Legislation would force textbook publishers to offer digital options
Beaver County state Rep. Rob Matzie is proposing legislation that would require college textbook publishers to offer cheaper, digital versions of books sold in Pennsylvania.
In a statement, Matzie, D-Ambridge, said students would see “significant savings” from being able to buy a digital textbook and that publishers would also save money by eliminating the costs associated with publishing and selling textbooks.
“I am always looking at ways to make higher education more affordable in Pennsylvania,” Matzie said. “While the cost of tuition continues to increase at colleges and universities across the country, Pennsylvania should be focused on providing attainable, quality education that can attract students both from within the commonwealth’s borders and beyond.”
Under the proposal, students would also be allowed to obtain course material on electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets and smart phones, which many of them already own and use.