[jdshaffer]

English teacher here, working in Japan teaching English as a Foreign Language.

I would LOVE to use free textbooks and older books. I try to do so as much as possible. But the real problem (for me at least), is how can I get a copy for all of my students? I can't afford to print them all a copy of old stuff, and after about 5-10 years, the publishers stop printing the older books!

I came across this problem big time this school year -- planned on using a book I love and have been using for 10 years old to be told last minute it's now OUT OF PRINT. (It was in print just 6 months ago). sigh

Old is OK in many places, but only if you can get 50-100 copies of it each semester / year...

[_tom_]

Open source textbooks are available and usable online for free. Why do you need printed copies?

Frequently, open source textbooks can also be printed on demand for much less than the cost of a new textbook, in any quantity. If you can afford new books, you can certainly afford printed old books.

“Out of print” is largely an outdated term, except for small print run books. If they sold well new, they should be available used, in quantity. Especially if you are only replacing lost or damaged books.

Project Gutenberg has many old books online and you can get them printed.