E-textbooks are not forever. Most publishers make their academic titles available for only a semester, or a year, after which time, the digital files self-destruct.
Trends in Sales & Marketing
U. of Michigan Press Tries Short-Term Rental Option for E-Books
The Future of Textbook Publishing in the Digital Age — New Publisher Workflows
Over the past month, I have written a series of posts on the future of textbook publishing in the digital age.
Follett Higher Education Group Announces Online Textbook Rental for Independent Bookstores
(Business Wire, March 15, 2010) OAK BROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Follett is launching two new college textbook rental programs for independent bookstores: an online affiliate program powered by BookRenter’s technology platform and an in-store rental support program.
Encyclopaedia Britannica textbooks to hit Indian schools
(Sify News, March 10. 2010) Encyclopaedia Britannica textbooks and an online study module will hit Indian schools from April 2010 in four subjects - computer science, mathematics, environmental studies and general knowledge, says its president Jorge Cauz.
Law that takes effect in july aimed at controlling textbook costs
(Pittsburgh Tribune, March 8, 2010) University of Pittsburgh biology major Zach Miller plunked down well over $400 for the three textbooks he needed for the spring term.
If he can't sell the books when he's done with them, he'll probably throw them away.
Textbooks That Professors Can Rewrite Digitally
(The New York Times, February 21, 2010) Readers can modify content on the Web, so why not in books?
Vidyo Launches “VidyoCampus” Program for Higher Education
(Business Wire, February 17, 2010) HACKENSACK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vidyo®, Inc., the first company to deliver personal telepresence, today introduced the first affordable HD video conferencing and collaboration system to enable all members of a University community to communicate and collaborate quickly and naturally in HD quality via the Intern
Chegg Warns Rival BookRenter.com It Owns The Trademark To Being No. 1
(Washington Post, February 1, 2010) Who exactly is the market leader in textbook rentals is no longer just an academic debate. Online textbook rental service Chegg recently sent its rival BookRenter.co a lawyer letter (embedded below) demanding that it stop using the phrase "#1 In Textbook Rentals" on its Website.
McGraw-Hill CEO Confirms Apple Tablet, iPhone OS Based, Going to Be "Terrific"