Textbook Affordability

This is an optional Innovation & Leadership credit. These credits recognize exemplary practices and performance above and beyond what is recognized in standard credits, and may not be relevant to every institution. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 4 bonus points total.


Credit Language

IN 41: Textbook Affordability – version 2.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two sections of this credit meant to recognize?

The first section awards partial points for textbook exchange programs, textbook lending libraries, or alternate textbook projects; whereas the second section awards partial points for incentivizing open education resources.

What is an alternative textbook project?

Consistent with Temple University’s guide to Discovering Open Educational Resources (OER), alternate textbook projects “encourage faculty to replace their commercial textbooks with alternate resources such as OER and licensed library content (which is openly available to all the members of that institution)”.

What are open educational resources (OER)?

Consistent with Temple University’s guide to Discovering Open Educational Resources (OER), OERs are defined as “educational materials and resources that are publicly accessible meaning that they are openly available for anyone to use and under some licenses to re-mix, improve and redistribute.”

Resources, Templates & Tools

Example Responses

  • Agnes Scott College – Detailed response for textbook lending. Good example of earning partial points by having textbook lending and some OER initiatives in place. 
  • Concordia University – Detailed responses under both areas, with clear differentiation between the two. The Notes field provides links for additional OER materials. Several links for additional OER information are provided.
  • Connecticut College – Detailed responses under both areas, with clear differentiation between the two. The response references a lending library, which remained open during COVID using a system of online holds and no-contact pick-ups.
  • Portland State University – Detailed responses under both areas, with clear differentiation between the two. The Notes field provides links for additional OER materials.
  • University of Georgia – Detailed responses under both areas, with clear differentiation between the two. A free online textbook program is referenced. 

Common Issues Identified During Review

  • The first section recognizes projects to encourage textbook affordability among students, whereas the second section recognizes incentives for the adoption of open educational resources (OER). Documentation affirming the presence of either/both program(s) is required.

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