Faculty committee discusses textbook changes

A committee met today to discuss the faculty's textbook selections for next semester.

By Belinda Kocen

Published Nov. 6, 2008

The number of textbook requests turned in this year from faculty members is up 34 percent from last year.

Last year only 40 percent of all textbook requests were turned in for the 2008 Spring semester, Student Auxiliary Services spokeswoman Michelle Froese said. This year the number rose to 70 percent of all textbook adoption forms being turned in by the deadline last Friday or slightly afterwards.

"We are all really excited about reaching 74 percent," Froese said, referring to the number of requests that have been turned in by faculty.

Early textbook requests from faculty members allow the University Bookstore to buy more used books, which are generally cheaper for students.

The Course Materials Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. today in Brady Commons. Its next step will be to start analyzing the data regarding the textbook adoptions. Froese said faculty will start looking at which departments or specific courses have not turned in their textbook requisitions.

On top of that, the committee will also look at which faculty has ordered new editions of textbooks for their courses. The committee also will look into which faculty will be using bundles in their courses. Bundles are textbooks that have accompanying supplemental materials such as CD-ROMs or workbooks. These are often the most expensive textbooks.

The committee planned to talk about textbook publisher guidelines at the meeting today. Froese said Director of Retail Services Sherry Pollard will also be demonstrating a new faculty adoption software she plans to put into use soon. The software will allow faculty members to see the changes that new editions of the textbooks will offer before they request the book. Also on the agenda are packets and pricing for textbook materials as well as some royalty commission.

The committee also plans to discuss starting a rental program. Froese said the idea of a rental program is certainly on the committee's long-term agenda.