Panelist 3 of 4 Thursday, November 4, 2010 3:00 - 3:45 PM eTextbooks are the last major eBook category to open up to active experimentation. Recently a number of new business models, pricing ideas and products are being explored by major Publishers. New market entrants are also developing innovative approaches that in some cases challenge, and in others sit alongside the established players. But with all this activity, are these innovations what students and lecturers really want? Do they support the evolution of teaching and effectively increase student engagement in academic study? Do they enhance and expand the future of higher education? Drawing on new statistics and feedback from recent market research studies in Europe and the US and reviewing recent industry announcements, product releases and partnerships, this session will present the varying views and perspectives of differing constituents in the supply chain (including the library, publishers, aggregators and platform providers). The panel will review the developing eTextbook market dynamics and discuss how publishers, service providers as well as libraries are, or should be, responding. It will debate the emerging product trends and how they fit evolving learning styles and current workflows. It will also reflect on services of tomorrow including what the students may want to use and how.

1. Charleston Panel - eTextbooks
November 2010
All Rights Reserved © 2010
Contact Details
Amil Tolia
Director
amiltolia@reference-tree.com
+44(0)7786262577
+44(0)20 3286 0885

2. Students and Lecturers (UK)
 Students
– Work Anywhere
– Still Purchasing Textbook Resources
– Focus on Greater Value for Money
– Sharing Resources
 Lecturers
– Reading Lists Provide IP (Competitive Advantage)
– Dealing with increasing demands to increase visibility
– Need to balance protecting IP with developing personal brand
 Evolving UK Higher Education environment towards “freer market”
All Rights Reserved © 2009
Confidential
Reference Tree Ltd
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3. eTextbook Models
 Characteristics desired
– Accessible anywhere
– Enabling remix of content to support course design
– Controlled dissemination of Reading Lists
– Collaboration across Student groups
– Continuous Assessment capability
 Open Source vs. Closed System vs. Remix/ Revision?
 Gaining Traction
– Support cost effective study by student
– Support efficient understand of engagement by lecturer
All Rights Reserved © 2009
Confidential
Reference Tree Ltd
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