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Digital Textbook Access


The two main goals of Digital Textbook Access

  • Reduce the overall cost of course materials
  • Provide access to the digital resources on the first day of class to support academic achievement
The Process is Simple:
  • When an instructor decides to include the use of an e-text or interactive courseware platform in their curriculum, discount pricing is negotiated for the Digital Textbook Access program.
  • Students are notified prior to the start of classes, by email that their course is using the Digital Textbook Access model.
  • Access is provided automatically for every student enrolled in the course on the first day of class.
  • Students can access the digital resources for 2 weeks at no charge, during which time they can opt out if they choose.
  • Students who choose to use and continue to access their digital resources will have the digital textbook access charges billed to their student account (LORIS).
  • Students who drop the course prior to the opt out deadline are automatically opted out and are not billed.
Why we did it & Why it works
  • The price of printed textbooks has increased astronomically over the last 10 years, surpassing almost all other economic indexes.
  • An alarming percentage of students choose to forego acquiring their course materials altogether, putting their academic success at risk.
  • Over the last 7 years, the Digital Textbook Access program at Laurier has saved students over $10 million.
  • The Digital Textbook Access program offers students 40-55% lower pricing than the equivalent price for print.
Benefits to Faculty
  • No restraint on academic freedom. Instructors choose the content.
  • Ability to manage content and even include their own in some platforms.
  • Students can begin online homework assignments on the first day of class.
  • Instructor analytics on student engagement and success are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
What is Digital Textbook Access?
 
What are Interactive or Adaptive Courseware Platforms?
 
How much does Digital Textbook Access cost?
 
How do I gain access?
 
How does the Bookshelf e-reader work?
 
How do I obtain technical support for the Bookshelf e-reader?
 
What if I am a student from another institution (University of Waterloo) taking a Laurier course?
 
How do I pay for accessing the digital resources?
 
What does it mean to opt out?
 
I opted out by mistake and realized that I still need access. Can I opt back in?
 
I dropped the course. Do I still need to opt out?
 
Who should I contact if I am having trouble accessing the online content?
 
I added the class late. Do I still have 10 days to opt out?
 
I didn't get an email about my course but other students in my class did. Was I sent an email?
 
I have further questions that were not addressed. Who do I contact?
 

Should you require further information, please contact:

The Digital Textbook Access Team at digitaltextaccess@wlu.ca