Cornell Library Textbook Initiative

Help Make Textbooks More Accessible to Students

Enhancing the student experience is a top priority for the Library and increasing the affordability of a world-class education is part our goal.  Cornell University Library has listened to the voices of students themselves, who identified the cost of textbooks and course materials as one of their greatest challenges.  To help address this problem, the library initiated a pilot program in 2019, providing textbooks that could be borrowed for extended periods of time.  The student response was overwhelmingly positive.  When asked what this program meant to them, they responded:

“It means relieving me of the financial burden of buying or renting textbooks as well as ensuring that I have the correct copy of the book,” Eleanor Anderson-Zych, Engineering 2023.

“To me it means that all classes are more accessible because I don’t have to worry about if I can afford a course’s copy of the book,” Alexis Knoebel, A&S 2021.

Since then, this initiative has expanded to include electronic textbooks, which are popular with students.  During the academic year 2020 – 2021, for example, there were 96 uses per electronic textbook and 64 uses per hardcopy textbook.  The average cost of a textbook is $100.

To ensure this program continues, we need your help.  Your support will give students access to scholarly materials vital for their academic success while lessening their financial burdens and increasing their peace of mind.  

Make your gift today!