October 14, 2005

Fewer Pages, Cheaper Textbooks

To the Editor:

I have taught at two- and four-year institutions, and I believe there are other factors in rising textbook prices ("Report Blames Add-Ons for Rise in Textbook Prices," The Chronicle, September 2). They include an inordinate number of "add ins": help boxes, marginal items, and the like. ... A fair number of students have said that they find these items to be more distracting than helpful.

Additionally, a large number of pages are devoted to how much improved and