From: "Hamaker, Charles" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sat, 10 May 2014 11:58:28 +0000

Publishers have something new under the sun. The major textbook
providers have created websites to "enhance" their educational
textbook offerings. The only fly in the ointment is that along with
the publisher's website ,student purchase of website access
accompanying the text is not optional but mandatory, much like a lab
fee.

If the student doesn't access the website homework assignments, she
can't pass the course or in many cases, take the tests.

For most  classes a defined percentage of the final grade is
determined by  website participation. Sometimes the course is marked
as "hybrid" at the bookstore or on the course description. Sometimes
not. Some classes are now noting such content is 50% of the course,
and may  reduce classroom contact hours because of the website
experience.

Students are  being told if you don't have  website access (usually
registration rights that come with an "access card)" then you can't
pass the course. Publishers can provide deep discounts if the purchase
of textbook and/or website access are "mandatory" i.e. guaranteed.

The University of Minnesota bookstore instituted a program that
simply billed  a student if they signed up for a course using McGraw
Hill content that has such enhanced content. No choice.

For my take on this you might want to see my editorial in Online
Searcher magazine
http://www.infotoday.com/OnlineSearcher/Articles/Searchers-Voice/Coercion-96759.shtml

Librarians with expertise in negotiating with publishers for econtent
and licenses (there is normally for both faculty and students, a EULA
required to sign on) need to be in the discussions on every college
campus surrounding such arrangements.

Content created by both faculty and students on the website usually
becomes the publisher's property to do with as they see fit.

Chuck