Students typically spend over $800 each year on instructional materials - textbooks, readers and everything else - so here are some steps that both faculty and students can use to improve affordability:
Textbooks
Commit to multiple terms when possible - this helps with buy-back for students, and textbook rentals.
Order your textbooks early via Canvas - this helps with buy-back for students and in searching for used texts, and is critically important for VA, SDR, and students with financial aid issues.
Offer students a choice of e-text or print format whenever possible (it is advisable to not require one form of materials over the other).
Evaluate how much of the textbook you actually use - there may be better alternatives.
Parts of a textbook
Ask the publisher about custom text options - many times they are less than full-text.
Check with your ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø librarian for possible options.
Non-traditional books
The ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Library may be able to procure a physical or e-text version.
Look for e-text options such as Nook, Kindle, or iBook.
Course readers
Course readers may only be sold if approved as a course fee.
Course readers should follow all copyright laws.
Check with CAT or the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Library to consult on your reader.
Course readers should be digital and accessible - CAT can assist in training and accessible digitization.
Other options
Start with the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Library for electronic content that the library already owns or could provide access to.
Build your own content in iLearn in collaboration with CAT instructional designers and the ÌÇÐÄTV¹ÙÍø Library.
Does self-publishing intrigue you? There are options through various technologies and services.