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NEWS
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News Release |
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BGSU offers digital textbooks as part of pilot program BOWLING GREEN, O.—Instead of lugging heavy textbooks around in their backpacks, some Bowling Green State University students
may simply log on to their computers to do their reading assignments this fall. The University Bookstore has been chosen as
one of 10 bookstores nationally to provide downloadable digital textbooks to college students.
The cost-saving alternative, created by MBS Textbook Exchange in partnership with a group of major textbook publishers, was
first launched by Princeton University and several other universities earlier this month.
The Universal Digital Textbook program offers students the opportunity to save up to one-third of the new book price and the
convenience of downloading textbooks in an electronic format. For instance, a new book would sell for $100; that same book
used would sell for $75, and the digital textbook version would sell for approximately $66.
Seventy-three individual sections of 20 BGSU courses have a digital textbook option fall semester. The course subjects range
from philosophy to business to math. University Bookstore staff have been preparing informational and promotional materials
for the return of students this weekend, said Jeff Nelson, bookstore director.
The new program adds another option for students purchasing textbooks, according to Nelson.
“While students had only two choices before—new and used print—they now have three with the digital version. BGSU is very
interested in investigating any option that could reduce the high cost of course materials for students beyond the traditional
printed book and the option of used books and book buyback. Depending upon the student, their comfort level with or access
to technology, this option could be appealing,” he added.
The textbooks are available to students as cards, similar to electronic gift cards and phone service cards, according to MBS
Textbook Exchange, the program’s organizer. Students who choose to purchase a Universal Digital Textbook will present the
card to the cashier, who activates it by swiping it at the register. The student can then download the textbook on his or
her home or laptop computer.
The Adobe Reader software used to access the individual books includes many built-in interactive features, including document
searching and printing, highlighting, underlining, note-taking and read-aloud capability, and is available as a free download.
The books are formatted and copy-protected using Adobe technology. To prevent piracy, the downloads have an expiration date
so that the books may not be sold or transferred to other students.
Universal Digital Textbooks is offering approximately 30 titles this semester, with hopes of adding more in the future. In
addition to BGSU and Princeton, the digital textbooks are available this fall at the universities of Oregon and Utah, Morehead
State University, California State University at Fullerton, Portland Community College and Georgetown College, and at privately
owned stores serving West Virginia State and Louisiana State universities.
Since the digital textbooks are completely new to the collegiate marketplace, Nelson said, the next steps involve listening
to the students’ feedback and, based upon what is heard during the pilot program, making improvements for future semesters.
“I am pleased that BGSU can be one of the voices during this pilot, to help give direction to the future of the electronic
textbook,” Nelson said.
But he added, “the digital textbook is a supplement to, not a replacement for, a traditional print textbook. New and used
print versions of textbooks are in no danger of being removed from bookstore shelves. Digital textbooks exist as an alternative
for students looking for an electronic, interactive learning experience that can also be portable when used with a laptop
computer.”
(Posted August 18, 2005 )
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