| Motion: |
2005-Nov. -#04 |
| Topic: |
Rising Cost of Textbooks |
| Proposed by: |
Planning, Programs, and Administration & Academic Freedom and Tenure Cmte |
| Disposition: |
Adopted 11/05 |
WHEREAS, a basic tenet of academic freedom is that the faculty member should be the person who selects the books and other materials appropriate to his/her course,
WHEREAS, students report spending up to $500 per semester on textbooks (UNC 2005),
WHEREAS, students derive substantial cost savings for textbooks though purchase of used textbooks and timely adoption of texts by faculty, and
WHEREAS, faculty practices and campus policies influence textbook selection and purchases,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that campuses address rising textbook costs by implementing practices such as:
- Form collaborative committees of Bookstore staff, faculty, and students to examine policies and promote best practices regarding textbook adoptions, orders, purchases and rentals.
- Conduct extensive campaigns to inform faculty of alternatives, such as digitized materials licensed for campus use.
- Consider increased textbook costs associated with bundled materials, new editions with minimal new information, and late orders.
- Develop multiple strategies to promote timely textbook adoptions through such mechanisms as website, email, phone, fax, and on-site orders.
- Consider adoption of electronic textbooks if it is cost- effective.
Be it further resolved that campus bookstores take advantage of the revised Umstead Act that permits competitive pricing practices for educational purposes.
Be it further resolved that campuses document and disseminate financial outcomes for cost savings measures that have been implemented.
Unanimously adopted by the UNC Faculty Assembly, November 2005.