Textbook resolution adopted by Faculty Assembly in November 2005

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.