What led to the idea to create a Used Textbook Association?
One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of textbooks for students is for the industry to have a robust used textbook market. However, there was no advocate for used textbooks and the important role they play in higher education. Textbook affordability for students is affected greatly by market forces including increased frequency of new editions, unnecessary bundling of course materials, and untimely textbook adoption rates by faculty which have combined to create an industry-wide issue of fewer used textbooks and rising costs. In response, we have spearheaded the launch of a used textbook association designed to provide new strategies to campus bookstores to promote and enhance the role and value of used textbooks as a solution in textbook affordability. We believe an association in support of used textbooks can help develop a marketplace solution to the issue.
