Textbook Affordability is not only affecting students, it is also having a large impact on institutions, faculty, and librarians. If students are unable to afford textbooks and other required course materials, they are likely to under-perform or fail to graduate. Ultimately this will have a negative impact on students’ ability to succeed and the reputation of academic institutions.
Taylor and Francis and Library Journal conducted two surveys focusing on the issue of Textbook Affordability. After conducting a survey based on the Librarians’ perspective there was interest to conduct a survey based on the perspective of faculty.
When asked to what degree course material affordability is an issue for their institution:
When asked to what degree course material affordability is a concern for students:
Librarians and faculty are facing hurdles. They are learning to work together and incorporate digital resources into coursework. There is a major concern about course material affordability and student budgets. The advent of eBooks and other digital resources gives librarians and faculty alternatives to offer the best affordable resources for students. They are learning to collaborate and incorporate digital resources into coursework.
The reports “Textbook Affordability Study based on the Librarian Perspective” and “Textbook Affordability Study based on the Faculty Perspective” will give you insight into how librarians and faculty can cooperate and benefit all parties.
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