Plymouth University goes digital for better access to textbooks

Authors

  • Linda Bennett Proprietor Gold Leaf

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21100/compass.v4i7.83

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.

Author Biography

Linda Bennett, Proprietor Gold Leaf

Linda Bennett is the proprietor of Gold Leaf, a small consultancy which advises publishers, academics, librarians and others in the publishing and academic communities on electronic publishing, especially in the academic field.  She was formerly Business Development Director at Waterstone’s and MBA Course Director at the University of Huddersfield.  She is a Visiting Research Fellow at Huddersfield University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of the West of England.

References

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Hockings, C. (2010) Inclusive learning and Teaching: Research Synthesis. York: Higher Education Academy.

Jamali, H.R, Nicholas, D. and Rowlands, I. (2009). ‘Scholarly e-books: the views of 16,000 academics: Results from the JISC National E-Book Observatory’, Aslib Proceedings, 61(1), 33-47. Available at: 10.1108/00012530910932276 (accessed 17 May 2012).

Lam, P.; Lam, S. L.; Lam, J.; and McNaught, C.(2009). ‘Usability and usefulness of eBooks on PPCs: How students’ opinions vary over time’, Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 25(1), 30-44.

Compass: The Journal of Learning and Teaching

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Published

06/30/2013

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 7 (2013): Compass: The Journal of Learning and Teaching

Section

Case Studies

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