Assessing the OER & Textbook Experience at UTSA

About

In Fall 2024, UTSA Libraries and Museums, Academic Innovation, and the Division of Student Success surveyed UTSA students on their experiences with textbooks and their awareness of OER.

Total Responses

3,821 UTSA students responded to the survey.

Demographics

Classification

The largest group of respondents is Seniors (26%), followed closely by Juniors (25%), while Graduate Students (11%) make up the smallest portion of the population.

Access to Technology

Computer Access

A vast majority of respondents (97%) report having access to a reliable laptop or computer, with only a small fraction (3%) indicating they do not.

Internet Access

The overwhelming majority of respondents (97%) report having reliable internet access at their residence.

Textbook Experiences

Finding Textbooks

The most common source for textbook information is UTSA Bluebook/Simple Syllabus (30%), followed closely by students who wait until the first day of class (27%).

Defining Low-Cost

Most students define “low cost” as being between $1 and $50, with the largest group selecting $26–50.

OER Awareness 

OER Familiarity

A large majority of respondents (85%) were unfamiliar with the term Open Educational Resources prior to the survey, indicating a significant awareness gap.

Ease of Finding OER Courses 

A combined 78% of respondents find it somewhat or very easy to locate free or low-cost textbook courses at UTSA, while only 9% report difficulty.

Awareness of OER Courses 

An overwhelming majority of students (94%) were unaware of how to find UTSA courses with free or low-cost textbooks prior to the survey, highlighting a major opportunity for awareness and outreach.

Improving Course Marking

Visibility

The top two suggestions, each with 25% of responses, are to improve visual cues in ASAP and to add a separate textbook filter, indicating strong student interest in clearer, more accessible course information.

Promotion

A strong majority of students (60%) recommend promoting OER and low-cost textbook courses widely across the university, rather than limiting efforts to specific departments.