Many students and families are facing new financial challenges due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. One way faculty may be able to help address this concern is by adopting a free online textbook instead of requiring each student to purchase an expensive textbook.
The Open Textbook Network supports and promotes use of the Open Textbook Library, which contains more than 700 textbooks, all of which are freely available to read, download, or adapt for your class needs. The Washington Research Library Consortium, of which the Georgetown University Library is a member, recently joined the OTN, and in February, the Georgetown University Student Association Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the OTN.
Open textbooks also have the advantage of being immediately accessible and available to students anytime and anywhere they have their computers. As Georgetown experienced this year when the University moved classes online after spring break, print textbooks may become inaccessible if students leave them in dorm rooms or apartments and are unable to return.
Explore free textbook options in your subject area at the Open Textbook Library. For more information on finding or using open textbooks or other open educational resources, contact scholarlycomm@georgetown.edu.