Creates a pilot program for bulk purchase electronic textbook delivery in the State University of New York and the City University of New York library systems

BILL NUMBER:A9894

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to creat- ing a pilot program for bulk purchase electronic textbook delivery in the state and city university library systems

Purpose or general idea of bill

Creates a pilot program for bulk purchase electronic textbook delivery in the State University of New York and City University of New York library system.

Summary of specific provisions

*Establishes a pilot program for bulk purchase electronic textbook delivery through the library systems at the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) to enable students to access electronic textbooks and course materials through the university library systems;

*Provides criteria for colleges and universities to be eligible for the program;

*Requires the chancellors of SUNY and CUNY to evaluate the results of the program and report to the Governor and' legislature on its impact on student textbook spending, students' experiences with electronic text- books, faculty experiences with identifying and using electronic text- books, library staff time, and other infrastructure impacts.

Justification

In New York State, the rising cost of college textbooks most directly affects the state's nearly 625,00Q undergraduate public University students. The increasing cost of textbooks presents a barrier to low- and moderate-income families in New York State securing access- ing higher education. Electronic textbooks and educational resources have great cost containing potential that New York State should utilize to reduce cost as a barrier to higher education. This bill establishes a pilot program to assess the potential for reducing the costs of higher education at New York's public universities by expanding the role of libraries and using electronic textbooks and other library resources.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eight- ieth day after it shall have become a law; provided however, that effec- tive immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.