Textbook Transparency Compliance
Alaska Textbook Cost Transparency Act (2024)
Effective July 1st, 2026
The Alaska Textbook Cost Transparency Act requires the University of Alaska online course schedule to provide course descriptions that clearly identify the following:
- Materials required for the course.
- Any zero-cost materials.
- Any low-cost materials.
- The amount of any automatic fees charged for materials upon registration.
The goal is to provide clear, accessible information about course materials and cost at the time of registration to allow students to make informed decisions about the courses they choose to enroll in.
This information must be available in the online schedule at the time it is published for student view.
Textbook Adoptions
- All course materials must be adopted through the Adoption & Insight Portal with Barnes & Noble College.
- Course material adoptions must be in place when the schedule is publicized to student.
- If no adoption submission is made by the date the schedule is published, the previously used materials will be auto-adopted.
- Any sections with zero-cost or low-cost materials must be indicated in the course description.
Definitions
Books, computer software, magnetic media, DVDs, CDs, computer courseware, online services, online learning programs, or other media used to convey course information to students.
A resource available to a student at the pre-tax sales price that is not more than four times the hourly minimum wage in the state of Alaska.
As of July 1, 2026 the minimum wage is $14.00 per hour. The materials must cost $56 or less to be considered "low-cost."
A Note on the UAF Bookstore Bundle:
Current policy for the UAF Bookstore Bundle requires students to be charged the bundle fee for all classes. Students have the option to opt-out and purchase materials on their own. Opting out is all or nothing; students cannot choose to opt out for individual courses.
The UAF Bookstore Bundle fee is $21.50/credit, meaning courses of 3 or more credits are not considered "low-cost" because the total fee exceeds $56. Materials may be low-cost for a course with 3 or more credits if the student chooses to opt-out of the bundle fee.
An online list or catalog of courses or course sections used by students for course registration or scheduling.
A resource available to a student free of charge.
A Note on the UAF Bookstore Bundle:
Current policy for the UAF Bookstore Bundle requires students to be charged the bundle fee for all classes. Students have the option to opt-out and purchase materials on their own. Opting out is all or nothing; students cannot choose to opt out for individual courses.
Even if there are no materials or free materials for a class, the student will still be charged the bundle fee if they choose to participate in the Bookstore Bundle. Courses will not be "zero-cost" unless it is a 0 credit course or the student chooses to opt-out of the Bookstore Bundle.
Upcoming Adoption Deadlines
Spring 2027
- AIP Opens for Adoptions: September 11th, 2026
- Adoption Deadline: October 9th, 2026
- Schedule Available to Students: October 12th, 2026
Summer 2027
- AIP Opens for Adoptions: November 30th, 2026
- Adoption Deadline: January 29th, 2027
- Schedule Available to Students: February 1st, 2027
Resources for Faculty
- The Bookstore Bundle FAQ page provides detailed information about how this program works for students.
- The Faculty Adoption Resources page provides instructions for material adoption and navigating the Adoption and Insights Portal.
If you need assistance submitting your course material adoptions, please contact the UAF Bookstore at (907)474-7384 or sm8514@bncollege.com.