Is it permissible for a student to download electronic academic references from the internet that are not free, and distribute them to fellow students without financial gain, other than the cost of a copying disc, knowing that the college sells these books and photocopies copyrighted books, selling them to students?

It is permissible to copy protected books and software for personal benefit only if it is impossible to purchase the original copy or if it is unavailable, provided that this is not used as a means of earning or trade, and it is limited to what is needed. If you are in need of these books and are unable to purchase them, it is permissible for you to copy them for personal use or for students without a financial charge exceeding the price of the disc. However, it is more prudent for students to collectively purchase and share the original copies.