By Melissa Moreau, Scholarly Communications Librarian In response to the growing cost of course materials, the University of Cincinnati Libraries (UCL) opened applications for the first cycle of its Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Grant Program in March 2026. Available to all UC instructors, the aim of the program is to incentivize and support the replacement of commercial course materials with either open educational resources (OER) or library resources. By eliminating textbook costs, these options offer more than affordability. They support an equitable learning environment by ensuring that all students in ZTC classes have access to the materials they need to succeed. Reflecting the aims of the recently launched Bearcat Affordability…