Digital textbooks allow libraries to take a more active role in the textbook market
University at Buffalo Libraries program that makes electronic textbooks, also known as e-textbooks or digital textbooks, available to hundreds of students at no cost. The effort, which has the potential to save students money and boost their grades, reflects changing dynamics that make it easier for university libraries provide textbooks to students.
He signed up for the e-textbook program this semester and liked what he saw. UB Libraries buys access to the textbooks and makes them available online via computer, tablet, smartphone or e-reader to students.
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| Darwinson Valdez |
“A lot of the books that I needed were available,” Valdez said. “I think I probably saved $200 this semester.”
UB Libraries launched the program last fall by offering e-textbooks in five courses. Roughly 800 students participated. It switched gears this semester, opening the program to roughly 300 students in the university’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which supports students who have educational, economic or personal hardships.
According to a 2008 report from the New York State Comptroller’s office, freshmen in New York’s public colleges and universities pay $400 to $800 each semester for textbooks. Other studies suggest that 70 percent of college students have, at some point, decided against purchasing a textbook due to its cost, and that 15 percent do not buy textbooks at all.
The e-textbook program is part of an in-house grant initiative at UB started by President Satish K. Tripathi called the “3 E Fund” – the “3 E’s” stand for excellence, engagement and efficiency. The grant program, which funds everything from bioinformatics research to creating a center for excellence in writing, aims to make UB one of the nation’s premier public research universities.
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