Textbook Access and Affordability
This Website is a collaborative effort of the UC Bookstore, Student Government, the Provost's Office, and the UC Libraries.
According to U.S. PIRG, "Students spend an average of $900 a year on textbooks—20 percent of tuition at an average university and half of tuition at a community college."
Students and Parents
Can eBooks save you money on textbooks?
Benefits to students
- eBooks cost 40% - 60% less than new printed books
- Provide enhanced search features, including highlighting, note taking and limited printing
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May contain additional study aids
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They don't use paper, so they're great for the environment
Factors to consider
- Some eBooks expire after a set term
- Some are not refundable
- Some require an internet connection for each use
- Limits on printing (generally if you plan to print a large portion of the book, it is just as cost effective to buy the print book)
- These cannot be sold back at the end of the term
- Remember to back up your files so you do not lose the book if your computer crashes
eBook retailers
| Downloadable, on one computer. Student doesn’t have to be connected to the internet to have access |
| Refundable by the Bookstore if not downloaded |
| Do not expire, the student has as long as they keep it on their computer |
Do the UC Libraries have textbooks for my courses?
On a limited basis. Textbooks and other course materials required for individual classes generally are NOT purchased for the library collection. As a research library, our collections are focused on the diverse and long-term research needs of our users. However, some UC Libraries do buy textbooks.
To locate textbooks that are available:
- Check the University of Cincinnati Libraries' Library Catalog
- Check University of Cincinnati Libraries' Reserves to see if your professor placed a copy on reserve at the library
- If UC doesn't have a copy of your book, then check the OhioLINK catalog
Faculty
Why consider textbook alternatives for your students
- Address issues of affordability
- Teach to diverse learning styles (students who prefer digital materials as well as those who prefer printed versions)
- Respond to mandates from state and national legislation
How to expand textbook access for your students
- Direct students to eBooks through
- Allow used textbooks when possible
- Order textbooks as early as possible (to facilitate optimal buy-back possibilities for the UC Bookstore)
- Create e-reserve options (to make digital versions of texts available via University of Cincinnati Libraries)
How to avoid textbook-access problems
- Use course packets advisedly (since copyright costs might add significantly to the total cost of packets)
- Address copyright problems
- Warn students about incorrect editions (ideally through email via Blackboard in advance of opening day)
- Be aware of any applicable technology limits (since some students may not have the digital resources needed to access some electronic texts)
Additional resources
- "Turn the Page: Making College Textbooks More Affordable," a federal report of The Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (May 2007)
- Further information on these issues, including pedagogy strategies for faculty, is available through online materials developed at Carleton College.
This Web page is a work in progress. Please give us your feedback.
eBook is short for electronic book. It is a digital version of a print book that has been optimized for on-screen reading.