Textbook prices rises 12% each new edition states Rachel Hansen a professional position and affiliation freelance teacher. One of the average Biology books, Selvin: Single Molecule Techniques costs $240.00 by its self. “The past couple of years we have seen enormous controversy over rising prices for college textbook” states the Government Accountability office (GAO).
The National Association of College stores breaks down the price distribution: Publishers 64.3%, Bookstore 22.4%, Author 11.6%, and shipping 1.7%.
GAO found that, “Specifically, 2-year public colleges estimated that their first-tie, full-time students would spend about $886 in 2003-2004 in books and supplies.” Dr. Michael Granof of the University of Texas at Austin states, “As might be expected publishers do what they can to undermine the used-book market, principally by coming out with new editions ever 3 or 4 years.”
The GAO interviewed a publisher on facts such as undermining the used-book stores and found that the publisher told them they have made these investments to meet changing needs of higher education.
Marylou Brown of the Follett Higher Education group manager of the Yuba College bookstore states, ” We buy the books first from the publishers in which we have to pay out rages costs.” Books stores such as the Yuba College’s” make our money by selling used books not by buying new books from the publishers” states Marylou Brown.
“On an average of 8% has to be changed in order to have a new edition” states Marylou Brown. Publishers’ point to the high cost associated with the development of technology applications that supplement traditional textbooks stated GAO.
Corbett a senate representative is trying to find a way in which the government can lower costs by introducing the College Textbook Affordability Act. If the Act is passed it will help with inflating textbooks costs.
Marylou Brown later states, “we have been at this campus for 7 years and always have in mind that the students are the most important thing.”
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