The article ("Check it out: University needs textbook rental system," Sept.13) fails to provide an accurate view of textbook options and costs. Today's college student has more textbook options then ever before. Publishers are attentive to student concerns about higher education costs and have responded by introducing lower cost options including electronic books, loose-leaf editions, black-and-white editions, abbreviated texts, textbooks by the chapter and customized editions.

Publishers are also on the forefront of incorporating new technologies into educational materials. New textbook features include online study guides such as interactive tutorials, video lectures, practice quizzes, tutoring and study centers. E-books are also a great opportunity for students to save money and contribute to environmental efforts by eliminating waste.

The process of textbook pricing also needs to be clarified. There are many factors contributing to textbook costs including paper and ink, transportation, taxes and most importantly, the cost of paying authors, experts, editors, researchers and designers for their work. After all these considerations, publishers' income is only about 7 percent.

Publishers share the common goal of helping students succeed and are committed to working with students, parents and university members to make this goal a reality.

Stacy Skelly
Assistant director for Higher Education
Association of American Publishers