ASSOCIATED STUDENTS
University of California, Santa Barbara
Senate Resolution
Subject:
A Resolution to Address Textbook Affordability
Author: _____Ali Guthy__________________ Second: _____Elliot Patzkowsky ____________
Number:
__ FPP:
Bill Type:
Vote Required for Passage:
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
recommends to the A.S. Legislative Council that the following action be taken:
Pass As Written:
Pass With Amendments:
Do Not Pass:
Refer To Committee:
Recommended by a Vote Of:
Chairperson's initials:
STUDENT -SPONSORED LEGISLATION
Student Sponsor:
Student Co-Sponsor:
The Student-Sponsored Resolution Liaison
has insured that this StudentSponsored Resolution is correct in its form and adherence to the ASUCSB Legal Code.
Pass As Written:
Pass With Amendments:
Do Not Pass:
Refer To Ad-Hoc Committee:
FISCAL IMPACT
Amount:
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Account:
A Resolution
To Address Textbook Affordability
Whereas: Textbook prices have risen significantly over the last two decades, so much so that many students cannot
afford all of the books that they need, and,
Whereas: The cost of college textbooks have become increasingly less affordable and, therefore, less accessible to
students.
Whereas: Between 1986 and 2004 textbook prices rose 186 percent in the U.S. and,
Whereas: 7 in 10 students report not buying a textbook because of its cost.
Whereas: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that between 1990 and 2009, textbook prices rose at four times
the rate of inflation, and,
Whereas: The average estimated cost of books and supplies for a public four year university in 2013-2014 is $1207.
Whereas: In 2012, the average price of a used textbook was only 22 percent cheaper than the average price of a new
textbook and,
Whereas: Each year between 2006 and 2010, the average price for both new and used print textbooks increased
4.1% annually.
Whereas: The UCSB Bookstore will buyback a textbook at 30-50% of the current retail price only if “the book is
going to be used the following quarter and we are in need of copies;” however, according to the National
Association of College Stores (NACS), used textbooks are typically priced at 75% of the retail price of a new book.
Whereas: Renting a textbook saves students at least half of what they would spend were they to purchase their
books, and,
Whereas: Between Fall 2009 and Fall 2010 NACS reported at 500 percent increase in the number of textbook
rentals.
Whereas: There has been a movement toward purchasing online textbooks, such as through the California Open
Source Textbook Project (COSTP), “the first organization created to address the high cost, content range, and
consistent shortages of K-12 textbooks in California.”
Whereas: An “open textbook” can be defined as “a textbook licensed under an open copyright license, and made
available online to be freely used by students, teachers, and members of the public,” and,
Whereas: Many open textbooks are distributed through mediums such as e-book or audio formats, which can be
downloaded at little to no cost.
Whereas: The total online sales of textbooks were estimated at $950 million for 2009-2019 based on data from the
2011 Industry Financial Report.
Therefore let it be resolved by the Associated Students in the Senate assembled: that ASUCSB supports the
formation of a textbook assessment committee to determine potential avenues for the association to address this
growing student concern.
Let it be further resolved: that such a committee will work in collaboration with the UCSB Bookstore and other
administrators to create new and affordable textbook resources for students, including but not limited to:
 The creation of a textbook pricing plan to guide students in the purchase of their textbooks, and determine
the cheapest and most fiscally viable option.
 Expanding the COSTP initiative to include higher education institutions and explore the implementation of
online or “open” textbooks.
 Improve the UCSB Bookstore buyback program from a 30-50% buyback price to match the NACS
reported average of 75%.
 Increase awareness and expanse of the UCSB Bookstore textbook rental program in order to provide
greater access to cheaper purchasing alternatives.
 Work to continue creating and developing the A.S. GauchoBooks online textbook trading website.
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