Low-Cost Open Textbook Printing

Open, Affordable, and in Print

This service makes open textbooks even more affordable by reducing the cost of printed copies for students. An open textbook is an open educational resource (OER) that has been adopted, adapted, or created by a MacEwan instructor and is freely available online.

The Library, MacEwan Bookstore, and Print Services are partnering to support student affordability by making eligible open textbooks available at MacEwan Bookstore to purchase in print at a reduced cost.

Students can continue to access the textbook online for free. Printing is an optional service for those who prefer to read or study from a physical copy.

How the Service Works

Instructors fill out the Low-Cost Open Textbook Form to let us know which open textbook they are using.
We'll confirm that it's eligible and prepare it for printing
- All textbooks published through MacEwan Open Books are eligible for the print service.
- For open textbooks published elsewhere, we'll review the licence and prepare the book for our print service if it qualifies.
Students purchase a printed copy from the MacEwan Bookstore.

Explore Some of the Open Textbooks Available for Low-Cost Printing

Browse more Open Textbooks

Printing Costs for Students

Length of Textbook	Student Pays
101 to 250 pages	$10
251 to 400 pages	$15
401 to 550 pages	$20
551 to 700 pages	$25
701 to 850 pages	$30
851 to 999 pages	$35

It typically costs 6-8 cents per page to print a book.
For example:
A textbook that is 365 pages can cost $60 to print.
A textbook that is 600 pages can cost $90 to print.
The savings to students are substantive.

FAQs

Why offer a printed option?

Many students prefer reading from a printed textbook for studying, highlighting, or reducing screen time. Low-cost printing gives students a choice without requiring them to purchase an expensive commercial textbook. Benefits include:

Affordable printed textbooks for students.
Free online access is always available.
Professional printing and binding rather than printing hundreds of pages at home.
One textbook for the whole class, with digital and print options available together.

Can any open textbook be printed?

Many can, but eligibility depends on the textbook's open license and whether it can be made available through the MacEwan Open Books platform. Contact: Danielle Deschamps, Open Education Librarian, DeschampsD7@macewan.ca, if you're unsure.

Do students have to buy the printed copy?

No. Students can continue using the free online version at no cost. The printed copy is entirely optional.

Is there a cost to instructors?

No. The service is designed to provide students with an affordable print option for eligible open textbooks.

How much notice do I need to give?

Contact us as early as possible before the start of your course so we have time to prepare the textbook for printing and make it available to your students.

Questions About this Service?

Danielle Deschamps, Open Education Librarian, deschampsd7@macewan.ca