Textbook affordability (TABS) provides benefits to students and faculty and is consistent with Ball State’s commitment to inclusive excellence in the following ways:
- Making education more accessible, equitable, and sustainable
- Ensuring first-day readiness
- Improving student engagement since they have what they need on Day 1
- Enhancing student and faculty experiences
- Increasing satisfaction and well-being for students in their educational journeys
TABS is part of the affordable education movement across the country, an important effort to reduce costs and remove barriers for student access to course learning materials. At Ball State we define textbook affordability as $40 or less per course. Affordability can be achieved through use of Open Educational Resources, low-cost textbook alternatives, or use of library services and resources.
Impact on Students
Save
Money
Textbook costs are the largest barrier to student success and TABS virtually eliminates this hurdle from the equation.
Increase
Readiness
Affordable, accessible course materials ensure that students can prepare for learning from day 1.
Increase
Engagement
Students who have what they need to prepare are more engaged with course material and come to class ready to learn.
Improve
Accessibility
When education is more accessible, students are more likely to achieve educational success in other courses, as well.
College Toolkits for Textbook Affordability
The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, in partnership with University Libraries and the Division of Online and Strategic Learning, supported several working groups as they prepared to adopt open educational resources (OER) in individual courses and programs. Participants created a series of TABS toolkits for your review and possible adoption. Access the toolkits below.
How Open Educational Resources Helps Students
In a national survey, students identified their top barriers to a post-secondary education. These were their responses:
- 32% said cost of living affected their ability to pursue a college degree.
- 31% said cost of tuition and course materials, including books, stood in their way.
- 49% identified BOTH cost of living and cost of tuition and materials together were both barriers that affected their choices.
Source: Cengage Group
Faculty Share How Students Benefit From Open Educational Resources
What Are the Benefits of a More Affordable Education?
An expansive research project conducted at the University of Georgia has revealed that students granted free or low-cost course materials achieved higher academic results than students who paid full price. The study also revealed that a greater percentage of students earned As and the DFW rate fell.
The study also indicated that the use of Open Educational Resources had a beneficial effect on faculty as well. Faculty can have more ownership over their courses and curriculum. They have more control over the development of course materials and can grant students much-needed aid. Faculty are also pleasantly surprised by students’ preparedness for their courses, from day 1.
SEE THE STUDY (PDF)
Work With Us
Textbook Affordability at Ball State (TABS) is looking for faculty interested in joining the mission. Our Working Group is available to guide you through the process. You can also explore our toolkit of helpful resources for creating your own course with open-source materials.
The TABS Working Group:
- Sarah Ackermann, Executive Director for Teaching Innovation
- Art Hill, Director of Customer Research and Insights
- Crystal Kamm, Marketing Content Specialist
- Kristen McCauliff, Interim Dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media and Associate Professor in Communication Studies
- Mary Moore, Senior Lecturer of Communication Studies
- Salli Noel, Secretary to Dean, University Libraries
- Nancy Prater, Executive Director of Market Development
- Jorn Seemann, Associate Professor of Geography
- Matthew Shaw, Dean of University Libraries
- Laura Suman, Head of Access Services
- Trudi Weyermann, Assistant Provost for Learning Initiatives
- Natalie Witters, Campaign Manager
Contact Us