Case Study: How Textbook Brokers Improved Student Access and Course Readiness with an Inclusive Access Program
Profile:
Type: 4-year Public
Location: Georgia
LMS: D2L
The Challenge: Elevating Course Readiness from Day One
Even at institutions with strong bookstore partnerships, getting every student set up with required course materials before the first day can be a hurdle. This four-year public college in Georgia had a long-standing relationship with Textbook Brokers that gave students reliable access to textbooks, but we wanted to go further, ensuring that every student could launch the semester fully prepared.
Textbook Brokers piloted an Inclusive Access Program within the college’s School of Business for the Spring 2024 semester to solve this. The goal: deliver seamless, digital access to course materials from the first day of class.
The Solution: Piloting Inclusive Access
The Inclusive Access Program automatically provides students with required course materials through the school’s LMS (Learning Management System). Students don’t have to hunt down textbooks, compare prices, or risk being unprepared — all course material is ready on day one at reduced rates with charges applied to their student account.
With support from the college, Textbook Brokers implemented the pilot quickly and efficiently, requiring minimal time from faculty or bookstore staff. Changes to course material delivery were communicated directly to students enrolled in participating courses.
The Results: Student Satisfaction Soared
Textbook Brokers collected feedback at the end of the semester through a survey, and the results were overwhelmingly positive:
- 90.7% of students agreed or strongly agreed they had a good experience with the Inclusive Access Program
- 92% said they had easy access to materials
- 85.3% would recommend the program to a friend
- 86.7% said they want to see more courses use Inclusive Access
- 92% felt informed about the program before classes began
Student Testimonials:
“I like to have access to my course materials as soon as possible; it makes me feel well-prepared for classes and starts the semester off on an organized front. This program means there is less for me to stress about once classes start.”
“It made things less stressful because I didn’t have to go looking for books.”
“I think it's very helpful and it has allowed me to be able to take more classes at a cheaper price.”
These responses make it clear that students valued the simplicity, convenience, and academic support of the automatic delivery of materials before the first class.
The Outcome: Full Inclusive Access Adoption
Following the success of the pilot, the college has transitioned to a fully Inclusive Access model campus-wide as of summer 2025. Every student receives course materials from the start of the semester, removing financial and logistical barriers and improving equity across the student body.
Why Inclusive Access Worked for This College
- Quick Setup: Implemented within weeks before classes began
- Digital Delivery: Materials integrated directly into the LMS
- Student-Focused Communication: Clear information delivered before Day 1
- Faculty Alignment: Instructors started class without material delays
- Efficient Bookstore Partnership: Textbook Brokers coordinated with all constituents on campus: Faculty, Administrators, Financial Aid, and Students.
A Model for Other Colleges
Textbook Brokers and this college’s success with Inclusive Access are great examples of how forward-thinking schools can improve student outcomes through strong bookstore partnerships and modern course delivery models. The program helped the college enhance student readiness, streamline operations, and support academic success from day one.
Want to learn more about the specifics of this school? Contact us to learn more.
Schedule a Free Bookstore Solutions Consultation to explore how Inclusive Access could work at your school.
