Vol. 6 No. 1 (2021): Journal of New Librarianship
Columns

Boosting Student Success and Reducing Inequalities with Free Access to Course Materials

PDF
Cheryl Cuillier
University of Arizona
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33011/newlibs/10/1

Published 2021-06-14

Keywords

  • OER,
  • textbooks,
  • course materials,
  • affordability,
  • student success,
  • COVID-19
    • ...More
    Less

How to Cite

Cuillier, C. (2021). Boosting Student Success and Reducing Inequalities with Free Access to Course Materials. Journal of New Librarianship, 6(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.33011/newlibs/10/1

Abstract

Research shows that COVID-19 has exacerbated student challenges and inequalities. One of the most impactful ways the University of Arizona Libraries foster student success and reduce inequities is through our course material initiatives: providing students with free day-one access to required materials. We are seeing greater demand for online resources, which can be challenging for academic libraries to provide. Our approach leverages campus partnerships, advocacy and education, and a “do-it-yourself” model supplemented with one-on-one assistance as needed. These practices can be replicated at other libraries with limited resources.

PDF