UMASS Dartmouth Campus Store Provides Digital Textbooks,

A Lower-Cost Textbook Option

The UMASS Dartmouth campus store will provide students with downloadable eBooks, a cost-saving electronic alternative to printed textbooks, for selected digitally available titles. The bookstore’s decision to participate in the Universal Digital Textbooks Program™ reflects a deep commitment to delivering a proactive response to the high-cost-of-textbooks discussion. The store believes that introducing a lower-priced electronic textbook option, in addition to the new and used print versions of certain titles, offers students an important choice when it comes to both price and learning environment.

eBooks versions of the text offer students the opportunity to save up to 40% off of the new book price. Unlike printed textbooks, which may or may not have buyback value at the end of the term, eBooks offer upfront savings at the time of purchase and are not subject to buyback. 

In addition to presenting significant upfront savings, downloadable eBooks offer students the convenience of bringing the text wherever they bring their laptops. As well, eBooks transform the learning environment into an interactive experience where students use free reader software to search the text, highlight, take notes and make comments, and print selections as desired. Many eBooks also offer read-out-loud capability. Most eBooks never expire and have no printing limitations, however, a few titles expire 12 months after download and restrict printing to 100 pages per week. In these cases, limitations will be noted on the eBooks cards that students will use to purchase their digital textbooks.

eBooks are available to students as cards, similar to electronic gift cards and phone service cards, and can be obtained in the textbook department as an alternative to the new and used versions of the printed text. A student who chooses to purchase an eBook will present the card to the cashier, who activates the card by swiping it at the register. The student can then download the book by visiting www.DigitalTextbooks.net. There are currently more than 1600 titles in the Universal Digital Textbooks program, with more being added all of the time.

The information contained within eBooks is copyright protected in accordance with Digital Rights Management rules. These rules protect intellectual property by allowing a single download to a single computer, setting the length of time that the book can be accessed on the computer (ranging from 12 months to unlimited availability, depending on the publisher), and using an encoding technique that prevents file sharing. While students cannot share eBooks, they can make backup copies to prevent data loss in case of computer failure.  

To purchase an eBook, or for more information about this money-saving option, visit the store. For activation or questions about your Universal Digital Textbook log on to www.DigitalTextbooks.net.