Overview
The textbook provision within the 2008 reauthorization of the Higher Education Opportunities Act (HEOA) is designed to ensure students have access to affordable course materials. The PLU Lute Locker is required to ensure compliance with HEOA on behalf of the university. This federal mandate requires information regarding course textbooks and materials be available to students prior to beginning registration for those specific classes. Knowledge of course material requirements helps students proactively consider what resources are necessary to manage the cost of their attendance at Pacific Lutheran University and make informed choices about their purchases by researching them on the open market.
By participating in the textbook adoption process, adopting materials on time through AIP and complying with federally mandatory adoption deadlines, faculty play a critical role in facilitating a central location where students can search for required materials.
With few exceptions, textbooks are no longer sold in the PLU Lute Locker. We now partner with MBS Direct, a Barnes & Noble College company. This allows for simple online ordering and accurate, cost free, on-time shipping for PLU students. Click here to learn more about the advantages of MBS Direct.
AIP Adoption & Insights Portal
Getting Started
Click the link for AIP, or follow the link sent from BNC (Barnes & Noble College) to your PLU email. Use your epass to log in. (Check your spam folder if you missed the email!)
Navigation
Once logged in, you should be directed to your course list. If not, select Course List from the left side menu. Then, select the correct term from the top pull-down menu.
Selection
Since AIP is new, please select either “I’d like to be guided through the adoption process” or “I’m not using any materials for this class.” If you select the guide, then you will see 3 more options. Choose “Search by ISBN, Keyword, or MBS book number.”
Adoption
If you know the 13 digit ISBN for the textbook, it’s best to search by that number. However, you may search by title. (If you would like to know the information for a past submission, email Vanessa at bannonvs@plu.edu for a list of previously used textbooks.)
On this page, you may include a note for students in the “Note for bookstore” box. You may also select if the text is required or not, and if you’d prefer a digital version or not. Click “Use this book” when done with this selection. You will be able to add more than one textbook.
Other Adoptions
If you are adopting another resource, such as an OER, type “Materials Available From” in the “Search by ISBN, Keyword, or MBS book number” box. A drop down menu will appear, so you may continue typing or search the menu for the location of your resource. Press Enter, then you should see a line that says “To add this title, click here.” This leads to a form allowing you to enter the material’s information.
Click Submit when done, then repeat the process for other courses.
Course Reserves
The Mortvedt Library provides short term loans of course materials. This allows students to borrow or download materials through the Lute Lending Library and SAKAI. Please submit course material requests promptly for each term. Click here to learn more about Course Reserves.
Money Saving Ideas for the Intrepid Instructor
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle
- Make some material adoptions optional.
- Adapt to using older editions when feasible.
- Offer materials that can be borrowed from the department.
- Utilize SAKAI to organize materials from multiple resources.
- Provide links to downloadable resources.
- Adopt materials that can be used in multiple courses.
Helpful Hints
Access codes can be the most expensive materials procured by students. Requiring access codes that can be used for multiple terms is a more affordable option.
Customizable texts are available through publishers if your curriculum requires it. Those custom editions may be sold through the Lute Locker.
Create a custom course reader and have it printed at the Customer Service Center – PLU’s Mail Services and Copy Center.
Need Help? Contact:
Vanessa Bannon
Administrative Coordinator
Center for Student Success
bannonvs@plu.edu
(253) 535-7205