Zero Textbook Cost Initiative overview
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
- Adopt and adapt zero-cost resources for their courses
Priority will be given to those teaching general education courses, multi-section courses, and/or modifying an existing course to make it a $0 textbook cost course.
The initiative is separated into three levels:
Incentive type: OER Review only
Support stipend: $200
Stipend requirements: An instructor finds and reviews an OER for the Open Textbook Library (OTL).
Time commitment and support: Applicants should expect to spend around 3 hours searching for and writing a review to be posted via the OTL.
Incentive type: Zero Cost adoption
Support stipend: $500
Stipend requirements: An instructor or group of instructors adopts existing zero-cost materials that require little to no modification of the course design.
Time commitment and support: Applicants should expect to spend at least five hours modifying their course at this level. The Zero Cost program team is able to provide assistance in identifying possible sources and updating the course.
Incentive type: Zero Cost adoption & adaptation
Support stipend: $1000
Stipend requirements: An instructor or a group of instructors adopts existing zero-cost materials that require revision and course redesign.
Time commitment and support: 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
The program is open to all faculty members at IU Southeast.
Project timeline
- October 2026 – January 2027: Discussions with faculty about program
- Applications accepted through January 22, 2027.
- January 22, 2027: Applications due
- Mid-February: Award winners notified
- February 15, 2027 – May 31, 2027:
- Find and customize new course materials or review an open textbook from the Open Textbook Library (OTL)
- Participate in at least one consultation with ILTE and one consultation with Director of Library Services Kate Ziady to discuss their progress and resolve any issues encountered (required for adoption and adaption; recommended for adoption).
- April 30, 2027 – If reviewing OTL textbook, deadline to submit review (Level 1: Awareness)
- May 31, 2027 - Faculty member submits updated syllabus with zero cost required materials list (Level 2: Adoption & Level 3: Adoption and adaptation)
- June 2027 – Award winner stipends are paid
- Fall 2027, Spring or Summer 2028: Faculty teach course(s) supported with zero cost materials
- After implementation, faculty must ensure ADA-compliance and copyright compliance and then share any new resources created
- Schedule of Classes should include a note that: “This class uses electronic textbooks made available to students for $0 through the IU Southeast Library or freely available online e-texts. Once enrolled, check instructor syllabus for details on how to access.”
- Faculty complete a final assessment and provide feedback on the effectiveness of new course materials.
Evaluation criteria
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Completeness of the application and level of interest in the 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.