Academic libraries have championed OER as a solution to the textbook affordability crisis. Meanwhile, textbook publishers and campus bookstores have partnered to develop inclusive access programs, automatic billing services that charge a flat fee to students' tuition accounts in exchange for first-day access to digital course materials.
While inclusive access programs offer convenience and timely access, OER advocates argue that these models ultimately sustain high-cost publishing structures and that OER remains the most genuinely affordable, long-term solution for students.
This presentation shares findings from a qualitative phenomenological study exploring the perspectives of U.S. academic librarians who manage OER programs at institutions where inclusive access programs are also in place. Data was gathered through individual interviews with librarians overseeing OER initiatives at such campuses. The study was supported by the Open Education Research Group.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Explain the differences between inclusive access programs and OER initiatives.
- Begin to understand librarians’ perspectives on the coexistence of OER and inclusive access programs.
- Determine the potential benefits and drawbacks of inclusive access models from the library standpoint.
