Exploring First-Generation Student Experiences with OER Textbooks

Abstract

As academic librarians engage in Open Educational Resources (OER) creation and adoption programs, exploring student perceptions of OER provides information that can be used to revise and improve OER, to inform faculty perceptions, and to contextualize the benefits of OER in relation to student financial concerns. This case study explores how first-generation students perceive their textbooks, particularly in the areas of cost savings and format. It also supports research indicating that first- generation students are concerned about the cost of textbooks and experience fi- nancial challenges, such as food insecurity. Adopting OER may ease financial concerns and increase access to higher education for first-generation students.