What is it?
Open and Affordable textbooks are alternative options to expensive, traditionally published textbooks. A textbook alternative can come in many forms like Open Textbooks, other open educational resources (OER), library resources, or custom coursepacks created in Scholarly Commons.
Why is it important?
Textbook costs can be a barrier to learning, to student success, and can cause financial hardship. By choosing lower cost options, all students can have day-one access to materials and be prepared to succeed in their classes.
Open and affordable options also offer additional benefits. Open textbooks can be customized to meet faculty needs, made available in a variety of formats including print, and students can retain their copy forever. Hunt Library also has options for library ebooks that can provide access to or replace an expensive textbook.
Learn more about the impact of OER at Embry-Riddle and how to get involved.
Open & Affordable Options
Hunt Library supports textbook affordability by assisting faculty in finding the best option for their course. Librarians are available for consultation to assist with finding, adopting, adapting, or creating OER or other alternatives to traditional textbooks.
| Textbook Alternative | Definition | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Open Educational Resources (OER) | Teaching, learning, or research materials in the public domain or openly licensed for free access, use, and adaptation. | OER Research Guide |
| Coursepacks/Canvas Integration | Combine library resources, freely available resources, and OER into one convenient place. We can work with you to create custom course packs hosted within Scholarly Commons. | Coursepacks |
| Library Resources | Electronic items in our databases or general collection may be available to use in your classes. You can start searching for materials using EagleSearch, or contact your department liaison for assistance. | |
| Course Reserves | Textbooks or supplemental materials that faculty make available at Hunt Library. Print reserves can be checked out from the Borrow Desk for 3 hours at a time. Electronic reserves and assigned ebooks can be accessed through the Course Reserves search in EagleSearch. | Course Reserves |
Self-report your library resource and OER use with the OER & Library Course Materials form.