BookPower
How BookPower was formed?
Many higher educational institutions in the developing world base their courses on imported books because, except in India, the local market is not large enough to justify the publication of the types of books needed. These international books are very expensive. Many students cannot afford to buy their own copy. Educational libraries often only have resources to supply one copy to be shared amongst many students, or may have an out-of-date edition, which is a major drawback in rapidly changing subjects such as medicine and information technology.
BookPower was set up as a charity in December 1996 to continue the work of the previously government-funded ELBS (Educational Low-Priced Books Scheme). Following the announcement that ELBS would cease in March 1997, beneficiary countries expressed their anxiety for the future, which formed the catalyst for the formation of the charity ELST (Educational Low-Priced Sponsored Texts). This was renamed BookPower in 2002 to make its purpose clearer to potential sponsors.
BookPower’s work…
BookPower subsidised the production of specially selected, unabridged editions of international higher education textbooks. They were priced between one-fifth and one-third of the standard paperback edition prices; and sold on through book-importers in each country, allowing students and their educational institutions to access high quality books at prices they could afford. The distribution, via existing book-trade channels, also assisted the development and sustainability of the local bookselling market, promoting local trade and self-sufficiency.
BookPower’s geographical remit covered Anglophone countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian sub-continent and the Caribbean. Generally assistance was limited to countries with a per capita Gross National Income (GNI) of $1000 or less.
Books were chosen for the scheme with the assistance of academic advisers and overseas partners. Wherever possible they were already on institutional reading lists. They were printed concurrently with publishers’ own editions to reduce costs, though they had their own distinctive covers. The usefulness of all titles was monitored twice-yearly from the sales figures.
From December 1996 to July 2011 BookPower made available 794,750 copies of 44 titles in the areas of Business Studies; Engineering; Hotels, Catering and Tourism; Information Technology; Medicine and Nursing; Science; and Veterinary Medicine. Annual production has averaged around 71,000 books, with a high of nearly 103,000 in 2005. Sales averaged 68,000 p.a. in recent years, with up to 75% in any one year going to African countries.
BookPower editions achieved an impressive multiplier effect, as surveys showed that each book is owned by at least six students during its lifetime; and consulted by many others, especially if purchased for a library.
The Future…
BookPower has recently merged with Book Aid International, which will spend the balance of BookPower funds on the purchase and donation of higher education textbooks. No further books will be subsidized. The publishers’ own international student editions and special pricing will continue to be too expensive for the low-income countries served by BookPower. The demand for BookPower editions grew steadily during the lifetime of the scheme, especially when new titles and subjects were introduced. There is no doubt that the same level need will continue for many years yet, and without support, these needs will not be met in any satisfactory way. Help us to continue the valuable work of BookPower, get in touch today!
Valerie Teague, Chief Executive, BookPower
The Archbishop of York has been Patron of BookPower since 2006.