Document Type
Article
Publication Title
portal: Libraries and the Academy
Publication Date
7-2025
Keywords
textbook affordability, eBooks, academic libraries, Open Educational Resources
Abstract
This study presents findings from a survey and interviews investigating library-led textbook affordability initiatives in the United States. The results document diverse considerations and divergences in workflows, challenges librarians face in establishing and maintaining textbook affordability programs, and the intersection of these initiatives with library and institutional strategies. Findings suggest that these programs have grown in number and scale over the past few years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and are sustained—even without permanent, designated funding—due to consistently positive perceptions about their impact on student success, just-in-time delivery, and alignment with library and institutional goals.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a964601
Recommended Citation
Mitchell Scott and Rachel E. Scott. "A Comprehensive Study of Library-Led Textbook Affordability Initiatives in the United States." portal: Libraries and the Academy 25, no. 3 (2025): 471-507. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a964601.
Comments
This is the open access published version of the article published in the July 2025 issue of portal: Libraries and the Academy. The version of record is freely available via the publisher's website at https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2025.a964601 or Project MUSE.