Open Education Week

Wed. Mar. 6, 2024

Make zero textbook cost courses!

Open Education Week runs from March 4 to 8. This worldwide event hosted by OE Global aims to promote and celebrate Open Education, a movement to offer equal access to high-quality educational resources and experiences. This year, to celebrate Open Education Week, the library is raising awareness about the Zero Textbook Cost initiative.

To help students avoid additional fees, the University of Winnipeg, in partnership with the Registrar, the Library, the VP Academic and UWSA, has created a list of Course Sections with zero required textbook or reading costs. There are a few solutions to meet the requirement and get included in the Zero Textbook Cost list.

1. Use Open Textbooks

Open Textbooks are free and available online to students. They can be shared via a link or embedded in Nexus courses. The library provides access to over 300 academic textbooks in collaboration with Campus Manitoba and BC Campus. Many more Open Textbooks are available in various databases listed in our Open Educational Resources/Textbooks guide.

2. Assign Library Readings

You can assign readings that are available through the library so that students can access them free of charge. Those readings can be placed on print reserve or eReserve to ensure equitable access for all students enrolled in your course. Using our syllabus service is the easiest way to put your assigned readings on course reserves, as the library staff will take care of clearing copyright, processing the items and making them available in Nexus or Print Reserve for you.

3. Assign Publicly Available Readings

You can also assign readings that are freely available on the internet from legal and authorized sources.

If your course meets the definition, don’t forget to notify the Registrar to be added to the list!

If you want to learn more about how to find zero-cost materials, you can consult the Open Educational Resources/Textbook Guide or contact the UWinnipeg Copyright Office.