: For Students, Faculty, and Staff 
College students would save, on average, $128 a course if professors and instructors used free or low-cost “open source” alternatives. That’s according to a study by the Student Public Interest Research Groups that was reported in the Feb. 25 New York Times.
The Times went on to highlight the University of Minnesota’s Open Textbook Library, a collaboration between University Libraries and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The Library currently has more than 160 titles.
The news story quoted David Ernst, Chief Information Officer at CEHD, who noted that busy professors often are not aware that quality open-source alternatives are available. He’s working to build awareness nationally.
Libraries takes lead on ‘Partnership for Affordable Content’
The Libraries is also leading the Partnership for Affordable Content initiative, which aims to help faculty and instructors find and use alternative, high-quality, low-cost materials for their courses — such as library licensed books and articles, open educational resources (including textbooks) and more. The ultimate goal is helping students save money.
The Partnership is currently seeking faculty and instructor applications for a grant to work with library staff to implement affordable high quality content options in their courses.
Librarians can share expertise in copyright, licensing, open educational resources, course management software and tools, electronic reserves or Digital Course Packs, and multimedia resources to be used in course offerings.
