Textbook alternatives: Less expensive for students with possibilities for greatly enhanced pedagogy

Abstract

Given recent online advances, the Saint Xavier University Library felt it was time to address long-standing concerns with textbook use, particularly issues of both cost and effectiveness. This article describes some recent library integration and enhancement efforts in collaboration with various campus offices that address such textbook concerns. Our grant-funded initiative will demonstrate possibilities for 1) significant reductions in student costs, 2) the creation of more interesting assignments, and 3) measurable methods to document materials use, student learning, and revisions to teaching methods after iterative querying of student comprehension.