New Online From SPARC: Automatic Textbook Billing Contract Library

Today, SPARC released a new resource to help equip institutions to examine the fine print behind automatic textbook billing programs, also known as “Inclusive Access.” The Automatic Textbook Billing Contract Library offers a structured analysis of more than 70 contracts with major vendors obtained through public records requests from 37 institutions in 24 states. The original contracts and their analysis is now available for download on the SPARC website.

SPARC began developing this resource in response to our increasing concern over the growth of “Inclusive Access,” a model designed to automatically charge students for digital textbooks through tuition and fees. Major publishers and bookstore chains have been marketing this model in the name of textbook affordability, but there are widespread concerns over the short-term and long-term negative repercussions for students.

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