A Report on the Feasibility of Textbook Rental - IBHE

separately and be stuck with any components since publishers refuse returns on parts of bundles.This action would serve to increase the cost of books further since the cost would need to passedon to the consumer in order for the bookstore to remain financially viable. Any legislationregarding book bundling must be directed at the publishers and not colleges and universitybookstore since we have no control over this issue.Under the Options for Administration, the bookstore is being asked to post textbook information60 days in advance. We believe that this is too early for all concerned. Bookstores will havegreat difficult processing the information that early, and a student can certainly search theinternet for books at a better price in a much shorter time frame than 60 days. The request for60 days is excessive. Please be aware that bookstores cannot order new books too far in advanceof the starting of classes or we will miss the deadline set by the publishers to return unsold booksafter classes have commenced. Also, many changes occur with teacher placement and classcancellations during that 60 day time period. If a student orders a book 60 days out and the classis cancelled or a new teacher is assigned who uses a different book, that student has no way toreturn the book bought from sources other than the bookstore.Although we have no research to prove it, our experience in the college bookstore indicates thatyour statement concerning new editions being released every three to five years is inaccurate,every 2-3 years is more often the case. Also, you have failed to address that certain types oftextbooks are updated yearly such as some nursing books and some computer/informationtechnology books. Books that are updated yearly and books pertaining to a student’s major fieldof study are generally books that students tend to keep as resources. Therefore, these books willrarely be found used and we have found that students desire to purchase these books rather thanrent them. Often these books cost $100.00 or more.The initial reason this legislation was instigated is due to the high cost of college textbooks.However, please be aware that the pricing of textbooks by the publishers is not addressed in yourreport. College bookstores have no control over this and it is something that we believe shouldbe investigated on a more global scale.Finally, concerning the textbook rental programs, we are in agreement with the report in that“Faculty members, administrators, and students must reach a consensus that a textbook rentalprogram is an effective method for reducing textbook costs without adversely affecting quality.”This is a decision that should be left to the institution to make based on the types of programs,their unique institutional demographics, and objective data regarding additional cost to thecollege or university versus potential savings. Books that are bundled with workbooks, softwareand other learning aids could not be rented due to publisher’s refusal to sell the bundled itemsseparately. Also, books that students desire to retain, such as ones pertaining to their major fieldof study or books that are updated yearly, would not be feasible for inclusion in a rental program.We appreciate the opportunity to respond to this report and remain supportive of efforts to retainaffordability for students accessing educational opportunities within the State of Illinois.Sincerely,B. J. Euler, DirectorLincoln Land Community College Bookstore-111-