Ohio University announces library program to cut student textbook costs

ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio University will offer instructors $1,000 to lower textbook costs for students.

This month, Ohio University Libraries debuted its Zero Cost Textbook program, a new training opportunity that seeks to lower expenses for students by eliminating textbook costs. Ohio University faculty are invited to attend Zero Cost Textbook information sessions this fall to learn how to replace costly textbooks with resources already in the university library system.

The idea hopes to keep textbooks accessible so students can rely on library or free online copies for their classes. According to the Education Data Initiative, students at public four-year universities like Ohio University spend an average of $1,212 per year on textbooks.

To encourage professors to take advantage of the program, Ohio University is offering $1,000 to faculty who replace commercial textbooks with open educational resources -- resources in the public domain or licensed for open use -- and library-licensed materials. The university said it will initially prioritize general education courses for the incentive's initial phase.

Ohio University junior Emily Hall said professors try to keep costs manageable, but she still spent more than $300 one semester after one class required four different books. Hall, a history major, said her courses have mandatory readings, so without purchasing the book, students will fail the class.

According to university course offerings, history courses with required textbooks usually cost between $40 and $60 per course, per semester. In compliance with federal law, Ohio University lists required textbooks and estimated costs on their course offerings, but the prices often differ online.

Textbooks also differ by course subject. For instance, students in entry level chemistry courses are charged around $100 automatically and provided with textbooks.

Hall said the new Zero Cost Textbook program could work, but she has previously been in a class that offered a shared textbook through the library. She said it was difficult to find a time to read the book, especially with a large class all trying to access the material. Ultimately, she supplemented the reserve textbook with an online version.

"I think it's a really good idea in concept," Hall said. "But I mean, the library isn't open 24/7. I think that's the biggest difficulty, and they only have so many copies."

Ohio University said it is implementing the program after reviewing national studies that show students with access to a Zero Cost Textbook program perform as well or better than those who have to buy their textbooks. The university also referenced a national survey where 40% of students reported skipping meals to afford textbooks.

Hall encouraged faculty members to coordinate with one another to keep costs low. She also recommended students explore OhioLINK, a state library program that allows public university students to access materials from all member libraries, not just the school they attend. OhioLINK is down for maintenance until October, but she highly recommended it for students.

Professors are invited to attend one of four one-hour information sessions about the Zero Cost Textbook initiative. The webinar sessions will teach faculty how to best replace their required reading and offer a place to ask questions. Sessions will be held once a week for the first four weeks of October on varying dates and times to accommodate schedules.