Automatically including textbook costs in institution fees under so-called “inclusive access programs” is not a solution to affordability challenges, argue Mount Royal University academic librarians Madelaine Vanderwerff and Sara Sharun. Vanderwerff and Sharun explain that while proponents cite increased course completion rates, improved grades, and cost savings for students, their own research shows that fundamental competencies may suffer as a result of this practice. Surveyed Canadian faculty said that research competency and critical thinking skills should be the focus of course materials rather than affordability. The authors conclude that academic staff should be the arbiters of their own course materials, with the option to draw on Open Educational Resources, library partnerships, or other freely available content to increase affordability for learners.
