FSU Libraries has been working on a number of open educational resource (OER) initiatives to increase awareness for the textbook affordability movement and promote adoption.
In a recent survey, 72% of FSU students (n = 350) reported having not purchased a required textbook due to high cost. Our findings underline the impact of the textbook affordability problem on FSU students and suggest that the vast majority of our students would support broader adoption of affordable online textbooks. Our team is looking forward to continuing to stand for change in this space, providing both students and instructors with the information and resources they need to make a difference. The Libraries also support textbook affordability through course material support.
For inquiries about FSU Libraries' OER and Textbook Affordability initiatives, contact Lindsey Wharton (lib-etextbooks@fsu.edu).
Textbook Affordability Survey
Take this short survey to share your experiences with expensive textbooks and course materials: Take the survey.
Course Materials
FSU Libraries invest in affordability resources, ensuring that all students have access to their course materials. These resources are of no cost to students and consist of physical and online materials.
Course Reserves
Course Reserves provide students with access to physical copies of their textbooks, to be used for a short period of time in the library.
eTextbooks
FSU Libraries has identified and purchased over one million titles currently available as eBooks and assigned as course materials. The eTextbook Search allows for quick access to these titles anytime, anywhere.
Florida State Open Publishing
In support of the open dissemination of knowledge, Florida State Open Publishing (FSOP) offer professional publishing services for eligible scholarly works. Submit a proposal to publish with Florida State Open Publishing and receive services such as copyright and editorial consulting, indexing and preservation, and hosting and tech support. All works published with Florida State Open Publishing are available for public use, expanding FSU's repository of open educational resources (OER).
Proposals are due by December 1, 2025, and should be submitted via the proposal form on the FSOP website.
Open Access Publishing Fund
Florida State University faculty, post-docs, researchers and currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply for funds for open access fees for articles and books connected with their research activities at Florida State University.
Funding for FY25-26 has been expended. Please send any questions to lib-digischol@fsu.edu.
Alternative Textbook Grants
FSU Libraries' Alternative Textbook Grants supported FSU instructors in replacing commercial textbooks with open educational resources, open textbooks, or library-licensed eResources that are available to students at no cost. Studies show students have similar or increased success and engagement in courses with open materials. Openly licenses materials support academic freedom and learning outcomes, allowing instructors and students to contribute to knowledge exchange in new, meaningful ways. At this time, Alternative Textbook Grants are not being offered.
Follett Access
Some courses utilize the Follett Access Program, which automatically bills students for some or all of that course's materials. The charges will appear on your MyFSU tuition and fees invoice.
Opt-out of the program and its automatic charges by logging into your Follett Access Portal. For step-by-step instructions on how to opt-out of the program, see the Access Opt-Out Customer Portal Process. The deadline to opt-out or back into the Follett Access Program is the tuition and fees due date for the term.
FSU PIRG Textbook Donation Drive
FSU Libraries partner with FSU PIRG on textbook affordability initiatives, including the Textbook Donation Drive. Each semester, the Textbook Donation Drive collects hundreds of gently used textbooks donated by FSU students. The collected textbooks are dispersed to Course Reserves and FSU CARE for student access. Fall 2025, Textbook Donation Bins will be hosted from dates TBD at these locations: locations TBD
For more information on the FSU PIRG Textbook Donation Drive, contact Sharon Hopengarten (sh23bx@fsu.edu).