Affordable Course Materials

Course Materials Collection

Learn how to request items for our Course Materials collection (formerly Course Reserves) and about the types of materials that can be added to the collection.

Course Materials and Reserves

Resources for Instructors

Learn how to improve the affordability of your courses in a sustainable way.

Textbook Affordability Resources for Instructors

Resources for Students

Learn more about strategies for saving on textbooks with library materials, finding free textbooks, and advocating for textbook affordability.

Textbook Affordability Resources for Students

Why is textbook affordability important?

Research shows that students who don’t have access to assigned course materials are more likely to struggle academically. We know that high book costs mean that many students never obtain their textbooks, while others have limited access due to using shared copies. Gettysburg College survey data from 2019 and 2022 reveal that negative impacts of high book costs are more pronounced for first-generation students, international students, and Pell Grant recipients.

Instructors have the academic freedom to reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks and other course materials. Musselman Library supports textbook affordability through our services, collections, and collaborative work.