Providing affordable course materials through transfer student discussions

Abstract

University students face barriers to academic success without the proper resources and access. The high costs of traditional course materials along with ancillary resources such as laptops and software subscriptions that are needed to complete coursework affects many. The high cost of materials leads to students not buying textbooks, changing their desired majors, making financial sacrifices, or even dropping out of school. This focus group study at Oregon State University, a large research university in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, looked at transfer students, who make up 31% of our undergraduate population in 2022, who come from community colleges where low- or no-cost course materials are expected. This study explored students’ barriers and strategies to access, attitudes toward instructors’ textbook choices, and awareness of services provided by their new institution. The library researchers’ goal was to determine actions we can take to help with expectations, awareness, and support in the library to help our students get the quality, equitable, and accessible education they deserve in order to be successful in their studies. This poster will share the methodology used, data collected, and actions taken as a result of the focus groups’ findings.