2020 PALCI Member Mtg Series - Do You Have My Textbook?: OER and Textbook Affordability Strategies
Channel: PALCI
Date: 08/09/2020

"Do You Have My Textbook?": OER and Textbook Affordability Strategies for Pandemic Times

Panelists:
Steven Bell: Associate University Librarian, Temple University (Moderator)
Jalyn Warren: Assistant Professor - Electronic Resources/Web, Community College of Philadelphia
Daniel Stafford: Assistant Professor - Faculty Librarian, Kutztown University

Abstract:
Academic librarians know that time of the year is coming, when students return to campus and begin the trials and tribulations of acquiring their learning materials at the least cost possible to themselves. For many, that involves a trip to the library in search of textbooks. In anticipation of an even more complex fall owing to the COVID pandemic, academic librarians are likely to face calls for support from students who are both on-campus and remote learners. Faculty, too, are concerned about how an uncertain fall learning environment will affect their students' ability to access course textbooks. In this session, three panelists representing different categories of institutions, will share their experience and efforts to call attention to the need for affordable textbook strategies during this pandemic period. As more students and families experience financial difficulties, what can be done to encourage faculty to adopt OER and explore ways to reduce the cost of course content for their students. Attendees will be invited to share their campus experiences as we work collectively to develop practical strategies.

UPDATES from Jalyn Warren:
*Fall 2020 courses at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) will be online. The Library remains physically closed, but is still providing services remotely
*CCP library policy is to not purchase items for Reserve, therefore electronic reserves are not an option either, especially with cuts to our budget
*Jalyn wishes to thank and acknowledge the contributions of her Library colleagues in advancing the OER effort at the College

Recorded August 26, 2020 as part of the 2020 PALCI Member Meeting Event Series