Rethinking Access to Course Materials

Описание: Full Title: Rethinking Access to Course Materials: Repositioning the Library as a Driver of Affordability, Equity and Institutional Change

Between 2014–2024, U.S. college costs rose 29% for public and 42% for private institutions (NCES). In these years, Rollins College undergraduate tuition increased 35% for day students and 22% for night school attendees. Despite rising costs, Rollins worked to make gains in campus diversity: by 2024, 35% of undergrads were from underrepresented groups, 27% were first-gen, and over 25% were Pell-eligible.

Compounding these costs, the price of textbooks has risen 800% since 1980 (BLS, 2021) and now averages $1,200+ annually (College Board, 2024). This results in students skipping or delaying textbook purchases with harmful academic outcomes, especially for first-gen and low-income students who are a growing cohort at Rollins (Jenkins, 2020; Butterfield, 2024).

A review of 100+ peer institutions found that while 75% offer OER, only 11% have textbook affordability programs, and just 7% offer services for both. Historically, faculty buy in, bookstore competition, and library reserves can hinder progress for these programs (Belikov & Bodily, 2016; Pollitz et al., 2009).
Rollins College’s Olin Library is charting a novel, two-pronged approach. We're leading our campus in access and affordability efforts by: (a) loudly supporting and incentivizing OER adoption, and (b) offering no-cost alternatives via library-led programs and dedicated funding. This work has already saved students over $20K in just three semesters. Our panel will discuss this approach, its impact, and its goals.