WMU Libraries is leading a campus-wide effort to support and promote the use of Open Educational Resources. Information on these efforts is available on the WMU Open Education Resources site.

With the continued increases in textbook prices faculty often look for less expensive alternatives to cover the same learning objectives. This guide provides information about options offered through open educational resources projects, as well as resources and services offered through the WMU Libraries.

• College textbook prices have increased 812% since 1978. The Consumer Price Index has increased 250% during this time. (Perry, 2012)
• The average student in the U.S. spends $1298 annually on textbooks. (College Board, 2016)

Sources:

Perry, M. J. (2012, December 24.) The college textbook bubble and how the open educational resources movement is going up against the textbook cartel [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.aei-ideas.org/2012/12/the-college-textbook-bubble-and-how-the-open-educational-resources-movement-is-going-up-against-the-textbook-cartel/

College Board. (2016). Quick guide: college costs. Retrieved from https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/college-costs/quick-guide-college-costs

• The Open Text Adoption Worksheet from the Community College Consortium for Open Education Resources provides an excellent step by step walk through.
• This Open Textbook Adoption Quick Guide site provides a detailed outline for adoptiong open textbooks in your course.