Iowa Universities Feel Pinch of Online Book Sales

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jul 7, 2009 at 8:40 AM CST

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2009 at 4:15 PM CST

IOWA CITY (AP) - Textbooks sales are down at two of Iowa's three public universities as students surf the Internet for cheaper copies.

Since 2002, the University of Iowa's bookstore has sold 35 percent fewer books as students go online to buy used books from other students and find other deals. Sales at the Iowa State University fell 10 percent over the past seven years.

The University of Northern Iowa doesn't have a school-run bookstore.

Iowa and ISU are fighting the online trend by emphasizing the convenience of campus stores. They're also testing digital textbooks that can be read on computers. They cost about 40 percent less than hard copies.

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