SOURCE: Simba Information

 

STAMFORD, CT--(Marketwire - August 21, 2008) - Although new and used textbooks dominate the higher education instructional materials scene, the rising trend is in multimedia tools -- particularly for homework assistance and assessment, according to "College Publishing Market Forecast 2008-2009," the latest report from media industry forecast and analysis firm Simba Information. Publishers are finding that the appeal of digital tools is sparking interest in e-textbooks, the report says.

Overall, sales of new college textbooks continue to grow at a steady pace, despite growth in sales of used textbooks, with sales of new college textbooks projected to increase almost 4% to $3.6 billion in 2008.

While Simba projects annual growth for new textbook sales will continue in the 4% range through 2011, sales of used textbooks, which have been increasing about 15% a year, should begin to level out over the next several years. One reason is that students' flirtation with electronic textbooks appears to be taking hold, in part, because students and instructors are embracing digital content tools, said Kathy Mickey, senior analyst/managing editor of Simba's Education Group.

"Sales of unbundled multimedia materials account for less than 4% of the total $9.4 billion higher education instructional materials market, but the segment is growing at a compound annual growth rate of more than 11%," Mickey said. "Multimedia materials have the greatest potential to change the perception of instructional materials in the college market, to change the concept of a textbook and to change how content is used in college courses."

"College Publishing Market Forecast 2008-2009" provides an in-depth assessment of the higher education publishing industry, including the critical segments of new and used textbooks, multimedia materials and custom publishing, as well as marketing and distribution and strategic analyses of leading college publishers, distributors and retailers. The report includes detailed analysis of textbook sales in the 10 leading college disciplines based on sales data collected by R.R. Bowker's PubTrack Higher Education.

The new report also examines market factors such as enrollment and funding and three important niche segments: community colleges, career-oriented institutions and distance learning. Additional information about the report, and how to order it, can be found at www.simbainformation.com or by calling 888-29-SIMBA.

About Simba Information:

Simba Information is widely recognized as the leading authority for market intelligence in the media and publishing industry. Simba's extensive information network delivers top quality, independent perspective on the people, events and alliances shaping the media and information industry. Simba publishes newsletters and research reports that provide key decision-makers at more than 15,000 client companies around the globe with timely news, analysis, exclusive statistics and proprietary industry forecasts. For more information, please visit www.simbainformation.com.