Start with OER. If one open resource does not cover the need, use the Promptbook to identify a small number of other zero-cost possibilities and the questions your librarian needs to answer.
No cost and open are different questions.
ZTC and OER answer different questions. ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) describes the cost to students; OER describes reuse permissions under an open license. A library ebook, film, or database item can be zero cost to students without being OER.
Course and material need are required for the first two routes. If you are only checking an existing candidate list, you can skip this section.
Skip anything you do not know or do not need.
Privacy: These fields stay in your browser while the prompt is prepared. Do not paste student names, grades, attendance, accommodation or disability information, identifiable student work, or other private or sensitive information.
Use this when one OER does not cover the whole need. Start with open or public-domain materials, then add other zero-cost possibilities only where they may actually help.
Search open and public-domain sources first. Add a library-supported lead only when an important gap remains.
Use this when you need to compare a few open and library-supported paths without creating a patchwork course.
Use this when you know what students need but do not know which ebooks, databases, streaming collections, or licenses your college can provide.
Turn the instructional need into a concise email without trying to solve the library questions yourself.
Use this when concurrent users, streaming rights, off-campus access, or long-term availability could affect the course.
The Librarian Workflows page has separate tools for search, access, licensing, and faculty follow-up.
Already have titles or links? Paste them here. You do not need to enter a course or material need first.
See what can be checked publicly and what still needs a librarian or original-source check.
Use this when login, device, format, concurrent-use, persistence, or accessibility questions could become barriers.
The simplest stable path is usually better than a larger patchwork. Before relying on a non-OER resource, confirm that students can access it in the way your course requires and that any local subscription or license conditions are understood.
If your college or district uses a formal ZTC designation or reporting process, confirm the current local requirements before labeling the course or resource.
