How much do you think is reasonable to spend on course materials (texts, readings packages, etc) per course?
Total Respondents: 12699
| $75-$100 |  |
9830 | 77% |
| $100-$125 | |
1473 | 12% |
| $125-$150 | |
311 | 2% |
| I don't mind spending more than $150, as long as the prof uses it | |
1085 | 9% |
Do you use the companion web resources listed in many textbooks?
Total Respondents: 3197
| Yes, valuable resources | |
318 | 10% |
| Yes, from time to time as a study aid | |
935 | 29% |
| No, waste of my valuable time | |
1381 | 43% |
| Never heard of a companion website | |
563 | 18% |
What do you do with your textbook after the class is over?
Total Respondents: 6948
| I sell it at Buyback | |
2204 | 32% |
| I keep it for reference | |
3564 | 51% |
| I give it away | |
169 | 2% |
| Nothing -- it's still in the backseat of my car | |
1011 | 15% |
What would you think of using a softbound textbook (paperback) instead of a hardcover?
Total Respondents: 10648
| I would prefer it at the same price, it would make my backpack lighter | |
388 | 4% |
| I would expect it to be 10% cheaper | |
1463 | 14% |
| I would expect it to be 30% cheaper | |
8128 | 76% |
| I love the hardcover; it's worth any amount | |
669 | 6% |
What is the most important feature of a required Textbook?
Total Respondents: 7543
| Price | |
3369 | 45% |
| Content | |
1099 | 15% |
| Contemporary (current) | |
228 | 3% |
| Uses in Class | |
2322 | 31% |
| Examples and Support Materials | |
525 | 7% |
What motivates the publishing of a new edition?
Total Respondents: 6415
| The need for current information | |
984 | 15% |
| Competing textbooks and teaching approaches | |
345 | 5% |
| Shameless cash grab designed to eliminate the use of used books | |
5086 | 79% |
How valuable were the elements contained in your Textbook Value Pack
Total Respondents: 1998
| Represented solid value and savings | |
70 | 4% |
| Reasonable value, worth the upgrade in price over a used copy | |
154 | 8% |
| Not worth the money or the weight | |
870 | 44% |
| I am certain the extra money it cost me was of great value to the Bookstore and publisher | |
904 | 45% |
How much of your required textbook do you actually use?
Total Respondents: 9339
| Over 75% | |
1429 | 15% |
| 50-75% | |
2666 | 29% |
| under 50% | |
2334 | 25% |
| So little I am upset it was made a required reading | |
2910 | 31% |
What is the preferred alternative to purchasing a new Textbook?
Total Respondents: 7920
| Used Book | |
6284 | 79% |
| Share Books with friends or use library | |
535 | 7% |
| Photocopies | |
645 | 8% |
| Do without | |
456 | 6% |
Do you use the CD that accompanies many textbooks?
Total Respondents: 6183
| yes, very helpful resource | |
493 | 8% |
| yes, has some value as a study aide | |
1042 | 17% |
| no, has some value as a beer mat/coaster | |
1009 | 16% |
| no, irritated at the ploy to raise prices | |
3639 | 59% |
Daily Poll Sponsored by Books That Matter
