In response to the growing cost of course materials, the University of Cincinnati Libraries is launching the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Grant Program. Available to UC faculty to apply, the aim of the program is to incentivize and support the adoption of either open educational resources (OERs) or library resources into general education and high-enrollment courses at UC. The program will provide material support in the form of grants for adopting, adapting, creating or maintaining zero-cost course materials and will build resources and infrastructure for success within UC Libraries and the UC community at large. 

The ZTC Grant Program supports the integration of OERs and existing library resources into course curricula with the goal of replacing paid textbooks and course materials with the zero-cost model and maximizing student savings. To ensure this, the program is committed to providing financial, structural and instructional support to address common barriers to engagement.

Grants will be awarded in four categories: Adoption, Adaptation, Creation and Maintenance. They will have a staggered launch with Adoption, Adaptation and Maintenance grants launching in March 2026 (with awards administered in FY 2026–2027) and Creation grants tentatively scheduled for launch in October 2026.

• Adoption grants will be awarded in the amount of $1,500 each to support the adoption of a zero-cost model utilizing existing OERs, existing library resources or a combination of the two.
• Adaption grants will be awarded in the amount of $3,000 to support the substantial adaptation of existing OER materials for use in UC courses.
• Creation grants will be awarded up to $13,000. As OER creation is both time and resource intensive, implementation of this portion of the program has been pushed to October 2026.
• Maintenance grants will be awarded to ensure the sustainability of the program and to recognize the ZTC work already being done in the UC community. They will provide $500 to support instructors who would like to update course materials from previously deployed ZTC courses (grant funded or otherwise). 

“Reflecting the aims of the recently launched Bearcat Affordability Grant and the Bearcat Promise, the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Grant Program is part of the Libraries’ strategic plan to Support Our Students by providing them access to the resources necessary for their academic success,” said Liz Kiscaden, dean and university librarian. 

How to apply

Grant applications are due May 8, 2026 and are open to UC faculty and adjunct faculty teaching a course in academic units served by UC Libraries during the 2027 calendar year. The program will be renewed on an annual basis until funding is exhausted. More information, and a form to apply for a ZTC Grant, is available online.

Want to learn more?

UC Libraries is celebrating OEWeek 2026 the week of March 2nd! Keep an eye out for tabling at the Science Library on March 2, 10:30am-3pm; the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library on March 3, 9:30am-12pm and at the Walter C. Langsam Library on March 4 & 5, 10:30am-3pm and on March 6, 1-3pm.

An information session and workshop for faculty is scheduled for March 6 from 11am-12:30pm in the Faculty Enrichment Center in the Water C. Langsam Library. Donuts and coffee will be provided, and registration is now open. Spread the word!

UC Libraries is launching the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Grant program during OEWeek to raise awareness and highlight innovative open education successes worldwide. OEWeek provides practitioners, educators and students with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of open educational practices and be inspired by the wonderful work being developed by the community around the world.