I don't have quite the same concern for publishers (and the argument that selling these books back in the market results in higher prices for our students). What causes the higher prices for our students is the ludicrous publishing practice of unnecessarily producing new editions every two years mainly for the purpose of destroying the used book market. In recent semester more and more of my students have been inquiring whether they can use a three or four year old edition instead of the current one that is listed on my syllabus. I have come around to accommodating them. It results in a slight change in the way I teach my class (e.g. not nearly as many specific references to cases in the book and more reliance on classic examples and my own discussion problems). 



I agree it is unethical to sell these books. I don't ordinarily sell examination copies; I have given many away to libraries, prisons, etc. Among other things, I don't want to diminish the new book royalties of the authors. I will confess, however, that I recently sold a couple of unsolicited books that were authored by "a former ALSB member". 



Murray Levin



University of Kansas



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	-----Original Message----- 

	From: Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) Talk on behalf of Marsnik, Susan J. 

	Sent: Wed 10/27/2004 2:09 PM 

	To: [log in to unmask] 

	Cc: 

	Subject: Re: Ethics of Selling Complimentary Textbooks

	

	

	As far as I know, we don't have a policy.  I do feel quite strongly about selling examination copies, whether solicited or unsolicited.  I can't do it.  I spent eight years of my life before becoming an attorney working in the college textbook industry...so, my strong opinion on the subject come from that perspective.  From a business standpoint, selling examination copies has a direct impact on the cost of textbooks for students:  the more examination copies that make it into the "used book" system prior to the first semester the book is available from the publisher, the bigger the impact on the price of the book. What I do with them is:  (A)  first notify the rep that (s)he may come and collect them, (B)  give them to students who are interested, (C) donate them (one of my favorite places is to the state prison system)

	 

	Susan



		-----Original Message-----

		From: laurie lucas [mailto:[log in to unmask]]

		Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 1:29 PM

		To: [log in to unmask]

		Subject: Re: Ethics of Selling Complimentary Textbooks

		

		



		Some of the faculty here donate the money they receive from selling complimentary textbooks to a book scholarship fund that the school of business then distributes to business students based on need.  I think this is one good way to deal with any conflict of interest.  



		Laurie Lucas



		 



		 



		-----Original Message-----

		From: Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) Talk [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ginger, Laura

		Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 1:24 PM

		To: [log in to unmask]

		Subject: Re: Ethics of Selling Complimentary Textbooks



		 



		I do not know if IU has a policy on this, but I can check.  As for the second question, I think it is highly unethical to sell books that I get for free. I won't let those textbook buyers into my office, and the secretaries have been told to keep them away from me when they pop in.  I think they are in a disgusting business.



		 



		If I get unsolicited textbooks, and no one in the department wants to use them, and I don't want to use them, I donate them.  We have a librarian who has connections to impoverished colleges and universities around the world and he sends the books along to them.  I would not dream of selling them and keeping or using the money myself.



		Laura



			-----Original Message-----

			From: Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB) Talk [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Keith Maxwell

			Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2004 1:04 PM

			To: [log in to unmask]

			Subject: Ethics of Selling Complimentary Textbooks



			ALSBers,



			 



			My personal policy is not to deal with those used book buyers that are constantly darkening my door, but I find it interesting that the Executive Ethics Board for the State of Washington issued an opinion last year that prohibits faculty at state schools from selling examination copies of textbooks they received free from publishers. The opinion does not rely on any general moral principles, but is essentially an interpretation of a number of Washington statutes. 



			 



			This prompts me to ask two questions: (1) Do any of your universities (public or private) or departments prohibit you from selling textbooks you received free from publishers? (2) Do you think that selling them violates any universal moral principles? 



			 



			Thanks,



			 



			Keith



			 



			 



			ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

			Keith A. Maxwell

			Nat S. and Marian W. Rogers Professor   

			Professor of Legal Studies and Ethics

			School of Business and Leadership

			University of Puget Sound

			Tacoma, WA 98416

			Office Phone: 253.879.3703

			www.ups.edu/faculty/maxwell/home.htm

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