A bill attempting to lower the cost of textbooks for students enrolled in Virginia institutions of higher education was passed yesterday in the state House and Senate.
According to House Bill 1478, "The governing boards of public institutions of higher education shall implement policies, procedures, and guidelines that encourage efforts to minimize the cost of textbooks for students at public colleges and universities while maintaining the quality of education and academic freedom."
Del. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, a co-patron of the bill, said the bill is aimed at lowering the costs of books for students.
"We're doing everything we can to reduce the cost of higher education" without micromanaging the professors, Marsden said.
He explained that the state legislation does not have the authority to lower tuition rates, but it can influence how much aid is appropriated to the schools.
"The cost of higher education is a concern everywhere and of course books are a big piece of that," said Yvonne Hubbard, University financial aid director.
A major concern addressed in the bill was textbook "bundling", Marsden said.
Many textbooks are packaged with CD-ROMS and auxiliary books that are not needed in the classroom, but drive the prices of the textbook up, Marsden said.
Other provisions in the bill include encouraging professors to limit their use of new edition textbooks and requiring them to give advanced notice to the bookstore of their book selections to ensure the maximum availability of used textbooks, if possible.
Jon Kates, executive director of the University Bookstore, expressed his enthusiasm about the bill.
"It's something we've wanted to do for years," he said. "Finally, there's a mechanism in place."
Because there are a limited number of used book distributors and a high demand from schools, Virginia schools will have a better chance to obtain those used books if professors give bookstores advanced notice of their selections, Kates said.
He said the Bookstore currently is researching different options to lower the cost of textbooks, such as making textbooks available online as e-books.
"The importance here is trying to help students afford their textbooks," Kates said.
Kates added he is "cautiously optimistic" that students will see such benefits in the fall.
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | YesterdaySheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | YesterdayIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 3 days agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
