Anonymous Patron writes “The ChronicleOf Higher Ed [sorry, subscription only] says online textbooks are in their infancy, but anecdotal evidence, and at least one survey suggest that publishers might have their work cut out for them as they push for a switch from print to pixels.
In the past year, several major publishers have started promoting online versions of their textbooks. But some consumer advocates say online textbooks are no bargain, and that students give up a great deal of freedom in going digital because of the many restrictions publishers put on e-books, such as use of copy-protection software.
They note several advantages for publishers at the expense of consumers. Ebooks would eliminate the used-book market and that form of competition, and ebooks would also give publishers a lot more control over the marketplace. But the limitations of online textbooks could keep them from catching on in a major way, critics say.”
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