NCSU Libraries to Offer Second Round of Alt-Textbook Grants

All NC State faculty teaching courses this Spring or in Fall 2016 are eligible to apply

(Raleigh, N.C.) “ In Fall 2014, the NCSU Libraries, with support from the NC State University Foundation , awarded a first round of Alt-Textbook grants to faculty to adopt, adapt, or create free or low-cost alternatives to expensive textbooks. The first round is in progress and is expected to save NC State students more than $200,000 in the first year.

Textbook costs have outpaced inflation by 300% over the last 30 years. These runaway prices have become a major strain on students, with textbooks averaging $1,200 a year and 7 out of 10 students admitting on a recent Public Interest Research Group survey that they have not purchased a required text because of its cost.

The NCSU Libraries is committed to fostering change in the current textbook publishing environment. The Alt-Textbook Project will empower faculty to innovate pedagogically; enhance access for NC State students to high-quality, tailored educational materials; and reduce the financial burden of expensive textbooks.

Led by Will Cross , Director of the NCSU Libraries Copyright and Digital Scholarship Center , a committee made up of librarians will be available to partner with faculty members on licensing resources, using digital repositories, and creating and publishing their own open educational resources.

Ranging between $500 and $2,000, the competitive Alt-Textbook grants will be awarded to help faculty pursue innovative uses of technology and information resources that can replace pricey traditional textbooks. Larger grants may be available for larger-scale or especially high-impact projects.

Grants are available to develop textbook alternatives for the Spring 2015 and Fall 2016 semesters. Possible approaches include:

  • creating a new open textbook or collection of materials
  • adopting an existing open textbook
  • assembling a collection of open resources into new course materials
  • licensing an e-textbook, video, or other media content for classroom use or e-reserves
  • using subscribed library resources

As faculty work on their proposals, NCSU librarians and staff are available to collaborate and share expertise in copyright, licensing, open access, course management software and tools, electronic reserves, subject-matter content, and multimedia resources.

The NCSU Libraries will hold several information sessions about the project. Faculty can learn more about the project, review the call for proposals, sign up for information sessions, and download grant applications at the Alt-Textbook Project website .