VCU Libraries' Open and Affordable Course Content Initiative supports instructors as they work to transition their courses to zero textbook cost courses, using either open educational resources or library content.

VCU Libraries understand the importance of selecting the right course materials. Not only do zero textbook cost courses eliminate the cost burden for students, but they have been shown to improve student success while increasing instructor flexibility, including the ability to customize resources.

Report Open and Affordable Content Usage »

• Why use open and affordable course content?

  • What is open and affordable course content?
  • The problem: rising textbook costs
  • Textbook costs as a social justice issue

• Open Educational Resources (OER)

  • What are OER?
  • Find OER
  • Create OER
  • Open Images

• Library Content

  • Using library ebooks as course materials
  • Review the VIVA Faculty Ebook Portal
  • Request a purchase
  • Media, Digital Collections and more as course content

• Support for Open and Affordable Course Content

  • Overview of VCU Libraries’ Support
  • VCU Affordable Course Content Awards
  • VIVA Open Grants
  • Place an item on reserve

• For Students

  • Learn about the Open and Affordable Course Content Initiative
  • How have textbook costs impacted you? Share your story
  • Thank a faculty member for using free resources