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Providing Digital Content Access to Students Who Have No Other Content Access Options
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Streamlining the Content Acquisition Process and Expanding Digital Reserves
Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) in Council Bluffs serves over 5,000 students and is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible education. While managing its own bookstore gave IWCC control over course material distribution, the institution still faced challenges around rising textbook costs and ensuring all students had access to their course materials on the first day of class. Determined to address these issues and enhance student outcomes, IWCC partnered with BibliU to implement an innovative, cost-effective solution.
IWCC aimed to make learning materials affordable and accessible to all students from day one. However, traditional textbooks, costing hundreds of dollars per semester, posed a significant barrier, leaving many students without the resources they needed to succeed. Delays in obtaining materials often led to students falling behind early in the semester—negatively affecting engagement and performance. Accessibility was another pressing concern. Some students required digital or assistive formats, but relying on traditional print textbooks made it difficult to meet diverse learning needs. Previous negative experiences with other content providers added further complexity, making IWCC cautious in exploring new solutions. The college sought a partner who understood their challenges and was open to a methodical implementation process to drive the best results for faculty and students. That’s where BibliU came in.
In Fall of 2023, IWCC conducted a pilot program to carefully evaluate BibliU’s solution before a full roll-out. This approach reflected IWCC’s culture of shared governance, involving faculty & administrators, as well as the institution’s board, in the decision-making process. The pilot program provided IWCC with valuable data and feedback, confirming BibliU’s platform delivered on its promises of affordability, accessibility, and ease of use.
A survey of 86 students involved in the pilot program showed overwhelming support, with nearly 98% of students recommending that IWCC expand the use of BibliU across campus. With this positive feedback, IWCC confidently partnered with BibliU for a full roll-out in Fall of 2024.
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IWCC implemented BibliU’s Universal Learning solution with an Equitable Access model, ensuring every student had access to digital course materials from day one at an affordable price. By incorporating the cost of required materials into tuition fees, this flat-fee program eliminated the financial burden of traditional textbooks, promoting equity across the student body.
Beyond affordability, BibliU’s platform supported accessibility features like customizable text size and formats, automated referencing, text-to-speech audio playback, and offline access. This allowed IWCC to better support students with disabilities and accommodate diverse learning styles, creating a more inclusive educational environment.
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BibliU has been a true partner. Their CEO is handson and engaged, and the team has consistently been responsive and receptive to our feedback. When faculty expressed interest in specific titles, BibliU went above and beyond to provide solutions, demonstrating their commitment to expanding content access and building strong partnerships to meet our needs.
Dr. Daniel Kinney, President, IWCC
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The BibliU partnership continues to have a transformative impact at Iowa Western Community College, delivering significant benefits across multiple areas:
IWCC dramatically lowers the cost of course materials for students, making education more accessible and removing a major financial barrier that has previously hindered many students’ academic success.
With BibliU’s platform, every student has access to their required materials on the first day of class. This immediate availability keeps students on track from the start of the semester, boosting engagement and academic performance.
Faculty observe a positive shift in student preparedness and engagement, as all students are equipped with the right materials. Administrators also benefit from reduced logistical challenges related to physical textbook distribution, allowing them to focus on broader institutional priorities.
The partnership between Iowa Western Community College and BibliU represents a powerful step toward more affordable and accessible education. By adopting BibliU’s Equitable Access program, through Universal Learning, IWCC tackled the longstanding challenges of textbook costs and accessibility. This success story demonstrates that transformative impact Universal Learning in higher education, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed—right from the start.
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