Algonquin e-textbook program aims for 100% access

Algonquin College has launched the next phase of an e-textbook initiative that aims to “provide 100% of the students with 100% of their resources 100% of the time.” The project began last year with a pilot phase in which some 700 first-level students in 6 programs were provided with free, digital texts -- amounting to almost 2,300 e-textbooks in 27 courses. In September 2013, the initiative was expanded to 34 programs with 363 courses, about 4,000 first-entry students and 16,800 e-resources. Students paid 63% of what they would pay for a print book to have access to the online texts for 3 years. This year, Algonquin has added student kiosks for e-text connectivity and informational support, and in September 2014 the college will implement the e-texts in all of its full-time programs. In September 2013, with 34 programs participating, Algonquin estimates that students saved about $250–$300 each per semester, or about $1 million overall. Contact North Blog