The following textbook publishers use business models that strive to keep costs low and give students a choice of options. These links are provided for exploration and consideration.
This started as an open project, but now charges fees for most courses (a typical course is $25). Might be very good for STEM areas.
A "a nonprofit publishing endeavor at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon" produces print textbooks under $30 by using print on demand technology and financial support from the college.
A growing collection of titles in many disciplines featuring Inexpensive texts in the $25 to $40 range.
Publishes "low-cost print editions of high-quality open-content books."
Offers texts for business, economics, education, english, political science, and psychology. Students can choose affordable options, including digital books, PDF version, paperback, or iPhone version.
Offers a few hundred books on business and economics topics. Students can choose between very inexpensive e-text or reasonably priced print text. This publisher also sells library ebooks. Look carefully as there is wide variety in quality.
Lumen Learning creates very different textbook alternatives by aggregating and organizing free resources (including readings and videos) into "open courses," with a table of contents much like text. Each course includes a complete set of OER-based readings and sample assessments. All courses include some level of built-in video delivery and interaction." Students pay "a reasonable course fee" for the Lumen organized materials.
©2024 St. Catherine University Library, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
