The rising cost of textbooks has long been a significant concern for students pursuing higher education. With the price of textbooks increasing every year, many students struggle to afford the required course materials, impacting their academic success and overall college experience. In response to this issue, JMU Libraries has taken the lead in promoting the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) as a solution to the high cost of textbooks.
OER prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and quality of course materials by providing free or low-cost alternatives to traditional textbooks. By utilizing OER, instructors at JMU can build their courses around texts that are licensed for free online use, allowing students to access course materials without the financial burden of purchasing expensive textbooks. Liz Thompson, open education librarian and associate professor at JMU Libraries, emphasizes the importance of OER in reducing the costs associated with pursuing a college degree.
According to a survey conducted by JMU, a significant percentage of students have been impacted by the high cost of textbooks. Many students have opted not to register for courses or have taken fewer courses due to the financial strain of purchasing textbooks. Additionally, a large number of students have reported not purchasing required texts or earning poor grades in courses because of the cost of materials. These findings highlight the urgent need for alternative solutions like OER to make education more accessible and affordable for all students.
One of the key benefits of OER is its ability to provide a wide range of course materials, including textbooks, study guides, workbooks, and audiovisual materials, at no cost to students. By offering materials in various formats, OER ensures that learning is accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation or learning needs. Since Fall 2019, JMU instructors who have adopted OER have collectively saved students over $2.3 million in textbook costs, demonstrating the significant impact of this initiative.
While the transition to OER may present challenges for instructors, JMU Libraries offers support in the form of grants and summer stipends to incentivize faculty members to incorporate OER into their courses. By providing financial assistance and resources for course redesign, JMU aims to make the adoption of OER a seamless and rewarding process for instructors. Through these efforts, JMU has seen a growing number of faculty members embracing OER and contributing to the expansion of open educational resources.
In addition to supporting OER initiatives, JMU Libraries collaborates with the registrar’s office to help students identify courses with textbooks priced under $40. The library system also offers a range of in-copyright materials for students to access at no cost, further promoting textbook affordability on campus. These efforts, combined with the promotion of OER, reflect JMU’s commitment to making education accessible and inclusive for all students.
Dr. Malika Carter-Hoyt, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at JMU, emphasizes the role of OER in fostering a culture of sharing and innovation within the educational community. By encouraging the creation and dissemination of open resources, OER promotes collective growth and continuous improvement in education. Embracing OER aligns with JMU’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, affirming the belief that education should be accessible to everyone.
In conclusion, the adoption of Open Educational Resources at JMU represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges of textbook affordability and promoting inclusive learning environments. Through collaborative efforts and support from JMU Libraries, faculty, and students, OER has the potential to revolutionize the way course materials are accessed and utilized in higher education. As JMU continues to prioritize OER initiatives, the university is poised to make lasting changes that benefit students, faculty, and the broader educational community.
