: For Students, Faculty, and Staff 
A recently published e-book — The Evolution of Affordable Content Efforts in the Higher Education Environment: Programs, Case Studies, and Examples — provides inspiration and guidance for those working to create affordable content options for college students.
The new e-book also provides evidence of the growth that has occurred in this area over the last decade. The Evolution of Affordable Content was published openly by the University of Minnesota Libraries’ Publishing Services and edited by Kristi Jensen and Shane Nackerud, who co-lead the University Libraries’ eLearning Support Initiative. The e-book includes 26 chapters written by 48 affordable content leaders from institutions across the United States.
Book is replete with case studies, examples
“This publication is the result of a tremendous amount of work by Kristi and Shane, and I expect it to be a very impactful contribution to the field,” said Claire Stewart, Associate University Librarian at the University of Minnesota Libraries. “Nothing this comprehensive exists and questions about the things covered in the book come up over and over in the affordable content and open publishing fields.”
The book provides examples of how different types and sizes of institutions have implemented affordable content programs and includes voices from a wide range of contributors including faculty, instructional designers, academic technologists, librarians, bookstore staff, and more. While some institutions have been providing students affordable content options for over 100 years, many others have found the need to launch new programs in response to the escalating costs of higher education and the impact that has on student learning.
Library leaders laud ‘The Evolution of Affordable Content’
The Evolution of Affordable Content Efforts in the Higher Education Environment has been lauded by academic leaders and those in the field of affordable content and open publishing.
“The 25 case studies in The Evolution of Affordable Content Efforts in Higher Education offer excellent resources for college and university educators, including librarians, faculty, and administrators, seeking practical insights and inspiration to enhance affordable content for their students,” said Rebecca Bichel, Dean of Libraries, University of Texas at Arlington. “I highly recommend the text.”
“Where this volume will make its mark is in advancing the progress of global affordable content efforts and initiatives by encouraging more librarians to take a leadership role for textbook affordability at their institution,” said Steven Bell, Associate University Librarian for Research and Instructional Services Temple University. “What should encourage all affordable and effective learning advocates is this volume’s scope as a reflection of tremendous progress and great hope for a promising future.”
The Evolution of Affordable Content demonstrates the range of affordable content options that are possible today — from openly licensed content to library licensed materials and all inclusive purchase models to institution-wide student textbook rental models.
