October 11, 2023

Libraries can help instructors access no-cost course materials

Prepare your Course Materials Lists for spring 2024.

As instructors consider textbooks and other course materials for the spring 2024 semester, they may submit reading lists and citations via the University Libraries’ Course Reserve Request Form.

Libraries’ staff may be able to purchase unlimited license e-versions of required and recommended textbooks that can be linked in Canvas, providing students access to these course materials when the semester begins. Libraries Course Materials lists in Canvas may also include links to book chapters, articles, websites, Open Educational Resources and streaming media.

Instructors are encouraged to submit reading lists and citations as soon as possible, to provide Libraries’ staff time to locate and communicate about options available in time for the start of the semester. See the Libraries’ guide on Libraries Course Materials Lists for more information about this tool, and email LibrariesReserves@unl.edu with questions.

Courses that use only no-cost course materials (e.g. Libraries Course Materials and OER) or a combination of no-cost and low-cost materials (under $40) qualify for the Open Nebraska course marking program in MyRed, which enables students to see and search for courses with affordable course materials. To identify your course with an Open Nebraska attribute, submit the online form.

For more information about Open Nebraska, visit the Affordable Content Faculty Guide.