TAA Action Issues

TAA releases article that debunks the top 7 myths regarding textbook costs
by Kim Pawlak

Students' purchase of used textbooks, and more recently, the theft of new textbooks via downloads at file sharing websites, is based on misinformation about how textbook publishing works, how professors choose textbooks, the business practices of book resellers, and the motivations of authors who write textbooks, said Richard Hull, executive director of the Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA).

TAA recently interviewed publishers, professors and authors as a way to set straight the top myths regarding textbook costs.

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Stomp the Comp!
TAA's fight against the sale of complimentary copies

Since its inception in 1987, TAA members have held the problems of complimentary copies and used textbooks to be among the most worrisome and aggravating ones of the profession.

More info on Stomp the Comp efforts

Florida 'Textbook Affordability Bill' includes language regarding comp copy sales

Due in part to the efforts of TAA and its members, Florida's HB603 "Textbook Affordability Bill" has been amended by Representative Anitere Flores to include language regarding the sale of complimentary copies. 

The bill was amended to include the following: "These materials may not be sold for any type of compensation if they are specifically marked as free samples not for resale."

"While this means that comp copies that are not specifically marked as 'free samples not for resale' can still be sold, on the whole, our effort to modify Florida's comp copy law was a reasonable success," said TAA Executive Director Richard Hull. "Now it is up to publishers to make sure comp copies are appropriately marked."

For more information on the bill and TAA member efforts: Click here