At UTA Libraries, we talk a lot about access, but what does that really mean for our students? 

Sometimes, it looks like a student opening their course materials on the very first day of class without worrying about the cost. Other times, it's the relief of not having to choose between buying a textbook and covering everyday expenses. More often than not, it's the quiet confidence that comes from simply having what you need to succeed. 

That's why the work around affordable and accessible course materials matter so deeply here at UTA. 

In recent years, work has become even more important. Textbook prices continue to rise and what used to be considered "low-cost" doesn't always feel that way anymore. Jessica McClean, Director of Reference, Instruction and Open Education, has been thinking about this shift for a while. 

"Selecting low-cost course materials represents a significant step toward affordability for our students," McClean explains. "However, because our previous definition of low-cost was only $25 per student, very few faculty members were able to find course materials that were priced below that threshold." 

It's a simple truth, but an important one. The old definition wasn't keeping up with reality. 

"Over the past few years, we've seen an increase in prices for books of all kinds," McClean said. "So even courses that have used the same low-cost resources for years are now approaching or exceeding the previous $25 threshold." 

So, UTA made a change, one that reflects where things are now and where we want to go. 

Beginning in Spring 2026, UTA will raise its low-cost threshold to $40. This means that faculty who assign required course materials totaling $40 or less per student can now classify their course as low cost. 

By redefining what "low-cost" means, more courses can be recognized for the work they're already doing to keep materials affordable. And more faculty can explore options that balance quality with cost, without feeling boxed in by an outdated number. 

"We expect to see a huge increase in the number of courses that can already be classified as low-cost this semester, including several high-enrollment core courses," McClean said. "In the future, we hope that the $40 low-cost threshold will be a more realistic target for faculty members interested in reducing costs for their students, making it easier for them to balance their need for relevant and meaningful course materials with their students' desire for affordability." 

And that balance really is the heart of it. 

Faculty want to assign materials that are meaningful, current, and aligned with their course goals. Students want those same materials to be affordable and accessible. When those two goals align, everyone benefits. 

But there's another piece to this that matters just as much: making sure students know which courses offer low-cost or no-cost materials. 

That's where UTA Libraries' course marking efforts come in. Faculty report in MyMav when they are using low or no-cost course materials, and that information is reflected in the course schedule. So, when students are registering, they're not left guessing; they can clearly see which classes are more affordable before they ever click "enroll." 

It's a small detail that makes a big difference. 

It also speaks to something bigger happening across campus. This isn't just a Libraries initiative; it's a shared effort. Faculty, staff, and campus leadership are all working together to create a more transparent, more supportive experience for students. 

This is made possible by a strong, ongoing commitment from university leadership. 

"We appreciate President Cowley and Provost Brown's ongoing commitment to supporting the important work of course material affordability," McClean adds. 

At the end of the day, this work is about people. It's about students feeling prepared, supported, and able to focus on what they came to UTA to do: learn, grow, and build their future. 

That commitment to access and student success is reflected in the work of UTA Libraries’ Reference, Instruction, and Open Education (RIO) Department. RIO supports undergraduate students and teaching faculty at every stage of the academic journey, creating opportunities for connection, confidence, and growth.  

Through peer-led research support with the Research Mavs program, engaging information literacy instruction, and leadership in Open Education and course material affordability, the department helps ensure students have what they need from day one. Working closely with campus partners, RIO aligns these efforts with UTA’s broader Student Success goals, helping every Maverick build the knowledge and skills to thrive. 

Because when course materials are accessible and affordable, it doesn’t just lighten the financial load; it opens the door to possibilities. And that’s something every Maverick deserves. 

For more information about course material affordability and reporting, visit https://libguides.uta.edu/utaoer/reporting.  

Learn more about the RIO Department at https://libraries.uta.edu/dept/rio.