Re: [ALCTS-acqnet] Summer session textbooks during COVID closures

From: Jill Emery <acqnet_at_lists.ala.org>
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:29:57 -0700
To: acqnet_at_lists.ala.org
Hi Cathy,

Given that neither VitalSource nor RedShelf were willing to extend the free
access to those of us who are "term" schools instead of "semester" schools,
I wouldn't hold my breath on them extending free online access.

While our bookstore does allow discounted rental access to textbooks
through RedShelf, many students had lost their jobs & couldn't afford
access to them even at the supposed "cut-rate" access model provided.

The best bet is to reach out to faculty to encourage resources you can
supply with unlimited usage and the use of OERs.

Lastly, I have found some titles available through the National Emergency
Library from Internet Archive where one a 1 user license or 3 user license
existed for academic library purchase. I've been encouraging this access
because at least they can have access for two weeks at a time to the
content.

Wishing you well,

Jill


On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:50 AM Catherine Perkins <
catherine.perkins_at_wagner.edu> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Our college is located in NYC and still closed for COVID. We will likely
> remain closed throughout the summer, with online-only classes.
>
> We are just starting to think about summer textbook acquisitions but have
> a budget freeze, and it looks like RedShelf, VitalSource and other
> publishers will end their free e-textbook access at the end of May.
>
> What are your libraries doing regarding summer session textbooks?
> Do you have a plan in place (or in progress) to help students get online
> access to textbooks? Has anyone heard about extensions for free or
> discounted e-textbooks through the summer?
>
> Thanks in advance for your advice,
> Cathy
>
> - - - -
> *Catherine Perkins* |* Technical Services Librarian *
> Contact me for: Acquisitions, Cataloging, Databases & Periodicals
> Horrmann Library <https://www.wagner.edu/library>
> wagner.edu | 718-390-3377
>
Received on Thu Apr 30 2020 - 15:36:55 EDT