Sec. 2. Findings
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Congress finds the following: The high cost of college textbooks continues to be a barrier for many students in achieving higher education. According to the College Board, during the 2017–2018 academic year, the average student budget for college books and supplies at 4-year public institutions of higher education was $1,240. The Government Accountability Office found that new textbook prices increased 82 percent between 2002 and 2012 and that although Federal efforts to increase price transparency have provided students and families with more and better information, more must be done to address rising costs.
The growth of the internet has enabled the creation and sharing of digital content, including open educational resources that can be freely used by students, teachers, and members of the public. According to the Student PIRGs, expanded use of open educational resources has the potential to save students more than a billion dollars annually. Federal investment in expanding the use of open educational resources could significantly lower college textbook costs and reduce financial barriers to higher education, while making efficient use of taxpayer funds.
Educational materials, including open educational resources, must be accessible to the widest possible range of individuals, including those with disabilities.