Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies saves students over $930,000 in course materials

December 12th, 2024

Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies collaborates with instructors to locate affordable course materials to support student success. During the fall 2024 semester, Purdue Libraries saved students over $930,000 in textbook fees by acquiring required course materials for Libraries’ electronic collection, including over $36,000 in savings for more than 470 students at Purdue Indianapolis.

The cost of course textbooks can place a significant financial burden on college students and impede their academic opportunities. According to the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, “65 percent of students reported skipping buying assigned course material—a textbook, an access code, or both—during their time at school because of its cost.” Libraries provides access to a wide range of library-licensed materials, including over 800 new ebooks and streaming videos since July 2022. These materials are accessible via the Brightspace integrated electronic reading list, Leganto, where students can readily find and read them in the context of other course assignments and activities.

Affordable course materials website launched

To help instructors create more equitable learning environments, Purdue Libraries launched an affordable course materials website. This resource offers guidance and tools for instructors on how to integrate affordable materials into Purdue courses. 

For more information about affordable learning materials or to schedule a consultation with a librarian, please contact Emily Little, open education and affordable content librarian.