Did you know that you can now search for classes based on textbook costs?

Some courses in the HIS online schedule of classes are now designated as having zero-cost materials, low-cost materials (under $40), or regular-cost materials.You will see this information in the Attribute column. Most but not all courses have a designation — unknown costs may exist for a variety of reasons, as described in the notes below.

Check out this one-minute video showing how to search for courses with zero- or low-cost materials:

  • Click on Advanced Search;
  • Scroll down to Attribute (the same search box you use to find courses with Core designations such as “Storytelling, Myths, Narratives”);
  • Select “zero” and/or “low”.

More than 250 courses (>30% of total Hollins courses) have been identified as having zero materials costs, and another 130+ courses (~15% of all courses) are low-cost.

Please note:

  • Not all courses have material costs identified. There are a variety of reasons why costs might be unknown: for some new courses materials have not yet been selected; the course might have a new instructor, or the instructor has not yet been assigned, etc.
  • “Materials costs” is defined as costs for required texts: books and other items that students must read/watch/listen/complete for the course, including additional materials such as workbooks, online homework solutions, and/or other digital access codes. Any lab fees, equipment costs, or art supplies are NOT included.

  • Costs are based on prices for materials in eCampus. If used copies are available, costs reflect those prices; otherwise, they reflect the new prices.

Learn more about Hollins’ support for textbook affordability at: https://library.hollins.edu/oer/.