Simpson Library: Open (OER) and Affordable Course Materials: Affordable

Affordable course materials can be an alternative to OER. The Code of Virginia even encourages the use of low-cost (i.e. affordable) alternatives.

Code of Virginia § 23.1-1308:

Faculty members are encouraged to limit their use of new edition textbooks when previous editions do not significantly differ in a substantive way as determined by the appropriate faculty member; and
Provisions address the availability of required textbooks to students otherwise unable to afford the cost.
The governing board of each public institution of higher education shall implement guidelines for the adoption and use of low-cost and no-cost open educational resources in courses offered at such institution. Such guidelines may include provisions for low-cost commercially published materials.

Here are a variety of ways to find and utilize affordable course materials:

Search the Library
Search the Simpson Library's online and physical collections to find materials suitable for your courses. There may be e-books, journal articles, online videos, or book chapters that can replace an expensive textbook.

Library Readings Lists
Create Library Reading Lists in Canvas, which allow your students to access course materials in a single place. You can include links to library e-books, Fair Use items, link to articles in databases, and websites.

Course Reserves
Course Reserves include physical books, DVDs, cameras, and other physical materials that instructors place on reserve at the Circulation Desk so that all the students in their classes have access to the necessary materials.