Will Library E-Books Help Solve the Textbook Affordability Issue? Using Textbook Adoption Lists to Target Collection Development. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rokusek, Steve; Cooke, Rachel
• Is Part Of: Reference librarian. Volume 60:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 181
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Textbooks -- textbook affordability -- e-books -- collection development -- students -- librarians -- higher education; Reference services (Libraries) -- Periodicals; Library administration -- Periodicals; 025.5205
• DOI: 10.1080/02763877.2019.1584597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3877

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In response to rising textbook costs, many have urged adoption of open educational resources (OER) for students. However, library-owned e-books also provide free access to students, without the potential disadvantages of OER. In this study the authors explore the suitability of e-books as textbooks by examining the social sciences textbook list in Fall 2017 at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Overall, 18% of the textbooks were available as a multi-user format and this rate increased with course level. Despite their limited availability, multi-user e-books provide a free, convenient option for students, and they may play a role in the textbook affordability solution.