The publishing industry is proud of its strong history of helping students and professors throughout higher education institutions across the country.  Over the last several years this role has been evolving and, as a recent Government Accountability Office report noted, publishers are assuming greater responsibilities that have traditionally belonged to postsecondary institutions.

Substantial reductions in state subsidies have led institutions to rely on publishers to invest in and produce more textbooks, additional learning tools, class management systems, and services for faculty to help ensure students are receiving the education they deserve in this era of tighter college and universities budgets.

Recently, there has been much debate on the cost of textbooks and other learning tools available to assist students and professors.  Textbooks and the wide variety of materials developed for students and faculty are a valuable and critical component in today’s ever-changing system of higher education.

To help colleges, universities and professors provide the best resources to today’s increasingly diverse student population; more than 4,000 publishers offer more than 262,000 titles that are used in America’s post-secondary classrooms. In addition, publishers offer e-books, custom textbooks and other learning materials, such as online tutoring, interactive educational systems, and CD-ROMs with practice exams.  With textbooks, it is fair to say that you get what you pay for.  Simple black-and-white texts sell for one price; hardbound, full-color textbooks supported by sophisticated technologies sell for another.

Thank you for exploring this Association of American Publishers’ Web site.  The site offers a wide range of information and links to different sources that are helpful to those interested in learning more about college textbooks and their value.  As you can see, publishers are committed to helping meet the diverse educational needs of 21st century students and professors.

Patricia S. Schroeder
President and CEO
Association for American Publishers