Making education more accessible for JCU students
Why it matters
In 2023, JCU Library estimated that 72 first-year core subjects prescribed textbooks costing students an average of $119 each. For first-year students, that added up to a staggering $2.19 million in potential textbook expenses.
To tackle this challenge, JCU Library launched the HEPPP-funded Textbook Affordability Project (TAP), 2024-2025 - a whole-of-Library initiative designed to work towards a zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) experience for students in first-year core subjects.
What we did
TAP invited collaboration across the university to explore affordable alternatives, including:
·
Subject Readings lists
High-quality resources from Library collections and beyond.
·
Open
educational resources (OERs)
Adoption (using) of existing open publications, or adaptation and creation of
new openly licensed etextbooks.
·
Library-subscribed
etextbooks
Preferably titles with unlimited user licences (where publisher terms allow).
The impact
The impact of TAP is clear. Within the College of Healthcare Sciences (CHS) alone, these interventions have saved students an estimated $645,240 over two years - calculated using a conservative average textbook cost of $120. Beyond the financial benefits, JCU student data reveals a reduction in student failure rates for first-year, semester 1 CHS subjects that adopted TAP solutions. While it’s important to acknowledge that multiple factors may have contributed to these improvements, TAP could have played a meaningful role in driving positive outcomes. At the time of writing, results for semester 2 subjects are still being finalised.
Why it matters for JCU students
By reducing financial stress and improving access to essential learning resources, TAP has transformed the educational experience for JCU first-year students. These changes increase the potential for student academic success and experiencing equity in learning.
Looking ahead
As TAP concludes, JCU Library has embedded textbook affordability practices into its operations, ensuring this work continues as part of our commitment to keeping students at the heart of everything we do.
Collaborate with us
Are you interested in pursuing textbook affordability options for your students? Connect with JCU Library experts and explore your options.
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