The University of Texas at Austin, in coordination with John Wiley & Sons, is testing an e-textbook program, reports today’s Inside Higher Ed.

“Many observers, both in academe and in the publishing industry, believe it’s only a matter of time before electronic textbooks become the norm in
college. . . . Beginning next semester, for the initial pilot phase of one to two years, the university will cover the electronic materials for the approximately 1,000 students enrolled in a handful of courses, in more quantitative subjects such as biochemistry and accounting. By purchasing in bulk on a subscription model, the university initially hoped for a ‘per student per book’ cost of $25 to $45.”