I start the new semester by looking at the textbooks and required books for my classes, however I always stop to think about whether I should buy or rent a digital or physical book.
I tend to buy or rent digital books for instant access to the material. That way, there’s no waiting for pick ups or for it to be delivered by Fedex or USPS.
Since it’s digital, the material can be accessible across different devices like a laptop or tablets. An example of this is using iCloud for the Apple to access material between Mac to iPad to iPhone, or using the app Pearson or the website for e-textbooks.
Destiny Terry, a physiology major said “digitals are more reliable because you have them whenever instead of lugging around that physical book.”
I can find books cheaper on third party websites like Amazon or ThriftBooks or sometimes for free. Bookscouter provides many sources for college students to search around for what works best for them. Even the Fresno County Public Library has online resources for e-books.
Buying books digitally helps keep a lightweight backpack and all your resources in one spot.
Digital can create a better workflow for students switching between texts, notes, and class work.
However, this is not a universal feeling among students, like with biology major Andrew Macobeo.
Macabeo prefers a physical book and notebook for taking notes rather than typing on a laptop. Physically writing notes allows him to pay closer attention to what the professor is saying, rather than worrying about making a mistake while typing.
Books and textbooks are tools and a way to receive information, as everyone consumes information differently.
For all my classes, I choose to buy digital books. My workflow is using my iPad for textbooks and taking notes during class, and my Macbook and iPhone I use at home.
