The Open & Affordable Education Committee enables interested faculty to locate and adopt more affordable, quality educational content for our students. By reducing course material expenses, more students acquire the course materials they need to succeed and benefit from the ISU learning experience. ISU faculty and students have greater access to quality free and low-cost learning materials through a variety of OAEC Affordability initiatives, like immediate access and course reserves.
You can learn more about these initiatives on our About Us page.
Why Focus on Textbooks?
While textbook costs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the cost of attending college, it is often the final stumbling block for students who don't expect the additional costs. Second, textbook costs are something we can make an impact on right now. And finally: textbook costs are still a big problem.
The cost of textbooks has risen more than four times the rate of inflation over the past decade. As these books go up in price, what's the cost? College students are having a hard time paying for all of their other expenses, like groceries, car payments, gas, and food. Some students have had to delay purchasing their textbooks or avoid buying them altogether because of the cost. Our committee is trying to help you by asking faculty to assign free or more affordable course materials in their classes.
How can I get involved?
- Ask your professors if they know about or would be willing to use open & affordable course materials in their classes.
- Share this information with other students who might need it! OER can make great free study materials as well.
- Talk to us! Share your stories about textbook affordability and why this topic matters to you!
- If you have an idea about how to increase the use of open & affordable course content at ISU, contact us! We want to work with you.
Want to learn more? Check out the resources below:
How do I check if my classes are using open or affordable resources?
Open Educational Resources
Look out for this description in your Booklist:
This is a free open educational resource. Click here to view the free ebook in a new tab/window. Students who still prefer to have a physical copy can add the print copy to their cart.
Course Reserves
Ask your instructor if a copy of your course textbook or other materials (articles, videos) is available for students free through Course Reserves. These will be available in the Course Reserves page on Canvas.
Some course materials may be available through the University Library even if they aren't on reserve. Check QuickSearch to see if your books or articles are available online or in the University Library.
E-books (Immediate Access)
Look out for this description in your Booklist:
This item does not need to be added to your shopping cart. It will be automatically billed to your u-bill when enrolled in the course. Click here for more information about Immediate Access course materials.
BE AWARE! As of Fall 2024, "Immediate Access" for individual courses will be replaced by "Immediate Access ONE," a flat-rate charge of $259 per semester for all textbooks in undergraduate courses. You are encouraged to opt out of this charge if your course materials would cost less than $259 to purchase elsewhere.
To opt out of Immediate Access ONE:
- Log into Canvas
- Go to Immediate Access on the navigation menu
- Click Opt-Out in the upper corner
You will receive an email confirmation from no-reply@verbasoftware.com with the subject line “YOUR PREFERENCE TO OPT-OUT HAS BEEN RECORDED.” Please check your spam folder. Your U-Bill will be credited within 7-10 business days.
Other ways to save money
Is your class using an old-school textbook? You can save money by looking into:
- Digital access codes and e-books
- Used and new textbook rental
- Used and loose-leaf textbooks