October 7, 2008
Departments asked to submit information for textbook Web site
The Office of the Provost is asking all academic departments to assist with a Purdue Web site that provides students with a comprehensive listing of textbooks needed for upcoming classes.
Departments are being asked to post a list of the textbooks needed for the spring 2009 semester on their own home pages. Once the information is posted, they should submit a link or URL address for the list to Connie Washburn at washburn@purdue.edu.
The provost's office requests that departments submit the information by Oct. 31. The links will be used on the textbook Web site, www.purdue.edu/textbooks.
The site is a joint effort by the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Student Services and Purdue Student Government. Since going live in April, the site has received more than 11,200 hits.
"Purdue’s online textbook listings provide a way to save substantial amounts of money by allowing students to buy textbooks utilizing free market competition," says PSG senator Justin Nelson. "This substantial decrease in costs benefits low-income students, many of whom must work through college and have substantial debt."
Lee Gordon, assistant vice president for student services technology and assessment, says the site puts Purdue ahead of new requirements within the Higher Education Opportunity Act for institutions to disclose textbook information.
"We will be able to fine-tune our process before this requirement goes into effect on July 1, 2010," Gordon says.