University of Michigan Eyes e-Books as a Way to Lower Soaring Textbook Costs

From AnnArbor.com:

The University of Michigan is considering widely embracing electronic textbooks in the coming years.

But how cost effective will a move toward the 21st century version of the classic textbook be?

U-M librarian Paul Courant estimates that a typical e-book costs between 20 and 30 percent less than its printed counterparts. But he says it’s possible to lower costs further.

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Recently released results of a new study by Daytona State College [full text below] show that while most students realize some level of cost savings when buying electronic textbooks, some e-books are nearly as expensive as traditional books.

The study found that in one economics course, e-books were generally about half as expensive as print books. In another economics class, however, the electronic version of a textbook was just $1 cheaper than its printed counterpart.

Read the Complete Article

Direct to “A Study of Four Textbook Distribution Models” (via EDUCAUSE Quarterly)

See Also: Editorial: “Online textbooks could work for California” (via LA Times)

See Also: More About eTextbooks at Daytona St. University