Thursday, 4:30 PM
High cost of textbooks in spotlight at Statehouse hearing
By April Simpson, Globe Staff
Lawmakers considered a bill today that would limit textbook companies from bundling their products, a practice that critics say results in higher prices and forces college students to purchase books they do not need.
Sandi Kirshner, chief marketing officer for Pearson Education, defended her company's offering of such bundles, which can include books, CDs, and workbooks.
She noted that there are occasions when materials are intended to be integrated and used together, or when third party agreements dictate how the product is to be sold. She also emphasized how important the books are to a good education.
"The price of textbooks and course materials is and will continue to be important, but not more important than the success of our students and the reputation of our state colleges and universities as they strive to give students both a degree and an education," Kirshner said.
Rep. Steven M. Walsh of Lynn questioned the high cost of textbooks.
"The date of the Civil War hasn't changed. Robert Frost, to my knowledge, has not written new poems," he said. "So why do we need new textbooks every year?"
The bill would also encourage increased communication between faculty and publishing companies. Critics say that faculty members don't always know how much a book is going to cost when they assign it.
Committee members heard testimony from students, a parent, and representatives from publishing companies this morning. Walsh filed the legislation, which is sponsored by at least 16 legislators.
