How College Students Can Stand Up Against the Textbook Industry Monopoly

Introduction

The textbook industry has long been criticized for its exploitative practices, leaving students with hefty expenditures for educational materials. While individual purchasing choices can only go so far, there are strategies and collective efforts that college students can use to challenge this monopoly.

Organizing within the Campus

Historically, organized actions have proven effective in reducing textbook costs. In the 1980s, when the author attended a community college, students united to boycott overpriced textbooks. They brought down the profits of the campus bookstore and even organized exchanges and carpool systems to purchase books in neighboring cities.

Strategies to Employ

Discuss the Issue with Professors: Ask if you can bring up the topic during the first class. Highlight the rising textbook costs, the rapid artificial editioning, and the publishers' role in keeping student debt high. This can open up a dialogue and gain faculty support. Organize Within Student Bodies: Encourage current students to donate their books to the next students’ class. In return, they can become part of a student movement. Recommend leaving a note in their books emphasizing the importance of standing up against the textbook racket. Maintain Solidarity Between Dorms and Classrooms: Engage dorm mates in conversations and use dorm bulletin boards to spread awareness. Building a campus-wide movement can amplify efforts.

Practical Steps to Take

Beyond just organizing, there are practical steps students can take to mitigate the financial burden:

Buy Used Books: Utilize second-hand books, both physically and online. Websites like Amazon, AbeBooks, or international sellers can offer substantial savings. Use International Editions: Often, international editions are sold at much lower prices but contain the same material. Check with the professor before purchasing to ensure it aligns with the syllabus. Consider Piracy: While unethical and potentially illegal in many jurisdictions, pirating textbooks in regions where pirated copies are widely available can be an option. Always evaluate the legal and ethical implications carefully.

Conclusion

While the textbook industry may seem unassailable, concerted efforts from college students can make a significant impact. Through organizing, awareness, and action, students can fight back against the textbook racket and make education more accessible and affordable. As the author suggests, one day, students who have successfully fought this fight might even find themselves as authors, publishing textbooks for free on the internet or selling affordable physical copies through platforms like Amazon.