Since fall 2023, UO Libraries has systematically purchased eBook versions of required course materials for faculty-assigned courses, significantly reducing financial barriers for students. This initiative builds on the library’s previous efforts to support remote learners during the pandemic by providing digital access to essential resources.

To date, the program has provided access to more than 500 eBooks, benefiting more than 29,000 students across 800 courses. By replacing costly textbooks with library-provided eBooks, students have collectively avoided more than $1 million in course material expenses.

“The ‘eBooks for Courses’ program has been a tremendous success,” said Digital Publishing Specialist Allia Service. “We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and faculty who appreciate having free and easy access to their required readings.”

Several post-pilot survey responses highlight the program’s impact:

• Faculty described the initiative as “an incredibly helpful and valuable option for students who need it.”
• Students shared that professors’ advocating for free and low-cost materials “make the biggest impact.” One said, “I feel seen as a person, not just a kid in class.”
• Another student expressed appreciation, saying, “We do not take for granted that professors are adding more options that are free or online.”

Supported by the Administrative, Collection Strategies, and Digital Publishing and Pedagogy units at UO Libraries, this initiative is set to continue for the foreseeable future, ensuring ongoing cost savings for students as long as funding allows.

“UO Libraries is committed to helping faculty lower course materials costs in the way that best supports their pedagogy and respects their academic freedom, and that includes our ‘eBooks for Courses’ program. The best part of this textbook affordability strategy is that faculty don’t have to change any required materials to save their students money, and all faculty need to do to participate is to continue to report their course materials to the Duck Store each term,” said Head of Digital Publishing and Pedagogy Rayne Vieger.

For more information or to request an eBook for a course, visit the Library eBooks for Courses webpage.