I saw some information the other day which suggested that books can with access codes for online material (tests/exams etc) which was required for the course.
The other perspective is that if tuition is many thousands of dollars a year, then the cost may be not that dramatic.
Yeah, when you need an access code you are out of luck. Thankfully many professors don't do that.
In a science major, if you take 4 classes every semester and then you assume that each book costs $250, then that's $1000 right there every semester. That money can be spent for rent and other more high priority stuff.
The other perspective is that if tuition is many thousands of dollars a year, then the cost may be not that dramatic.