Alt-Textbook Project

The NC State University Libraries & DELTA are committed to fostering change in the current textbook publishing environment. The Libraries’ Open Knowledge Center is available to partner with faculty members on licensing resources, using digital repositories, and creating and publishing their own open educational resources. The Alt-Textbook Project empowers faculty to innovate pedagogically, enhance access for NC State students to high-quality, tailored educational materials, and reduce the financial burden of expensive textbooks.

About the Project

The Alt-Textbook Project awards grants to faculty to adopt, adapt, or create free or low-cost alternatives to expensive textbooks. In Fall 2014, the Libraries awarded the first round of grants, saving NC State students more than $250,000 in the one year. Since then, the Project has become a nationally recognized leader in supporting teaching and learning that is more equitable and effective. The Libraries, in collaboration with DELTA, currently offers the following Open Education grants to NC State faculty instructors: 

• Review an Open Textbook Grants allows instructors to evaluate an open textbook for potential use in their own course or a course within their department, with the possibility of future adoption.
• Adapt/Adopt/Create an Open Textbook Grants empower faculty to innovate in their teaching by developing or customizing free or low-cost, openly licensed materials that replace textbooks students are otherwise required to purchase
• Open Pedagogy Grants support instructional approaches that go beyond what the traditional classroom can offer—such as developing renewable assignments that empower students to share knowledge with real-world audiences or exploring entirely new teaching methods.
• Department/Group Adoption Grants supports collaborative projects involving at least two instructors who adopt, adapt, or create openly licensed materials for use in two or more courses.
• Enhancement Grants supports follow-up projects that expand, refine, or build on previous work. This grant is available exclusively available to past recipients of our Alt-Textbook Grants, and is designed to help instructors deepen the impact of their original project and continue advancing open education in their teaching.

How to Apply

All NC State University faculty teaching courses in the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible to apply.

1. (Optional) We recommend a short 30-minute consultation with our Librarian for Student Success & Affordability, David Tully, prior to submitting your application. We can answer your questions about the program and give you tips for a successful application.
2. (Optional) Review past courses which have been supported by the Alt-Textbook Project, and other reasons to participate.
3. Submit your application using our online form by Friday, November 21, 2025.
4. We will contact you by email regarding the status of your application.