1. In order to promote consumer choice and lower the costs of textbooks in higher education, the general assembly intends that students enrolled in institutions of higher learning have access to appropriate textbook information prior to the start of classes, with adequate time to pursue alternative purchase avenues.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 261.7

  • Commission: means the college student aid commission. See Iowa Code 261.87
  • Internet: means the federated international system that is composed of allied electronic communication networks linked by telecommunication channels, that uses standardized protocols, and that facilitates electronic communication services, including but not limited to use of the world wide web; the transmission of electronic mail or messages; the transfer of files and data or other electronic information; and the transmission of voice, image, and video. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Student: means a person who enrolls in or seeks to enroll in a course of instruction offered or conducted by a school. See Iowa Code 261B.2
  • year: means twelve consecutive months. See Iowa Code 4.1
 2. The general assembly recommends that every public and private institution of higher education in this state, including those institutions referenced in chapters 260C and 262 and section 261.9, post the list of required and suggested textbooks for all courses and the corresponding international standard book numbers for such textbooks at least fourteen days before the start of each semester or term, to the extent possible, at the locations where textbooks are sold on campus and on the internet site for the respective institution of higher education.
 3. The college student aid commission is directed to convey the legislative intent and recommendation contained in this section to every institution of higher education in the state registered pursuant to chapter 261B at least once a year.