New Texas A&M University Libraries Hire to Lead Course Affordability Effort that Saved Students $1.2 Million this School Year
By Marketing and Communications | 05-02-2024
Texas A&M University Libraries welcomed Jennifer Pate this week to lead OpenEd, an innovative new program that saves students money on the increasing cost of textbooks and course materials.
“I’m thrilled to join a library system and a university focused on student success,” said Pate, who has considerable experience with open educational materials, most recently spearheading efforts at the University of Northern Alabama. “The cost of textbooks and course materials has increased steadily at universities worldwide. OpenEd addresses the issue head-on by embracing and advocating for the use of open educational resources.”
Under Pate’s leadership, OpenEd will expand on established course affordability efforts by the libraries to create an even greater impact.
“OpenEd will help keep course materials affordable for current and future Aggies,” said Dr. Alan Sams, provost and executive vice president. “That is our objective, and that is a top priority for our libraries.”
The course material affordability unit, housed in the Libraries:
- identifies low- to no-cost course materials;
- supports faculty who adopt, adapt and create open educational resources (OERs);
- increases awareness of program funding opportunities;
- and assesses the program's impact on student success.
The Libraries launched OpenEd at the start of 2023-2024 school year using funds from the Office of the Provost. Students realized an estimated $1.2 million savings this academic year by using Libraries-purchased materials for courses as replacements for traditional textbooks.
As OpenEd grows under Pate’s leadership, the Libraries expect savings to increase exponentially, as the Libraries expands OpenEd with new program-focused librarians and technical staff.
Working alongside expert librarians, faculty, academic support professionals, and campus partners, the OpenEd is charged with expanding the OER movement on the Texas A&M campus and making Aggieland a national leader in the course affordability movement.
“Our existing, longstanding offerings for course reserves, open educational resources and open access materials have helped to make courses more affordable,” said Julie Mosbo Ballestro, university librarian and assistant provost. “OpenEd will consolidate those resources with enhanced, university-level focus and additional resources. I’m excited about the creation of positions dedicated to a program that will cut costs for students.”
Savings generated through OER efforts will vary depending on majors, but with over 70% of Texas A&M students receiving some kind of financial aid, even modest cost reductions can help.
“With the ever-increasing costs of housing, transportation and food on top of tuition, it’s no secret that budgeting for four years of college is difficult,” said Ben Fisher ’24, senior class president. “The university’s efforts to reduce our educational expenses mean a lot to us and can help ease the competing pressures between focusing on our studies or striving to make ends meet to pay bills.”
After three years, the Libraries hope to expand OpenEd for students throughout the Texas A&M University System.
“University Libraries continue to innovate and find new ways to serve students, faculty and staff,” said Mosbo Ballestro. “OpenEd is a game changer that will keep courses affordable for all Aggies. That’s something all of us care about deeply.”
Media Contact: Matthew Kennedy, matthew.kennedy@tamu.edu.
About Texas A&M University Libraries
Comprising five unique libraries, the Texas A&M University Libraries are a hub of resources, spaces and professionals supporting the success of research, learning and teaching. The Libraries’ advance student success and partner in innovative research, while providing a physical and digital home to all students, staff, faculty and researchers. To learn more visit library.tamu.edu.