New Textbook Purchasing Model at USM Reduces Costs, Increases Access for Students

Wed, 06/02/2021 - 03:54pm

Undergraduate students at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will have the option to rent textbooks for a flat fee of $20 per credit hour starting in Fall 2021 through a new program called Eagle Direct Textbooks.

USM partnered with Barnes & Noble College to implement Eagle Direct Textbooks, a course material delivery model that will drive affordability, access and convenience for students. The program includes both digital and hard copy rental textbooks and other required materials for all undergraduate courses and is estimated to reduce the cost of traditional course materials by an average of 40 to 50 percent. Materials will also be made available to students in time for the first day of class, ensuring all students are prepared for learning and positioned for academic success immediately. If students choose not to participate, they can opt out of the program and continue to purchase individual course materials on their own.

“I am excited this innovative new model will lower costs and increase access to course materials for our undergraduate students,” said University President Rodney D. Bennett. “I know our faculty are also sensitive to the cost burden the newest academic materials may place on students, and I am so pleased the Eagle Direct Textbooks program will enhance academic freedom by enabling faculty to continue selecting rich course materials that best support student learning and engagement, without having to consider the potential impact of increased costs.”

More information about Eagle Direct Textbooks can be found at this link.