News & Blog

Many of us are thinking about summer in a whole new way. It can be overwhelming to completely revise a course, especially in light of all the other changes in our lives right now. Imagine how this “new normal” might feel for our students, who may be adjusting to both online learning and a loss of income.

One way faculty can help is by using library materials or Open Educational Resources in lieu of a textbook. Replacing a textbook with no-cost materials removes a financial barrier and ensures students have access to course materials on day one. 

Even replacing one book can make a difference.

Here is a just a snapshot of some of the library resources we can provide to your students at no-cost.

• Online Journals and eBooks (UCF Library)
• UCF Research Guides
• Streaming video options for faculty
• UCF Databases by Subject

Don’t worry, we don’t expect you to figure this out alone. Contact your Subject Librarian to set up a consultation.

Additional services for faculty are available at https://library.ucf.edu/services/services-for-faculty/.
Answers to more general questions about library services can be found at https://guides.ucf.edu/continuity/home.

Still unsure of your next step or have a general question?
Virtual assistance is available through Ask-a-Librarian.

We hope you are doing well with the all of the changes in how we work and how we teach. As you begin recovering from spring and moving into summer course planning, your friendly librarian is here to support you.

Many of our students are struggling with the loss of income due to the Coronavirus. One way you can pay it forward is by choosing course materials that are always free to our students, making textbooks one less thing they need to worry about. If you are updating your course for summer, we hope you will consider using either library-sourced materials or Open Educational Resources.

In recent weeks, many vendors have reached out with offers of free or reduced cost materials.  What is unclear is how long these offers will last. Open Educational Resources are a great option, with no expiration date on being free. To ensure that the library-sourced materials will be available throughout the semester, check with your subject librarian.

Sifting through all the possibilities can be overwhelming. Count on UCF Libraries to provide support every step of the way.

We can provide your class with a virtual library instruction session or you can assign information literacy modules with graded assignments on topics such as avoiding plagiarism, citing sources, or conducting an literature review.

Additional services for faculty are available at https://library.ucf.edu/services/services-for-faculty/.

Answers to more general questions about library services can be found at https://guides.ucf.edu/continuity/home.

To learn about Textbook Affordability efforts at UCF, visit https://library.ucf.edu/textbook-affordability/.