It probably shouldn't surprise us that a subterranean Web network has emerged, dealing in pirated digital textbooks. The perps encourage individuals to copy their books and post them online for others. Obviously the publishing companies, authors, and other financial stakeholders try to move quickly with their lawyers to stamp out such activity, but the Web can be slippery. A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education points to a site called Library Pirate, which offers free versions of many popular titles.
As is often the case (such as with pirated music), the digital thieves claim they are performing a public service. From the article by Jeff Young:
The founder of LibraryPirate, who refused to give his name out of fear that legal action could be taken against him, said in an interview Monday that he hopes that a groundswell of textbook piracy will force publishers to bring down the prices of e-textbooks, which he sees as unfairly high. “I want to bring about permanent changes to the textbook industry,” he said. “The exorbitant price of a textbook shouldn’t hinder students’ ability to do well in a class,” he added. “I believe there is a moral objective at play here.”
The publishing companies counter that genuine cost savings are now available. They have established a trade organization, with a Web site for faculty, students, and policy makers. It contains some interesting statistics.
At the campus level, faculty members often place desk copies on reserve in the library, use open source material whenever possible, and establish funds to help needy students purchase their books. Online booksellers flourish, providing much-needed competition. College book stores now routinely offer rentals—a development that was unthinkable until very recently.
The market is active, which is a very good sign.
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