Textbook affordability and choosing OERs: What JCU students say

JCU students sitting on an outside table
This is Open Access month at JCU, and we’re shining a spotlight on choosing published Open Educational Resources (OERs) - free, high-quality learning materials that can be used instead of expensive textbooks.

More and more JCU teaching staff are embracing OERs, and it’s making a real difference for their students.

What are JCU students saying?

Students are telling us loud and clear how much they appreciate zero-cost textbook options:

"I could not afford any textbooks so it was amazing having free resources. I would not have been able to get as much out of my course without this service and I REALLY appreciate it."

"It’s great—having free reading resources is amazing and shows the lecturers’ dedication to students. It also helps us understand what’s relevant from a JCU perspective, rather than a random textbook."

"High quality free e-textbooks = less stress 😊"

"It was very helpful. Paying for all PPR requirements (criminal health check, blue card, etc.) is already expensive. I really wish all textbooks were free - I couldn’t afford the others."

Benefits that speak for themselves

For students, switching to OERs isn’t just about saving money (though that’s a big win) - it also means easier access to their learning materials, more inclusive content, and the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere, without being tied to a costly textbook.

Want to explore OERs for your subjects?

Choosing already published OERs is easier than you might think. It’s just like identifying and evaluating a prescribed textbook from an academic publisher. 

Start by checking out the JCU Library’s OER Discovery Collections, organised by discipline. You might be surprised by what’s already available!

Need a hand?

Reach out to your Liaison Librarian - we’re happy to help you locate already published OERs that could work for your subject needs.

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