The recent article, “Terrible Textbook Trap,” (March 30) contained some misinformation regarding college textbook costs and options.

First, contrary to your article, demand for supplemental or integrated learning tools is increasing. Eighty-six percent of professors now require or recommend that students use textbooks with supplementary materials – an increase of 11 percent from 2004, according to a Zogby International study. Seventy-nine percent of these same professors believe their less-prepared students would perform better academically if the students used supplemental materials. As for new editions, 13.7 percent of all texts were revised in 2005, according to the Nebraska Book Company. Only 0.4 percent were revised after one year or less.

Also, the Zogby data show that 62 percent of instructors prefer texts and learning technologies with the most recent copyright date. According to the independent research service, Student Monitor, the average college student spent $644 on textbooks during the 2005 – 2006 academic year, a cost that has remained generally steady for the past three years. And, textbook costs account for an average of less than five percent of direct higher education costs, according to the College Board.

Additionally, publishers aren’t making a killing on textbook sales. Publishers’ income after taxes, printing, binding, paper and other expenses is about 7 percent on new book sales only. Publishers and authors make no money on the sale of used textbooks. Let’s be clear: the goal of college textbook publishers is the education of America’s students, as you clearly outline in your article. And professors agree. By a margin of 17 to 1, they told Zogby International they place more importance on the educational effectiveness of class materials than on price.

Finally, publishers are sympathetic to students’ concerns about textbook costs. That’s why they provide a variety of lower-cost options from which faculty can choose, including electronic books, black-and-white editions, custom books and abbreviated editions. These alternatives and a new and expanding range of technologies are helping more students pass their courses, stay in school and graduate sooner, saving students time and money while improving their success rates.

Stacy S. SkellyWashington D.C.