Textbook Bundling & Customization: Is There Value?

Testimonials

The following are excerpts from actual correspondence between university professors and bookstore managers.

From (bookstore manager)
To: (professor)

Hello, Professor ________,

My name is _________ and I am the Manager of _______ Bookstore. I would like to clarify your pre-session and 5-week session textbook order. The information I received from the ________ Bookstore shows that the textbook for ______ 215, sections 301,501,601, is a "packaged" textbook which includes "INFOTRK." As you probably know, INFOTRK is nothing more than a piece of cardboard with web access information on it shrink-wrapped in with a new textbook. Publishers have been pushing such "packages" which prevents students from buying used textbooks. Is the INFOTRK required? If not, I will try to obtain as many used books for the students as possible including buying them back from the Spring Semester students.

I am not trying to influence your textbook decision and if it is required, I will gladly order the "package" for your students. I just want to bring this to your attention and make sure the added "INFOTRK" is necessary.

Thank you
________

From: (professor)
To: (bookstore manager)
In response to above:

Professor ______ responded by phone that the INFOTRK was of no use but the CD was marginally of use. If a student came to him and said he didn't get a CD, he puts the stuff they need on a website called "blackboard." "Buy 'em back!" he says.