The Seventeenth International Conference on Books, Publishing & Libraries

Abstract

Textbook prices rise faster than the rate of inflation. Publishers update editions regularly assuring new purchases in order to limit the used textbook market. Publishers also add incentives to encourage faculty to remain with the published textbook. These include pre-made tests, online supporting materials, and grading rubrics. At Rowan University we have introduced the Textbook Alternative Program (TAP). This program encourages faculty to select free materials to replace the traditionally published textbooks with open access materials or to design a list of course readings drawn from library holdings. The program is sponsored by units across campus, including the library. Faculty may submit proposals to change their course materials and earn a $2000.00 (US) stipend. This project saved Rowan students a total of $116,181 in just the first year.