Textbook marketing is predatory; prices are often set to match what financial assistance can bear, not the budget of actual students. Electronic distribution c

Textbook marketing is predatory; prices are often set to match what financial assistance can bear, not the budget of actual students. Electronic distribution changed the calculus of the new/used/rental market, but didn't improve things. I rented a textbook, but I should've purchased it, because the rental smelled of perfume and the book had enduring reference value. Free and open course material, or bundled curriculum, resources are available and in use, but also an imperfect solution. I took some Community College courses as they transitioned from Debian to Red Hat materials, and the instructor appointed me as beta-tester, so I reported numerous errors throughout the course. On the other hand, Cisco Network Academy was online with great texts available, well-edited and very slick. I passed every certification I prepped after those courses.