Transfer Student Expectations for Affordable Course Materials

Abstract

This qualitative study examines transfer-related course material affordability challenges faced by undergraduate students at our four-year university. Due to their diverse educational backgrounds and previous exposure to low-cost course materials, transfer students from community colleges have different needs than traditional first-year students. Through focus groups, student surveys, and outreach, we determine that academic librarians at four-year institutions can help ease students’ transition through flexible, targeted outreach and by partnering with other units on campus. We conclude with a discussion of actions librarians have taken at our institution and recommendations for librarians at other institutions