According to the National Association of College Stores (NACS) students pay approximately $1000 on textbooks over the course of an academic year. Thankfully, UMD Stores have provided initiatives to decrease this financial pressure on students - but what if the library could help by providing students access to their course materials for free?
The Kathryn A. Martin Library had this question in mind when they developed a pilot project which received these statements from students’ evaluations: “Keep this going in the future,” “I think it was good,” and “FUND THIS. HELP US!” Based on this success, the Library took these services to a whole new level for the 2018-2019 academic year.
In partnership with UMD Stores, Library staff were able to identify library-owned or open access ebooks that students can access for free. These items are the required texts for 20 classes, and have the potential to save students over $40,000 in this semester alone. These are unlimited, simultaneous access ebooks that UMD students can access for free, and are available to all students in the class on the first day of classes; there are no copyright or fair use concerns or questions for faculty.
If you are interested in participating in this project, or have questions about the project, please contact Matt Rosendahl.