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The sentence in context is that the undergraduates actually have the physical books, and therefore didn't need the library's copy.

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I understood the context. What usually happens is students purchase books that are assigned for everyone taking a particular class, then use the library to borrow specific books to complete research papers, criticism etc. on their chosen topics.

Yeah, I was a history major, I would cite 30 plus sources per paper, many of which had never been checked out of the library ever before and weren't available digitally :0

Recently put two kids through college, and there were almost no physical books. Not for student centric needs though.

It was so they could DRM and/or change the content every semester to earn the school more money.

The worst is when the Prof makes their own online book required. $90+ a pop, and you can't resell at the end of the semester.

Grr.

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