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Posts tagged as “bookstore”

(Archive November 2018) Saying “Get Lost!” to Textbook Costs

By editorialteam on April 1, 2025

By Gabriela Villa | Observer Contributor

The use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in college courses is cutting down on the need for students to purchase textbooks.
Photo by Cassie Roy

Open Educational Resources provide high-quality teaching, learning, and research materials that are free for people everywhere to use and repurpose.

“The main benefit of OER is that it saves students money,” said Ellen Pratt, Distance Education and Outreach Librarian.

“There is a push across the country to create degree programs that have zero course material cost related to them,” said Pratt, who has been working to establish OER for a year and a half.  OER is now beginning to replace textbooks in many classes. read more

(Archive November 2017) Book Vouchers Could Help You Pay for Your Textbooks

By editorialteam on January 9, 2025

By Michele Walsky | Observer Contributor

Check with the financial aid office or the bookstore to find the best way to afford and purchase class materials
Photo by Tom Hill Jr.

Weighed down by classes and a heavy backpack, the last thing students need is to collapse under the cost of books too. However, the financial aid office offered several solutions to lighten the load, including decoding bookstore lingo, an electronic book program, book vouchers and scholarships.

According to Kelly Morrissey, Director of Financial Aid, the first option students take is usually Federal funds. But there’s a hidden gem of scholarships under the Award Spring icon. It is easy to apply on Mount Wachusett Community College’s iConnect page under Apps, a little known resource awaits. According to Morrissey, rewards are based on grade point averages, degree fields and other merits, not income, and the money can be used for books. Applications are open from January through May to accommodate the following school year. read more