Affordable Educational Materials (AER)

The Waubonsee Library is the most effective tool for achieving AER status. We provide access to millions of high-quality resources that are already paid for by the college.

To ensure your students have a seamless experience, please follow these technical guidelines:

1. Verify "Unlimited User" Licenses: Some eBooks only allow one or three students to read at a time. Ensure your chosen text has unlimited concurrent access before adding it to your syllabus.
2. Use Durable Links (Permalinks): Do not copy the URL from your browser's address bar. Use the "Permalink" or "Share" button in the database interface to ensure the link works through the proxy server for all students.
3. Format Accessibility: Prioritize resources available in HTML or EPUB formats, which are easier for students to use with mobile devices, screen readers, or for offline study.
4. Fair Use & Copyright-Cleared Course Packs:  Consider collaborating with the Library to create digital course packs using library licensed articles and eBooks as an alternative to expensive textbooks.

If you cannot find a 100% free OER or a library-licensed text, you can still meet the "Low-Cost" threshold using these strategies:

1. Low-Cost Commercial Texts:  While textbooks are expensive, there are still  high-quality, targeted textbooks with a permanent purchase price that fits within the $15/credit hour goal. We encourage faculty to explore these options as primary or secondary texts.
2. Hybrid Sourcing (OER + AER):  You don't have to choose just one path. Consider reducing costs by using a free OER for the core curriculum and supplementing it with a low-cost commercial text or professional manual for specialized topics.
3. Government & Public Domain Works:  Resources produced by federal agencies (like NASA, the NIH, or the Library of Congress) are generally free to use and distribute. While not technically "OER" in some cases, they are excellent "Affordable" alternatives for STEM and History courses.
4. Professional Society Materials:  Check with your field’s professional organizations (e.g., ACS, IEEE, APA). Many societies offer low-cost digital modules or "white papers" that can replace expensive traditional textbooks.

While digital resources are often convenient, print textbooks remain a preference for many students. You can significantly lower costs by making intentional choices regarding physical media:

1. Prioritize Existing Editions: Avoid the "New Edition" trap. Unless the content has changed substantially (new legal precedents or scientific breakthroughs), older editions are often functionally identical and available for a fraction of the price on the used market.
2. Support the Used Book Ecosystem: By staying with a consistent edition for several semesters, you allow a robust supply of used books to circulate within our campus bookstore and among students, driving prices down.
3. Loose-Leaf & Rental Options: When a traditional hardback is too expensive, consider authorizing "Binder-Ready" or "Loose-Leaf" versions, which typically retail for much less.