KU News Release

KU Bookstores implements cost-saving measures for students buying textbooks

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students saved an average of $25 on textbooks for the 2007-08 academic year because of improvements made by KU Bookstores with help from the Textbook Task Force.

The Textbook Task Force — comprised of students, faculty and staff — formed during the 2006-07 academic year. One of the task force’s recommendations that KU Bookstores is exploring is working with academic departments sooner to identify course materials for upcoming semesters. This can help lower costs of course materials and supplies and can allow time to find alternative mediums to traditional hardbound textbooks.

Last year, KU Bookstores increased the availability of used books in its inventory from 30 percent to 45 percent. KU Bookstores also offers a 5 percent discount to students who pre-order their textbooks, which saves students time and money and helps KU Bookstores more efficiently maintain inventory and keep costs down.

KU Bookstores continues to explore ways to help students save money, including establishing partnerships with several campus units to offer electronic resources and course materials and help students identify resources and course materials available for free. An advisory committee will meet each semester after students have received their textbooks to review and plan improvements for the next semester. Also, the University Registrar will provide KU Bookstores with enrollment numbers by course section so a more accurate supply of textbooks will be available.

“If this continues, the KU Bookstores will save KU students up to $1 million this year,” said Steve Rhodes, director of KU Bookstores.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.