As college
and university students head back to campus for another term, they may feel no
one cares how much they pay for course materials—if the online complaints are
any indication.
However,
the stakeholders involved in the development, selection, and distribution of
course materials are taking students’ concerns seriously. They will explore
challenges and solutions at the inaugural Textbook Affordability Conference on
Feb. 11-13 in San Diego, CA.
NACS is joining with the Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA), Verba Inc.,
and the California State University System’s Affordable Learning Solutions (ALS)
program to co-host the event, which is open to anyone interested in textbook
affordability.
The
conference will approach the question of affordability from various
aspects—teaching and learning, content and platform development, libraries,
campus administration, sales and distribution, governmental policies, and open
resources—with a particular focus on the role of campus bookstores, where the
majority of students still acquire the bulk of their course materials. Stores
already work with instructors, publishers, and distributors to obtain materials
for students and generally serve as students’ go-to helpdesk when they have
questions.
TAC
attendees are also invited to take part in the ALS conference on Feb. 13.
