Books4Less

DACC Bookstore Integrated Services Program

Effective Fall 2022 DACC implemented a new integrated books/materials program for all classes.  In partnership with the DACC bookstore, the DACC Bookstore provides all required course material needed in courses for a flat $24 per credit hour. Students are able to pick up or access all needed print or electronic textbooks and learning materials without paying anything more out of pocket up to 10 days before the first day of class. Students wishing to opt out of this program for the semester and purchase materials on their own will be given the opportunity to do so before the start of the applicable semester up until census date for that semester. Students should monitor their NMSU emails as all information about their course materials will be sent to them each semester.

Integrated Access (Equitable Access)

This integrated access approach provides that all books/materials are available to the student on the first day of class. Digital materials are provided directly through links into Canvas (DACC’s Learning Management System) where they can be accessed immediately on computers and mobile devices, and physical materials are available from the bookstore on the first day of class.

The students are charged for the course materials when they register for the course, the same way as tuition. Materials in this approach are able to be provided at significant cost savings to the student based on predictability in demand and consistency of content.

DACC implemented this approach to improve course success, reduce course drops and withdrawals, increase retention and graduation, increase affordability, and promote equity by leveling the playing field from a financial and socio-economic standpoint.

Important Points of Consideration

• DACC currently offers over 200 courses and 2 entire programs (Education and Criminal Justice) utilizing the integrated access option. We propose to extend this to all programs and courses starting fall 2022.
• The average cost per credit hour for DACC students in fall 2021 and spring 2022 was $36 per credit.
• As part of implementing this for all courses, students would have access to 100% of their course materials for a proposed fee of $24 per credit, which amounts to $72 for a 3-credit course or $288 for full-time enrollment of 12 credits. This represents more than a 33% cost savings from the current average.
• This change does not increase student costs but shifts the purchase of books/materials from out-of-pocket expenses after the course begins to the credit hour fee charged during course registration. Students are not negatively impacted by financial aid delays or forced to forgo books/materials due to cost concerns.
• This approach provides predictability of total educational costs per semester.
• It ensures equitable access to course materials for all students, creating a level playing field on day one with all students having the same edition of adopted materials.
• Digital materials can be immediately accessed on iPads provided to DACC students as part of the DACC Apple Xcite Initiative.
• The price is guaranteed for two years. Future costs will be based on actual average adoption costs, with the potential to decrease as adoptions are streamlined and digital options expanded.
• Students are increasingly opting for cost-saving digital options over physical books. In Spring 2022, 82% of DACC student purchases were digital options.
• Students have the option to opt-out of the program.
• Faculty retain academic freedom to choose materials that best fit their class curriculum.

Additional Info on Books 4 Less