New bill gives students a break on textbooks

April 17, 2007
By Anthony Shelley

From tuition to housing, college students have a variety of rising financial burdens. However, now textbooks are one cost that will be reduced.

Last week, state legislators unanimously passed a bill that will help decrease the cost of textbooks.

House Rep. Bob Hasegawa (D-Seattle) and Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Olympia) sponsored Substitute House Bill 2300 (SHB 2300) with statewide support from students.

The new legislation will require publishing companies to reveal their prices to Washington faculty and also oblige publishers to disclose the history of revisions to their products and information regarding new editions.

“Every student knows that textbook prices are out of control, but most students accept it as a fact of life,” said Daron Williams, a member of Washington Public Interest Research Group (WashPIRG) and leader of the organization’s work on the textbook bill. “This bill gave us the opportunity to be engaged in the democratic process on an issue that affects us.”

A recent report released by the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) revealed that students are paying a national average of $900 per year for books. Students at Harvard University pay $1,300 a year for reading materials.

MASSPIRG surveyed 287 professors about textbook industry practices. The survey found that publishers were not adequately disclosing price information.

Seventy-seven percent of the professors surveyed said textbook representatives rarely or never volunteer the price. When directly asked, only 38 percent of sales representatives disclosed the price.

“Professors understand the burden faced by students and parents and are sympathetic,” said Hasegawa, who is also a member of the House Higher Education Committee. “Textbook prices have risen faster than inflation and tuition. This bill will help reduce costs, while not compromising the faculty’s ability to select the best material for their courses.”

The survey also found that 94 percent of professors would favor a cheaper book, if two equally good options were available.

However, only 63 percent said they typically know the price of books they assign.

“The cost of textbooks to students is largely dependent on which books instructors choose to require,” said James Mellinger, a sophomore and spokesperson for WashPIRG. “This research shows that professors are willing to choose cheaper books, but it also shows that they do not always know the information necessary to make that distinction. That is why this legislation was so necessary.”

ASUW student lobbyist Bryce McKibben also believes SHB 2300 will give college professors more freedom to select cheaper books.

“This is a huge victory for students, since it will ensure faculty have the tools they need to choose lower-cost textbooks,” McKibben said. “Students are glad to see the Legislature include this issue in its efforts to make higher education more affordable.”

Kansas University professor Craig Martin battled publishing companies for years to lower textbook prices for his students.

In 2005, Martin bargained with two publishers and played their offers against each other, managing to get a book for $49, nearly half its original price. His actions gained nationwide attention and influenced other schools to rally against rising textbook costs.

The Kansas State Legislature withdrew their textbook bill following testimony that showed that their proposed bill was already in the works at Kansas University.

Mellinger, among others, wants to see national legislation on textbook prices.

“That’s the ultimate goal,” Mellinger said.

While the UW will benefit from the new law, most universities may have to wait their turn.

Anne Burgard, a writer for Kansas’ Lawrence Journal-World, reported 17 states were considering bills addressing textbook costs in February.

Washington is the second state to pass legislation regarding the disclosure of textbook prices. Connecticut passed a similar bill last year.

Reach reporter Anthony Shelly at news@thedaily.washington.edu.