Three Options Publishers Push To Eliminate Used Textbooks
(Before you make a decision, first check with our bookstore manager Linda Kenley, 857-7369. 1102mgr@follett.com)
Customized Textbooks
Customized textbooks are textbooks that either have information added or taken out and thus are no longer standardized. If you wish to add information to a textbook, choose that option. If you are customizing by removing chapters or front matter, you are likely helping publisher eliminate the used textbook market. These custom textbooks usually cannot be resold to the bookstore and cannot be sold by our students privately, increasing publisher’s sales and, collectively, causing our students to spend more.
Unbound Textbooks
Unbound textbooks are textbooks that do not have either hardcover or softcover binding. Often, these textbooks are three-hole punched. Our students cannot sell these books when they are finished with them, destroying the used-book market. In a January 2017 survey, students expressed their dislike for these textbooks in overwhelming numbers. Students cited an inability to return these books once the plastic cover is opened – if they drop the class during the semester and need to return the book -- and the annoyance of carrying multiple large binders around which hold the unbound books.
Bundles
Bundles are created when publishers group textbooks, consumables like workbooks, and digital access codes together into one package for one price. When materials are bundled, students do not have the option to buy used. If you believe going with a bundle is worthwhile, be sure students still have the option to purchase the parts of the bundle individually by checking with Linda Kenley (857-7334, 1102mgr@follett.com) in the bookstore.
Students also express frustration about purchasing access codes that are not used during the semester. If you do not use access codes during your course, be sure it is not listed a requirement for your class or included in a bundle . Check with the bookstore or the class schedule online.
Alternative: Have the bookstore offer the book separately, and use IncludEd for access codes and consumables.
For more reading see this article from Inside Higher Education.
Image 1: Customized Textbook, Dale Dulaney, Virginia Western Community College, CC-0
Image 2: Unbound Textbook, Dale Dulaney & Kalyca Schultz. Virginia Western Community College CC-0
Image 3: Access Code, Kalyca Schultz, Virginia Western Community College, CC-0
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Phone: 540.857.7303
