Top textbook myths we need to bust!
Ahead of each trimester, the Library works closely with faculty curriculum teams to identify and finalise textbook requirements. We always aim to provide easy access to required textbooks for as many students as possible. Unfortunately, current publishing industry trends such as price increases on ‘core textbook’ titles, restricted licencing and publishers not offering content for purchase, are making equitable access more difficult (further information can be found on CAUL’s Statement on eBook provision).
Before you choose a textbook, let’s bust some myths.
Myth 1: There is an e-book available on Google Play, so the library must be able to get the e-book
Not all publishers make their content available to libraries. Google Play, Kindle, Apple Books, etc. are not library lending licences and the existence of one of these types of licences does not indicate the likelihood of a library lending licence being available.
Publishers can also embargo new titles (placing a hold on their distribution or restricting the sales to certain regions), and libraries cannot access those books until the embargo is lifted. The timeframe varies by publisher.
Myth 2: The publisher’s sales representative told me an e-book was available, so it is
If approached by a publishing sales representative, please speak to the Library before agreeing to use a textbook. Publishers often push their own learning platforms or e-book subscription platforms, which are not supported by the Library.
Myth 3: Because they are less expensive to distribute, e-books cost less
Consumers may be able to get great deals on e-books, but libraries generally cannot. E-book licence costs for libraries are determined by the print price and how much publishers think they will lose in sales to libraries. The more expensive the print, the higher the cost of the e-book.
Myth 4: If the Library has a textbook available as an e-book, students don’t need to purchase a copy
As much as we wish it were true, this myth needs busting. Most e-book licences only allow a limited number of users to access it at once, and as the myth above points out, libraries pay a premium price for e-book licences. The library always aims to have e-book access to set textbooks; however, most e-books are not available during periods of high demand. If your unit assessment includes an open-book exam where the textbook is required to complete the exam, please reach out to the Library so we can advise you on the licences available.
Myth 5: All e-books allow downloading, printing and copying
Publishers may place restrictions on e-books that prevent them from being downloaded, printed and copied from. These allowances are determined by the Digital Rights Management (DRM) placed on the licence. DRM can vary depending on the type of licence, publisher and platform, meaning what you can do with an e-book can vary greatly. The DRM settings determine if an e-book allows printing (and the % you can print) or copying (and the % you can copy). The terms of the e-book licences override the provisions of the Copyright Act. This can go both ways; sometimes the provisions are more generous than copyright and sometimes they are less generous.
Myth 6: Open textbooks are not of high quality and don’t cover my topic area adequately
With any resource, it is up to the academic staff member to determine the quality of a resource. Many open educational resource (OER) textbooks are peer-reviewed and of high quality. In addition, OER textbooks are free for students and allow academic staff greater flexibility to adapt content for their unit. When comparing OER with their commercial equivalents, it is often useful to review the contents pages side by side. You’d be surprised how similar they actually are. Consult the OER library guide for websites to locate OER textbooks or the Directory of Open Access Books. Need help searching for OERs? Contact your Librarian.
The Library can help!
Now that we have busted some myths, before you select your next textbook, make sure you speak to the Library. We can offer advice, support and guidance about textbook publication issues and how they might impact access to your preferred texts. Selecting textbooks that students can access through the Library ensures equitable access and contributes to better student engagement and success. For further information, please contact our Manager, Monographs and Course Resources Skye Ryan.