What's New
Textbook and Reader Affordability
National concern has been building over the high cost of textbooks for college students. Articles in national media have appeared outlining the issues and various ways colleges are trying to address this issue. A number of initiatives, ranging from new regulations to free open-source textbooks, have been introduced.
In Spring 2009 the campus created a task force to investigate this issue as it relates to Berkeley students. A report is expected in January 2010.
This Joint Task Force on Textbook and Reader Affordability (called Textbook Affordability Task Force) is an outgrowth of the recent Bureau of State Audits report which found that increases in textbook prices have significantly outpaced median household income. Moreover, the BSA found a lack of awareness on the part of faculty about state laws encouraging them to participate in efforts to reduce textbook costs.
The Textbook Affordability Task Force, consisting of faculty, students, and staff, is looking at textbook usage and pricing on this campus and is exploring effective strategies to hold down the cost of textbooks.