Textbook Affordability for Faculty

Replacing paid course materials with free resources like Open Educational Resources (OER) or library eBooks can help reduce the burden of college costs for students and improve student learning outcomes. There are several ways faculty can help reduce textbook costs for students, UO Libraries can provide direct support and funding for many of these options, and some textbook affordability strategies don't require faculty to change their required materials!

Textbook Affordability Strategies for Faculty

Adopt OER and Library Materials

  1. Consider adopting an OER (Open Educational Resource). OER are designed to be no-cost, openly licensed solutions for course materials. They have flexibility so you may edit or adapt if needed for your course. You can consult with the OER team to find an OER that fits your course, and apply for $1000 grants if you replace a high cost material with an OER. Learn more about OER.
  2. Adopt a Library eBook. UO Libraries can purchase some course materials proactively when faculty report their materials to the Duck Store, or upon request. Learn more about library eBooks for courses.
  3. Create or adapt your own OER. Sign up for a consultation with the OER team to learn about how the Library can support you to publish your own OER.  Visit the OER page to learn more about available OER funding and support.

Inform Your Students

  1. Adopt ALL of your course materials through the Duck Store every term. Including paid materials, and free materials (OER, Canvas Readings and Library eBooks). If there is a Library eBook version of one of your required books, report it as a 'normal' paid material and include a note to students letting them know it's also available from the library. This helps students plan for textbook costs, and helps the Library purchase the correct eBooks each term to support your courses. Learn more about adopting course materials.
  2. Notify your students through the syllabus and Canvas. If one or more of your required books are available for free as OER or through the Library, inform your students before the start of class so they know they have free options available.