Open Educational Resources (OER)

What is Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)?

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) refers to an educational approach that eliminates the student financial burden of purchasing textbooks. The average cost of a textbook in the United States is $105 and the average full-time, in-state undergraduate student at a four-year public university pays $1,226 for books and supplies in one academic year. Instead of traditional commercial textbooks, ZTC initiatives involve collaboration between educators, librarians, and administrators to utilize Open Educational Resources (OER) and other materials accessible to students (e.g., library and gov't resources) to design courses with no textbooks costs. ZTC and OER are both aimed at reducing educational costs, but they serve slightly different purposes. 

• OER - The focus is broader than just cost. While being free of charge is a key aspect, the openness and adaptability of the resources are equally important.
• ZTC - The main focus is on the cost to the student. ZTC courses ensure that students do not have to spend money on textbooks for those specific courses.

Colorado, a leading state in Open Educational Resources (OER) adoptions, defines ZTC degree programs in Section 8 of Colo. Rev. Stat. § 23-4.5-102 as "postsecondary credential or degree program that does not require a student to pay textbook costs, but requires the student to use only open educational resources or other resources that are entirely free to the student." For the purpose of the Colorado OER program, z-degrees are considered to be general education + major coursework, major coursework in degree program, credentials or certificates, and graduate coursework.   ZTC Programs – Adoption Guide – 2nd Edition, licensed CC BY