Cal State University to Launch E-textbook Pilot with Ingram
LONG BEACH, CA—May 19, 2010—The Digital Marketplace, an initiative of the California State University Office of the Chancellor, announced plans today to launch a digital textbook pilot this fall using the VitalSource digital content delivery platform.
Starting in the fall 2010 semester, the pilot is planned to begin at San Diego State University and will be implemented through the university bookstore. Students will receive their content through the Aztec Bookstore portal and access their e-textbook titles through the VitalSource Bookshelf software.
“VitalSource gives us the ability to integrate directly with our established systems,” said Todd Summer, Director, Campus Stores Division, Aztec Shops. “That means students, whether purchasing on their own or using financial aid or scholarship funds, can continue to purchase content through the same channels and in the same manner as they have in the past. We believe VitalSource represents an important and exciting new option for our university communities.”
Dr. Gerard L. Hanley, Senior Director of Academic Technology Services for the California State University system, said: “VitalSource has been in the higher education space for many years. Their recent emphasis on making their platform accessible to all students was an important factor in our support of San Diego’s use of their technology.”
William Chesser, Vice President and General Manager of VitalSource, said the pilot program “represents a big step forward for digital content delivery in post-secondary education.”
“The Digital Marketplace is not only paving the way for new content options on their campuses, but they are doing so in a way that ensures their students get powerful, equitable options,” Chesser said. “We are proud that Ingram’s VitalSource is part of the effort.”
About The Digital Marketplace
The Digital Marketplace is an innovative one-stop-shopping platform for the discovery, selection, authoring and acquisition of digital course materials. Priorities include improving faculty and student choice, improving accessibility of materials, and significantly reducing the cost of course materials. For more information, visit www.dmproject.org.
