But First, A Disclaimer

We recognize that the push for OERs or completely FREE textbooks is political. We know that there are other interests and the profit from textbooks is used to support the university, especially since the U’s bookstore is university owned.

Our goal is not to wreck valuable business or attack anybody. I am the first to say that as an English major I will buy the physical book every time, even if it hurts my bank account.

Our goal is simply to advocate for other options and share our knowledge with students because we know how valuable it is. We did not know these options months ago but now, our educational horizons seem so much broader. We want to share this broadening.

Students deserve to know that they can opt out of inclusive access. They deserve to know that they can question their learning materials from the library. They can talk to teachers and faculty about other options because ultimately, they are paying to be here! Different learning materials may not only be more affordable and accessible, but they may also better align with students’ learning styles.

Society, as everyone knows, is becoming increasingly digital. Who knows where we will be in twenty years. Will there even be in-person learning still? That sounds crazy to say, but COVID-19 and now AI have both dramatically changed how we view education and the dissemination of knowledge. We don’t know everything, but we do know that technology will continue to play a huge role in our lives and wider society. Thinking about OERs and other digitally-based, affordable options is simply a way to interrogate and prepare for that future reality. We aren’t working ahead of the curve, per se, but we are certainly acknowledging the curve and preparing for its impact.