Foundation Releases Infographic: Explains the Nation's First Open-Source Textbook Legislation Sitting on Governor Jerry Brown's Desk

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of pending legislation, the 20 Million Minds Foundation has released an explanatory infographic outlining the monumental effect open-source textbooks will have for California and the nation's college students under California Senate Bills 1052 and 1053 if signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

Infographic: http://20mm.org/infographic-open-source-impact.html

The bills will create free open-source college textbooks for the most-widely taken lower division courses in California's public postsecondary institutions and a digital library to house them.

With concerns over the price of textbooks rising nationwide, 20MM has outlined the rationale behind the creation of the nation's first open-source textbooks under SB 1052 and 1053. Under the legislation, these textbooks would have a "creative commons" license to allow for the free use and customization of the open material, producing cost savings and sharing among university faculty throughout the nation.

Examining only 10 of the top courses in California colleges, the 20MM infographic reveals that one student alone could save over $1,600 per year on required books for the courses. At the statewide level, students' savings for the 10 courses would total over $162 million per school year. With higher education on the rise, the bills could produce over $1 billion in savings for California students and college students across the nation over the next decade.

20 Million Minds is a non-profit organization dedicated to greatly reducing textbook costs. The foundation is currently leveraging leading-edge technologies to create more affordable, engaging and effective educational materials for college students throughout the nation. Visit www.20mm.org. 

CONTACT:
Mayra Lombera
20 Million Minds Foundation
916.442.9300

SOURCE 20 Million Minds Foundation