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:S1313

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to creating 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

The education law is amended by adding a new section 706:

*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 textbooks, faculty experiences with identifying and using electronic textbooks, 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 625,000 undergraduate public University students. According to Student Monitor, students attending a four-year college spent an average of $598 on textbooks in 2010-11. The states of Washington and California have already begun introducing online textbooks. In Washington, an electronic library of books -- free of charge -- has been made available for 42 community college courses. California has proposed a similar program for 50 courses at their public colleges. New York could be a leader in the movement towards electronic textbook delivery. As it stands, the increasing cost of textbooks presents a barrier to low and moderate-income families in New York State who want pursue 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

This bill was previously introduced.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred and eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective 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.