Textbook costs are skyrocketing, and many students have trouble accessing the readings they need for class.

Open access texts (often called Open Educational Resources, or OER) are free to read online, often free to download, and may be available as a low cost print format option. Many open access texts have a Creative Commons license that allow an instructor to alter the text for their course. 

Studies show that students who use OERs in class achieve academic success and experience significant cost savings. Using OERs for courses can help reduce the economic inequality many students experience.

What can faculty do to help with high textbook prices? There are lots of alternatives and librarians can help! See our OER guide at https://libguides.kzoo.edu/oer