Textbook publishing houses and distributors have purchasing models that conflict with the goals of academic library systems.The library seeks to provide access as widely as possible, whereas textbook companies want to limit access to a single student. In fact, many e-textbooks are now further limiting access to single students by requiring a non-transferable, faculty issued, key code for access to their e-textbooks.
E-textbooks cannot be purchased by academic libraries because the licenses do not allow links to the books through the library catalog. It is possible for the library to purchase a physical copy of a textbook, to put on course reserve, but it is not economically possible to purchase more than a single physical copy.
To keep students' costs down, faculty can make required reading of books that are not published as textbooks, or use open-source textbooks and resources. Note that Amazon's mass market Kindle e-books also cannot be purchased by libraries for access online because of licensing restrictions.
If you are uncertain about the publishing model for a particular book, contact Mary Atwell at x3933 or atwell@hood.edu.
Many e-textbooks are available through multiple vendors, but some e-textbooks are only available through the publisher, purchased from the publisher's website.
An advantage with e-textbooks is the cost structure. Many e-textbooks can be rented, as well as purchased. Popular rental periods include: 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 180 days. The rental process for e-textbooks is even easier than renting a physical copy, as there is no returning the material.
A disadvantage with e-textbooks is the ability to read them thoroughly. If you don't like reading on a screen, make sure you have permission to print pages from your rented e-textbook before purchasing. Searching in the Help section of the vendor's website will help you determine whether or not you can print pages.
Sample e-textbook vendors, for renting and/or purchasing:
Use to search for open access academic and peer-reviewed books.
OA peer-reviewed textbooks, available to improve learning outcomes for students. Educational initiative based at Rice University.