their consideration?   @ccc.edu    Very effective e-mail - the suggestion of a free online textbook relevant to the courses I teach was brilliant!   For the reasons you stated, I either do not use a textbook, provide handouts/online reading links in Blackboard, or utilize the rental option (1/2 price to rent) through our college bookstore.  I ALWAYS look at the price of the book when selecting them for my courses.  I agree that the textbook industry is exploitative. Thanks and keep up the good work, @elac.edu      I would be very happy to sit down and explain the process and thoughts that we consider before adopting a book.  I use a lot of online materials that contributes to the learning of the materials by students, so that has to considered as well. But I fully support your cause.   @mail.utexas.edu      Thanks for your note.  Let me assure you we are constantly looking into all options (especially ebooks) for bringing the price down for students. @tnstate.edu    Please be advised that I have written my own textbook…and have been making it available to students electronically at no cost.  How good the “open texts” are I do not know, but I am far from impressed by the adequacy of the commercially available and expensive texts that the publishers market. @owu.edu    First, let me assure you that I do understand that textbooks are expensive and that students are often pressed for money. However, none of the books I adopt ever comes close to the $200 figure you cite.  Nor does the combined book list for any class I teach. As a department, we discuss the cost of textbooks and ways to keep that cost down… @ccc.edu      I appreciate your email and wanted you to know that every semester, I (and other instructors) spend much time going through texts to consider the best alternatives at the best price. By best, this means books that students actually read (and we can tell by quality of comments, assignments, quizzes, etc.) and that are cost effective.   However, have you considered contacting book publishers and the bookstore as these are the price determining entities? Bookstores are often the final determiners of price as they add on a percentage of price mark-up (increasing the final price of the book).   For instance, the texts I have chosen have all been priced under $60 from the publisher but end up costing anywhere from $90 to over $100 dollars when they arrive at the bookstore. I only discovered this via the publisher, thinking that the $60 price would the final one cost of the text.   Again, many thanks.     @kirtland.edu   I would like you to know that the textbooks that our department pick are based on many factors. These factors include quality, continuity from course to course, and cost. Transferability is an issue as well. Many schools look at syllabus and the text used to determine if they will accept credit from Kirkland. Cost is a major topic every time we pick a textbook. The math department makes concerted effort to use texts that are used for more than one semester...We have reviewed many of the low cost texts and have found that they are of low quality for the most part. Low cost texts almost always lack support materials and are not compatible with online courses. However, we are in the process of reviewing one that we may try.   Please understand that we know how the cost of textbooks affects students financially. We will always do our best to keep costs down but cannot sacrifice quality.   @sac.edu Thank you for your recommendation. At this point, I have to evaluate every source of book that can be utilized for my class, so that the students can have a low-cost textbook. @columbustech.edu   Thank you for the information. I will peruse the website; however, I cannot make any promises. @mcckc.edu   I'll be happy to review the open textbooks.  Just send me your student ID number issued by the college.  I suspect you don't have one, since your address is the UK.    @sac.edu ...The GBE department at SAC has a goal of keep all text below as close to $75 as possible.  Thanks for the email. @highline.edu I do appreciate your concern about the rising cost of textbooks.  As a GED instructor, I don't require my students to purchase books.  If they choose to do so, the cost is $15.00 for a 5-subject text.  I also recommend going to the bookstore before the quarter begins to purchase used books, going to half price books (you might be surprised at the selection), or even trying e-bay.   I wish that other instructors would consider the hardship they are placing on students with these outrageous prices.  I too have been there, done that, and tried to balance work, school, and family.   Good luck with your petition! @cerritos.edu ...Eleven of the 23 books we use are from Flat World Knowledge.     @ksu.edu Thanks for thinking of me.        

[textbookrebels-blog]

TEMPE, Ariz. - College tuition is up, but textbooks are what some people say are ridiculously expensive. They can cost students hundreds of dollars, and students argue prices could be cheaper if everyone was on the same page.

The economics of college textbooks is a story students continue to study.

Ashley Negron at Arizona State University questions whether the price is worth the paper.

“I've spent up to about $600 before in one semester, and then when you return them, sell back your books, the most I've ever gotten is $120, and that was from the semester I spent $600 on,” Negron said.

Negron and other students told FOX 10’s Keith Yaskin that professors often recommend they buy new editions of textbooks. She showed Yaskin the 2010 and 2011 versions of the same textbook that cost about $150, and she argued the differences between the books are small.

Lynn O’Shaughnessy helped survey more than 400 students about textbooks. The survey showed her classmates pay, on average, $760 a year on books.

“College textbooks are ridiculously expensive, and one reason why they're expensive is because textbook publishers really only have one shot at kids," O’Shaughnessy said.

She writes several blogs, including the college solution blog at collegesolution.com.

“So what publishers tend to do -- because they only have one shot at kids -- is they keep putting out new editions so they can get more money," O’Shaughnessy said.

Students can try to sell used books, but they may receive only a few dollars for them, or no one will buy them because they won’t be using that book again.

David Frazier at Follett Higher Education Group, which runs bookstores at Maricopa Community Colleges, said those bookstores have opened a rent-a-text program.

Bruce Hildebrand, of the Association of American Publishers, said used books might push up new book prices.

He also said an entire textbook may not change, but publishers must keep them updated.

Updated: Sunday, 05 Jun 2011, 9:45 PM MST Published : Sunday, 05 Jun 2011, 9:45 PM MST

By KEITH YASKIN FOX 10 News

[textbookrebels-blog]

As the commenter says, "content wants to be free.  And will be."  

"Today the National Academies Press announced it would offer its entire PDF catalog of books for free, as files that can be downloaded by anyone. The press is the publishing arm of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council, and publishes books and reports that scientists, educators, and policy makers rely on." - Josh Fischman, The Chronicle of Higher Education

Every signature counts.  Your voice is being heard.  Please sign the petition at Textbook Rebellion today to demand a free access option for all textbooks.  

http://www.textbookrebellion.org/petition

[textbookrebels-blog]

When you support open publishing, you support free access to ideas, innovations, and learning for all.  Universal access to learning makes us all better off; universal access is the power of open.  

Open publishing is exactly opposite of traditional "Big Textbook" publishers that seek to stifle and exclude.  As Mr. Vaughn says in the article, "copyright law and publishers' business plans are preventing an enormous educational benefit." 

Open textbook publishers' business plans are centered on enabling and empowering everyone's ability to learn, share, and grow.  A vibrant community of open publishers will force all publishers to behave in a manner that supports education.

Your voice matters.  Be a rebel.  Sign the petition demanding educators and administrators consider and support open textbook solutions today.  If we join together, our voices will be heard.

Sign the petition here:  http://www.textbookrebellion.org/petition

[textbookrebels-blog]