Monday, September 24, 2012

Where Will Textbooks Take Us Next?


By Shelby Hudak, Account Executive


I can remember just three years ago when I was purchasing my textbooks for my first semester at college. And now, just three years later, it fascinates me how buying textbooks has changed.

Back in 2009, my freshman year,  I wasn’t even aware textbooks were available to rent online. I remember the A.S. bookstore being jam-packed with students and the “TextLink” pick-up line being extremely long. 

My second semester of freshman year I overheard people talking about a book rental site called Chegg, but I was not convinced enough to try it.

Now as a senior, I look back on my freshman year and tell myself how crazy I was for spending $100 on a textbook from the bookstore, when I could have rented it for $30 or $40 at an online book rental site such as bookrenter.com or half.com.

In my opinion, renting textbooks online is the most popular way students are getting their textbooks. I don’t think this will be the case forever, or even in the next five to 10 years. I believe there will be another huge shift in the textbook industry and students’ buying habits will shift to e-books. 

Forbes says students are in no hurry to follow the e-book trend. My prediction, however, is that textbook publishing companies will adapt and create e-books that students actually want to use, and the industry of e-books will flourish. 

We live in an exciting and evolving world that makes me eager about what technology will bring for future textbooks.

3 comments:

  1. This is SO true! I am so glad I learned about other sites! Especially since some books for general ed are so expensive and I have never used any of those again!

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  2. I've literally saved hundreds of dollars by avoiding our bookstore and buying my textbooks on Amazon.com. I also think the e-books industry will grow, especially if they start making even more easy-to-read screens like Kindle has. Great blog!

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  3. It seems like the only times we buy books from the bookstore anymore is if they're NOT available cheaper elsewhere! Great blog Shelby! I know I really love my e-books, my kindle is so convenient!

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