Students Face New Textbook Picks: Rent vs. Buy, Print vs. E-book

"One reason it is difficult to parse the prospects for e-books this year is that many other things are happening in the textbook market that make "traditional textbook vs. e-book" a false dichotomy. These days, traditional books have electronic supplements; some electronic texts have print-on-demand options; and for many students, textbook decisions have more to do with renting vs. buying than print vs. digital."

Most Students Prefer Print Textbooks to Digital Versions, Survey Finds

"Nearly three-quarters of the students surveyed last fall by the National Association of College Stores said they preferred traditional print textbooks to digital texts, according to a report from the association."

Textbooks for Rent ... Everywhere

"Textbook rental programs have been sprouting up and growing for some time, but this week there are signs of a market shift with large, traditional bookstore companies going further than they have in the past in embracing the rental concept. And at the same time, those already in the market see the interest from traditional textbook players as a sign that their model is taking off."