Research Guides: Open and Affordable Course Materials: For Students

Get Involved

Students have led many of the OER and affordable resource efforts at UMD and around the world. If you're interested in getting involved, these resources will help get you started!

Organizations

UMD Libraries Student Advisory Group
This committee of undergraduate and graduate students advises UMD Libraries administration on policies, services, and resources relevant to student interests. If interested in joining, contact Lindsay Inge Carpenter at linge@umd.edu.
MaryPIRG Students (Maryland Public Interest Research Group)
Maryland chapter of the student-led non-partisan advocacy group. Affordable textbooks are one of the PIRGs' key campaign areas.
Open Textbook Alliance
The Open Textbook Alliance is a nationwide project from the Student PIRGs, uniting student leaders who are working to bring open textbooks to college campuses and protect students in the textbook market.

Resources

Making Textbooks Affordable Toolkit (Student Government Resource Center)
This toolkit supports student governments with advocating for open textbooks.
OER Student Advocate Packet (Florida Virtual Campus)
This toolkit was designed for Florida students, but you can use it for inspiration or adapt the materials and ideas.
OER Student Toolkit (BCcampus)
A student leader OER advocacy guide

Find Library Resources

Get the most bang for your buck by using these Libraries resources! Your tuition and fees help make them available to UMD students and researchers.

Need help? Contact your librarian to get expert research support!

Top Textbooks
The Libraries have purchased textbooks for the largest courses on campus! They are available at the McKeldin Library Services Desk, and you can borrow them for 4 hours at a time.
Course Reserves
Course reserves are resources and media that your instructors have asked us to put on hold for you, including print books, eBooks, and videos. There are a few restrictions, so be sure to visit the website for more information.
UMD Discover
The UMD Libraries have thousands of physical and electronic books. All of these can be accessed using our catalog, UMD Discover.
Database Finder
You can find most library resources through UMD Discover, but for more specific research topics, try going directly to a database. Explore them by title, or browse by subject and type.
Request Items From Other Libraries
Need a book, book chapter, or journal article we do not own? You can request nearly any resource for free! Our interlibrary loan services connect you to a network of institutions around the globe. Digital items are emailed directly to you, usually within just a few days.