Zero Textbook Cost Initiative

Zero Textbook Cost Initiative

The Zero Textbook Cost Initiative supports instructors in their efforts to adopt and create zero cost course materials. Faculty are provided with a stipend up to $1,000 to:

  • Review an open access textbook
  • Adopt zero cost course readings
  • Or adopt and adapt zero cost resources for their courses

Priority will be given to those teaching in general education courses and/or multi-section courses.

Apply for the Zero Textbook Cost Initiative
Zero Textbook Cost Initiative Overview
Level Incentive Type Support Stipend Stipend Requirements Time Commitment and Support
Level 1: Awareness OER Review only $200 An instructor finds and reviews an OER for the Open Textbook Library (OTL). Applicants should expect to spend around 3 hours searching for and writing a review to be posted via the OTL.
Level 2: Adoption Zero Cost adoption $500 An instructor or group of instructors adopts existing zero cost materials that require little to no modification of the course design. Applicants should expect to spend at least 5 hours modifying their course at this level. The Zero Cost program team is able to provide assistance where possible.
Level 3: Adoption & Adaptation Zero Cost adoption & adaptation $1000 An instructor or a group of instructors adopts existing zero cost materials that require revision and course redesign. Applicants should expect to spend at least 20 hours modifying their course at this level. Applicants will meet with the Zero Cost program team at least once to discuss progress and troubleshoot issues.

What materials count toward zero cost adoptions?

Adopting no-cost materials can take on various forms and/or be a combination of these forms.

  • Open Educational Resources—open textbooks
  • Open Educational or Freely Available Resources--non-textbooks (copyrighted materials do not apply)
  • Library Licensed Content—eBooks, articles, streaming video, or other.
  • A combination of these

Eligibility

Open to all faculty members at IU Southeast.

Project Timeline

TBD

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Completeness of the application and level of interest in program
  • General education courses and/or multi-section courses will be given priority
  • Potential student savings and the cost of existing materials

Questions?

Reach out to us by email at libhelp@iu.edu with any questions about the Zero Textbook Cost Initiative.