The ability to digitize library collections, especially textbooks, is a relatively new development, becoming widely used in the early 2010s (Raschke, G. 2011). Separate from eBooks or online journals, digitized textbooks can be a part of a library database or they can be a scan of a textbook physically owned by the library. The ability to view academic textbooks online has many positive implications for students.
One of the most important benefits of digital textbooks is that it can help college students save money by accessing the textbook through a school account. Physical textbooks can be incredibly expensive for students to buy, but libraries tend to carry reserve copies of required materials. Libraries with an abundant need for specific texts may elect to scan their reserve copies so that students can access them from any device for free, which can save them between $50 and $250 according to an article titled "OSU developing OA E-textbooks: libraries help to save students money" (Chant, I. 2014). The savings potential for digital textbooks helps address the major issue of lack of access to affordable textbook options. Many scholarly resources are locked behind a paywall, but libraries can break down that paywall through digitization.
Another major benefit of digital textbooks is that students can use free resources without having to travel. According to the article "Water on a hot skillet: textbooks, open educational resources, and the role of the library," digital textbooks "leverage online access and low-cost alternative formats to enhance accessibility" (Raschke, G. 2011). Students who are raising children, have trouble using vehicles, or who live far away from their school can elect to access digital materials from their home or from a space close to their home. Digital textbooks promote the open access movement and make education more equitable for people who cannot otherwise obtain textbooks.
Work Cited
Chant, I. (2014, May 15). OSU developing OA E-textbooks: libraries help to save students money. Library Journal, 139(9), 14+. https://link-gale-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A367965035/PPIS?u=cclc_palomar&sid=bookmark-PPIS&xid=0660f405
Raschke, G., & Shanks, S. (2011). Water on a hot skillet: textbooks, open educational resources, and the role of the library. Library Technology Reports, 47(8), 52+. https://link-gale-com.palomar.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A274790892/PPIS?u=cclc_palomar&sid=bookmark-PPIS&xid=aa336f1a
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