Lower the Cost of Textbooks Through Institutional Agreements for E-Books

August 31, 2010 - 3:15pm | by rtbrown
Presenter(s)
Sean Schupbach (Texas A&M University-San Antonio, US)
Tracy Hurley (Texas A&M University-San Antonio, US)
Session Information
November 3, 2010 - 1:20pm
Areas of Special Interest: 
None of the above
Major Emphasis of Presentation: 
Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Institution
Session Type: 
Great Idea
Location: 
Grand Sierra C
Session Duration: 
15
Concurrent Session: 
1
Virtual Session
Abstract

A Department of Education (FIPSE) grant was funded to implement a pilot e-book & electronic resources program at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Institutional agreements with five publishing companies (to include the major educational publishing houses) to rent electronic course material at discounted prices is the cornerstone of this program. In addition, discounted institutional printing agreements provide students a low-cost option to print the e-book on demand. The program provides a win-win situation. Through the adoption of an electronic course material program, the publishers are assured that the quantity of material rented will provide a greater financial advantage over traditional, bookstore-based purchase models. Publishers realize higher profits as student fees guarantee a specified income; students benefit by the reduced price of course material (about 10% of tuition and fees) and they have access to material from the first day of class; faculty benefit through the adoption of electronic material that is more likely to engage students while ensuring their Academic Freedom; administrators benefit from a system that is setup to provide a useful tool in the assessment and retention process; and the environment benefits through this green approach which minimizes the use of print-based resources.

Extended Abstract

Attendees will benefit from this session through an exposure to an alternative model for the delivery of textbooks. The presentation will include a description of the program and its goals, the details of the institutional agreements, strategies used to achieve the program goals, and specific motivational tools implemented to provide incentives for students and faculty to adopt the program. By the conclusion of the session, particpants will be able to: 1. List the goals of this e-book program and the strategies for achieving them. 2. Describe the important components and considerations involved in developing an e-book program. 3. Identify the important components of an institutional agreement between a university and a publishing company. 4. Describe examples of how to motivate faculty and students to embrace the e-book program.