Handbook Addendum
University of Memphis – Textbook Affordability & Accessibility
The faculty handbook (Chapter 5) states that,
When requesting student acquisition of course content resources (e.g. textbook, readings, online materials, etc.) it is imperative that faculty take into consideration a broad range of course content accessibility issues including, but not limited to, cost, format, platform, and availability. Faculty are strongly encouraged to insure course content resources can be readily available for student use in a common area, such as the University Libraries' reserve rooms or electronic reserves system, with disability-related accessibility for all users at all times, on all devices.
Library Reserves
One way to make your textbooks available at no cost to students is to use the University Libraries' reserves. You can make print books or electronic materials available to your students at McWherter Library or the nearest branch library.
To place material on reserve in McWherter Library, follow the Faculty Reserves Guidelines or call x2205 for more information.
To place material on reserve in a branch library, please use the following contact information to learn more:
- Health Sciences Library: x3193 or jmswrngn@memphis.edu
- Lambuth Campus Library: x1983 or lisa.reilly@memphis.edu
- Law Library: x5462 or hbailey@memphis.edu
- Music Library: x2330 or jcrberts@memphis.edu
Open Textbooks
There are many resources for "open textbooks." Open textbooks are electronic books offered at no cost to instructors or students. You may find they meet your curriculum needs. The following links are provided for your information; no endorsement by the university is implied or expressed. This list is not exhaustive.
Open Textbook Library
Hosted by University of Minnesota, with contributions from scholars at Purdue, Cal
Poly, Oregon State, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Arizona, and others
OpenStax College
Peer-reviewed content published by Rice University
Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (Merlot)
A collection of free and open online teaching, learning, and faculty development services,
curated by California State University
Flat World Knowledge
Open textbooks by leading scholars that are customizable to match your course outline.
The Orange Grove
Open textbooks that have been reviewed by the University Press of Florida
Accessible Course Materials
When assigning course materials, keep in mind that students with disabilities may not be able to access certain types of materials. If you are assigning materials that rely on innovative technology, please contact the office of Disability Resources for Students to make sure the materials are adaptable for students with disabilities.