Plymouth University goes digital for better access to textbooks

Abstract

This paper describes the first part of a resources provision experiment that is currently taking place at Plymouth University; it involves the free provision of all recommended texts to first year Psychology students in digital format, supplied via the Vital Source electronic delivery platform. The university is paying a discounted price for the service by subtracting the sum negotiated from course fees. The paper draws on student feedback collected from Dr Philip Gee, the Course Director, after the first term. It places the initiative within the wider context of changes in academia and academic publishing. It is an interim account, to be followed up with a more detailed report when the project has been completed in 2014. Broadly, initial reactions from students were favourable, though some said that they would have preferred print if it had also been available free and a small minority did not like the e-book format at all.