Textbooks in America: A study of the increased scrutiny and debate surrounding the cost of college textbooks in America

Abstract

This paper seeks to answer two questions: why are textbooks so expensive; and what is the political process in effect as a result? This research was originally focused solely on recent legislation in the state of Washington regarding textbook affordability. However, its scope quickly expanded to include the nationwide initiatives and legislative actions that were also occurring simultaneously. The result is not meant to charade as exhaustive on the topic. In fact, it is best approached as an overview of the research I conducted, rather than a paper making any arguments either way. This paper could be useful as a fairly extensive guide for interested parties who have not followed the debate over the past decade or so.

The paper is structured in four parts. The first is an introduction to the topic and the paper. The second is an overview of the landmark reports and Federal legislative activity between 2003 and the present. The third is a brief look at state legislation, before focusing in on Michigan, and the University of Michigan campus in particular, as well as a brief examination of local campus policy movements in reaction to the ongoing debate. The fourth consists of concluding thoughts on the topic.