Assessing Textbook Cost and Course Data for a High-Impact Textbook Lending Program

Abstract

Although open education initiatives are gaining traction at many higher education institutions, the promise of open access or free textbooks for all courses is not yet a reality. Meanwhile, the high cost of textbooks remains an obstacle to academic success for many students. Providing equal access to education is central to the mission of academic libraries, and librarians at the University of Texas at San Antonio decided to support student success by offering a selection of textbooks on reserve. Given a modest annual textbook budget, it was important to identify textbooks that would have the greatest impact on student success. Librarians developed an assessment methodology that identifies lower-division, core courses with high enrollments and expensive textbooks, giving additional weight to courses with a high percentage of students who receive grades of D, F, or who drop the class. Focusing on these criteria, among others, enables the library to provide a selection of high-impact textbooks that circulates heavily and assists students in classes with a demonstrated need for academic support.