Who else saw the articles out yesterday about Pearson’s shift to “digital first” textbooks (EdSurge had some familiar names quoted like David Wiley and Nicole Allen)?  Pearson claims it will allow them to update content on an ongoing basis, lower cost (ave $40 USD), and  improve interactivity.   The downside is that print books will only be available via rental, averaging $60.   I question the accessibility of the ebooks – will they be permanent ownership?    While some articles point out concerns with author’s compensation under a subscription model, my first thought was of the student who will spend money on a book they can’t permanently own, share, or print off.

Pearson admits they are pushing students towards this model to lock students out of the used-book market and into a subscription model (emphasis mine): "We've changed our business model to deliver affordable, convenient and personalized digital materials to students. Our digital first model lowers prices for students and, over time, increases our revenues. By providing better value to students, they have less reason to turn to the secondary market. This will create a more predictable, visible revenue stream with a better quality of earnings that enables us to serve the needs of learners and customers more effectively."  John Fallon, CEO of Pearson, in Campus Technology

This change looks to be global, as BBC reports Pearson will roll this out in the US but will extend it to other markets include the UK.  

Cheers, Jessica

Jessica Norman, MLS eLearning Librarian, Reg Erhardt Library Liaison to: Construction, Manufacturing & Automation Specialist in: Distance Education, Open Educational Resources Book an appointment Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Stan Grad Centre, MC113 1301 – 16 Avenue NW, Calgary AB, T2M 0L4 (Office) 403.210.4073 jessica.norman@sait.ca Preferred pronoun: She/Hers/Her