Angelo & Jennette Volpe Library

Textbook Affordability Faculty Options

Here are faculty options to reduce the cost of textbooks for students:

Cost-Reducing Actions	Pros	Cons	Next Steps
Library purchases electronic license of existing textbook	Offers free access to Tech users No course updating Available 24-7 Likely improved accessibility with screen readers and magnification	Wait for purchase Low success rate; publishers may not participate May not be library-provided forever  Limited funds	Email Stephanie Adams with the title and ISBN to check availability
Switch to a textbook the library can purchase electronically	Offers free access to Tech users Available 24-7 Likely improved accessibility with screen readers and magnification	Course updating Must check availability in advance Wait for purchase May not be library-provided forever	Email Stephanie Adams with the title and ISBN to check availability
Switch to library-provided electronic items	Offers free access to Tech users Immediately available 24-7 Likely improved accessibility with screen readers and magnification	Course updating May not be library-provided forever	Visit Library-Provided Textbooks for help with this option
Switch to an OER (Open Educational Resource)	Offers free access to everyone Immediately available 24-7 Likely improved accessibility with screen readers and magnification	Course updating	Visit OERs for help with this option.
Put print copy on textbook reserve in library	Offers free access to Tech library patrons Solution for students waiting on financial aid or bookstore inventory Puts extra copies to use	eBooks are not always available in print Checkout lasts two hours and is first-come, first served Students accrue fines for late returns Available locally Available during library’s hours	Visit Course Reserves to put a print textbook on reserve.

Contact Sharon Holderman with questions.