Questions about Zero or Low-cost textbooks

[Thompson, Molly]

Hello,

I had an instructor ask me about labeling certain classes as zero or low-cost based on the scenarios below. My answers are in blue. I am wondering if anyone else has different input that I could share with the instructor?

Thanks!

Molly Thompson

 

 

 

1. If we have a class that is set up as inclusive access and the student pays for their $50 book at the time of registration, it does not qualify as zero or low-cost, correct? Correct
2. If we have a class that is OER (free textbook), but has a lab kit fee, does it still qualify as Zero-cost TEXTBOOK?  Is lab considered separate? I don't think this qualifies as Zero-cost.
3. What if that same OER class only has an estimated $25 of materials that a student has to buy at Wal-Mart?  It’s over $20, but the textbook is free.  Can it still qualify as a Zero or Low-cost textbook? I don't think so. 

 

 

[Amy Hofer]

Hi Molly, 

These are excellent questions to answer by seeking input from different stakeholders at your own institution. That way you'll have buy-in and multiple people will feel confident about understanding your course marking guidelines. Here's an example at PCC: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13JiRACnJ6u4zgeH7kvsTL2HK3ET711C3cgt2txHE5b0/edit?usp=sharing

FYI, 

Amy  

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Statewide Open Education Program Director

Open Oregon Educational Resources

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[Nathan Smith]

These are good questions to clarify in your course tagging policy. At HCC, our policy states that Low Cost Books and Zero Cost Books designations are based on the total cost of required instructional materials, when purchased new from the bookstore. This does not include ancillary materials (or supplies) that are often required for art or technical training courses. For us, the Low Cost threshold is $40 and can be applied to Inclusive Access offerings as long as the fee is less than $40. Inclusive Access cannot be a Zero Cost because the fee is for instructional materials.

At the end of the day, the definitions and policies surrounding course tagging is a decision for your institution, but you should have a policy that makes answers to these questions clear.

Have a look at this publication, which provides some helpful guidance: https://uta.pressbooks.pub/markingopenandaffordablecourses/ 

Good luck,

Nathan

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Nathan Smith, PhD.
Houston Community College, Philosophy

713.253.7003