Katerina Toutoudaki argues that we’re spending enough already. From the University of Kent’s inQuire:

A recent study published by NUS and CourseSmart, finds 81% of UK university students would like to see textbooks as part of fees. The conclusion of the study is certainly justified given the recent rise of tuition fees as well as hidden costs that still remain and add to the exorbitant new price tag of higher education.

Each student invests a minimum of £50 per term towards suggested reading implements. This amount, while not extortionate, is rather significant alongside the cost of extra equipment, material and printing that might be required. Considering that textbooks’ prices can range anything from £20 to £50 we might assume that students’ wish for books to be part of the package does not lie solely upon the newly introduced fees. Students have always been victims of an exclusive market that charges consumers as sees fit in absence of competition…

Full story here.