Downloading textbooks?
I was listening to NPR 
the other day and heard this story about students downloading their textbooks from the Internet. It's not legal — similar to downloading music from unauthorized places — you can't just take copyrighted material without paying for it.
Downloading books is something that never occurred to my 37-year-old self, but I can understand the temptation. I've written before about the expense of college textbooks. And again this semester, my stepdaughter spent about $540 on her books.
Making textbooks available electronically makes sense to me. It would save trips to the bookstore, reduce paper waste, and relieve students of having to lug around (and store) heavy books.
Based on the article, it sounds like some publishers are beginning to offer digital versions of their textbooks at discounted prices.
Is this something you would consider instead of purchasing books the traditional way?
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Comments (2)
Found in College, Paying, Saving, Shopping, Wells Fargo Bank
Comments
I took an English Writing INtensive course this past summer and our text book, although in the traditional format was cheaper to get a digital version. The option I chose was for me to view it on any computer, instead of just my own computer. With me being so used to the traditional text book, it took some getting used to. Although it was cheaper, I'd still prefer an actual text book. HOwever, if there was supplemental information that went along with my textbook, I could go for that. Its just, its much easier having something tangible when studying or reading up for an assignment. I can only look at a screen for so long before I can't handle it anymore...
Posted by: JR | September 16, 2008 11:44 AM
@JR -- I have to agree, I couldn't imagine trying to do all my reading for a class on a computer screen!
Posted by: Caroline Hanson | September 16, 2008 01:52 PM