Supporting an Inclusive and Equitable Classroom: Student Perspectives on a Textbook Affordability Initiative

Abstract: As academic librarians become aware of the challenges textbook expenses prose to student success, they have increased efforts to provide free access to required course materials. Librarians at Illinois State University initiated a program to license course-assigned e-books, surveying participating students and faculty regarding their perspectives on textbook affordability and their experiences with the provided e-books. Student responses were overwhelmingly positive, and they identified several ways the e-books enhanced their experience in the course. The findings suggest that library-provided course materials contribute to students’ engagement as learners and their academic success within courses.