About Textbooks
A textbook is defined as any manual of instruction in a branch of study. Textbooks have been around for approximately 50 years and today most textbooks can only be found published in printed and bound format, but increasingly the demand for electronic books in the area of textbooks continues to grow. The average student will spend approximately $850 in the first years of college on textbooks, however cheaper alternatives exist.
History of the Textbook
In ancient Greece scholars wrote texts for indication all purposes. Early textbooks were used as instructional aides mainly for those who taught themselves. New technology was introduced as the printing press evolved making books available to a wider audience. The Greeks complained that this new technology would mean stories and poems would no longer need memorization. Socrates, in particular, feared a weakened mental state as an after effect of this evolution in textbook design. Compulsory education in the European countries led to the standardization of textbooks for children. By the 19th century textbooks became the primary learning instrument in schools.
Today’s Textbook
In today’s educational institutions textbooks remain the primary educational source for students, however the days of lugging heavy, expensive books to and from class could end. The revolution of the electronic reader has begun to push into the educational sector making textbooks available in a more compact, less expensive form. This appeals greatly to students whose classes require hardbound, informational rich textbooks and those living on a very tight budget. Today more and more colleges and universities are taking a hard look at the electronic book format. A number of high schools in the United States have already dedicated their textbook format to electronic book form issuing students their own electronic readers.
Where to Find Less Expensive Textbooks
If your learning institution still depends on the traditional hardbound textbook, alternatives exist to purchasing brand new books. Investigate the following suggestions if you wish to save money on your book purchases:
- Use the books through the college bookstore
- Use textbooks through online merchandisers
- Students swap services
- Textbook exchanges online and offline
- Textbook rental programs