A Cover to Cover Solution: How Open Textbooks are the Path to Textbook Affordability

"The Student PIRGs conducted this study to evaluate the long-term potential of these new [free and affordable] options as solutions to the high cost of textbooks....Our study found that students are willing to purchase print copies and other optional items, even though the full text of open textbooks is free online. The sale of such products could serve as the foundation of innovative business models for publishers....Recommendations: [1] Publishers should develop new models that can produce high quality books without imposing excessive costs on students. The emergence of open textbook publishers such as Flat World Knowledge proves this is possible. [2] Faculty should seek, consider and adopt open textbooks and other affordable alternatives whenever possible. [3] Colleges and governments should invest in the creation of more open textbooks and the innovation of sustainable models. [4] Students should take action against high costs by spreading the word about open textbooks to their faculty, campuses and communities."