Welcome to zerotextbookcost.com, the project homepage for BCIT’s BCcampus-funded project to grow Zero Textbook Cost! This website is the externally-facing counterpart to our BCIT ZTC webpage. It’s full of resources and information anyone can use to promote ZTC anywhere.
With the ZTC initiative we are dedicated to make high-quality education more affordable for everyone at BCIT. By replacing traditional, expensive textbooks with Open Educational Resources (OER), we ensure that students have everything they need to succeed from day one, without the financial burden.
“Students spend up to $1,750 per year on textbooks alone, accounting for nearly 15% of total education costs, before classes even begin.”
Draper & McNally (2020)
What does ZTC mean for an instructor?
- having no required textbook,
- assigning open educational resources (OER), such as an open textbook,
- assigning BCIT Library resources that are free for students,
- assigning instructor-created resources, such as instructor notes or other resources posted on the Learning Hub,
- assigning free online resources.
ZTC Faculty Testimonials
“Affordability and knowledge that faculty are developing their own training materials rather than using others’ pre-packaged resources.”
Faculty Member, school of Business + Media
Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiatives have a big effect on the lives of both students and educators.
Our team is dedicated to demonstrating this impact by uncovering the benefits of open education and advocating for ZTC adoption.
“Instead of a textbook, students apply that money toward hardware and software they’ll actually use in their careers.”
Faculty Member, School of Business + Media
Follow our Journey in Real Time
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Celebrating ZTC Initiative Impact: The ZTC Instructor Luncheon & Student Panel
On March 24, 2026, we gathered with ZTC faculty and student panelists to celebrate a milestone: the first anniversary of the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative at BCIT. The luncheon was more than just a celebration, it was a reflection on how far BCIT has come in making education more accessible, equitable, and affordable for…
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ZTC Textbook Price Battle Kit
Thinking about hosting a ZTC Pop-Up at your post-secondary institution to spread the word about Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)? Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, our team has you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to successfully run a ZTC Pop-Up event that raises awareness, engages students and faculty,…
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ZTC Grant Spotlight: Chad Flinn
As part of the BCcampus institutional grant, we secured matching funds to offer grants of up to $8500 CAD for projects which helped achieve Zero Textbook Cost. $25,500 in grants were awarded in total. You can read more about the other recipients on our blog. What’s your name and position? What school(s) do you work…
