One of the proposed solutions suggested to address the textbook affordability issue. Various states, including Illinois have evaluated the feasibility of establishing textbook rental programs as a way to help students better afford higher education. Many of the UW System colleges and comprehensive universities, including UW Eau Claire have textbook rental programs. Studies, like the one done by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, have focused on universities providing textbook rentals. This upcoming academic year will see publishers getting into the act. A recent New York Times article reports on this new development. Maybe this provides an answer to publishers who view the used textbook market as a threat to their business and students who see that market as their best source for recooping their textbook costs.
