Used textbook sales force publishers to raise prices

Editor,

Students have the power to decrease the cost of textbooks. They should not have to depend on ASUNM, the UNM Bookstore or the textbook fairy to solve the problem. To reap the rewards of cheaper textbooks, just follow this simple plan: Stop buying used textbooks.

Believe it or not, it is that simple. The used textbook market drives up the price of new textbooks, because the publishers do not make money off the sale of used textbooks. In fact, they lose money every time a used book is sold. So they try creative things like issuing new editions to make money. And we all know that new editions rarely add anything new besides a fancy new cover and date.

However, this does not help them make that much money in the long run. By refusing to buy used textbooks, the publishers will no longer have to charge so much to recoup their losses, and they will pass on the savings

to you.

So, the next time your friend asks you if he or she can borrow a book for a class you've already taken, you know what to say.

Steven J. Aragon

UNM student