Why Not E-Textbooks?

Would you like to save 50 percent on textbooks?

Many students come through Logue Library's doors seeking a copy of their text book to check out. In most cases, we will only have it if a professor has placed a personal copy on reserve for you. But there may be a way to cut your textbook expenses in half.

Chestnut Hill College's bookstore already offers downloadable versions of some textbooks, ranging between 40 percent and 50 percent less than the cost of the tangible version.

But the process is not yet as easy as purchasing the book you hold in your hands.

• You have to buy them on-line (they are not offered in the bookstore just yet).
• Be sure that your PC or laptop can support the download first. Once you buy it, it's yours, whether you can use it or not.
  
• Campus computers and tech support are not available for downloading.

A survey of students on Florida college campuses showed that these cheaper e-books are not flying off the cyber shelves. Reasons like those mentioned above, plus a general lack of awareness due to poor marketing may be the reasons. See the article in the Miami Herald titled School of thought: Why aren't e-textbooks selling? for the full story. To see what Chestnut Hill College's bookstore offers in the way of e-textbooks, check out the eFollett.com website.