Inclusive Access


Bringing Course Content Into the 21st Century


The Brown University Inclusive Access program has been patterned after several successful programs around the country. Inclusive Access converts physical course materials into instantly accessible, totally interactive and adaptive digital content, while reducing the cost to students. In short, this textbook model improves access and affordability to course materials for the 21st century.


Main Goals:
  • Reducing the cost of course materials
  • Improving educational outcomes for students
  • Increasing the sustainability of course materials
The Process is Simple:
  • Students are able to access the content through their Canvas class website by the first day of class
  • Students enjoy free access to the content until the Opt-Out deadline for each semester
  • After the Opt-Out deadline, in order to retain access, students do nothing; a bookstore charge is conveniently billed to the student's Brown charge account
  • If students choose to opt out, they can do so easily via the course materials tool on your course website or the Inclusive Access materials list link on program emails or by emailing us at [email protected]. As long as the student opts out or drops the course by the deadline, access is turned off and no charge is assessed.
Why It Works

The Inclusive Access model is much less expensive than other options; because materials are delivered digitally via Canvas, publishers are willing to negotiate much lower prices. It also gives students convenient day-one access to digital course content, and can also allow them to experience more interactive and adaptive digital content which has been shown to improve educational outcomes. In addition, it gives faculty members the freedom to more easily tailor their course materials while maintaining full academic freedom to choose the texts they want for their course.

How We're Helping to Change Things

Many colleges and universities around the country are now looking to Inclusive Access programs as a means to address the textbook affordability issue and improve educational outcomes among students. In partnership with Faculty, the Brown Bookstore, and publishers, Inclusive Access courses have access to the required materials, on the first day of class, at no charge. After the Opt-Out deadline for the course, enrolled students who have not opted out are billed to their Brown charge account for the course materials at a cost below competitive market rates; a price that is accessible to each and every enrolled student and not just a great deal on a few copies here or there; no more searching and comparing costs and then waiting for books to arrive; no more lines at the bookstore, wrong editions, or carrying around heavy books.


Looking for More Information?

Please take a look through the frequently asked questions below for more information. If you cannot find the info you are looking for, please email us at [email protected].

Inclusive Access FAQs


What is Inclusive Access?


The Inclusive Access program is a new textbook model in collaboration with Faculty, the Brown Bookstore, and top publishers. All students in a class buy into the content, lowering the cost for everyone. All students in that class also get digital access to the content on the first day, and won't be billed for it until after the Opt-Out deadline. The digital content can also include Interactive Learning Platforms.

What is an Interactive or Adaptive Learning Platform?


Interactive Learning Platforms, or ILPs, are much more than just e-books. They are interactive software platforms, or courseware, developed to provide an enhanced learning experience beyond reading the text. They may include multi-media video and audio presentations, animation, adaptive quizzes, and homework sets which link directly to the related section of text when incorrect answers are given. They also allow for various levels of customization by the instructor, peer-to-peer sharing of notes, and the creation of digital flashcards that can be used with smartphone apps.

How much does Inclusive Access cost?


The price varies depending upon the course materials chosen by the instructor, but most Inclusive Access prices are lower than the cost to access the material direct through the publisher or comparable options widely available in the marketplace. Cost information is listed for each class on the textbook course information page on the Brown Bookstore website.

How will I get my access?


If your instructor is using Inclusive Access, you are already enrolled. You will access your materials through the Canvas course listing.

How do I pay for my access?


The access is free during the Opt-Out period for the course. After that deadline, all enrolled students who have not opted out of the program or dropped the course will have the discounted price billed to their Brown charge account. No waiting in line with heavy, expensive books!

What does it mean to opt-out?


If you do not wish to participate in Inclusive Access, you must opt out of the program online before the Opt-Out deadline. If you opt out by the deadline given, access to the online content will be turned off and you will not be billed. Access the opt out option from the course materials tool on your Canvas account or the Inclusive Access materials list link on program emails or by emailing us at [email protected].

I did not opt out, but I did not register my access or use the online platform. Will I still be billed?


Yes. All students who are enrolled in a course using Inclusive Access are automatically part of the program. To avoid being billed you must opt out online before the Opt-Out deadline.

I dropped the course. Do I still need to opt out?


Students who drop the course before the Opt-Out deadline will automatically be "opted out" and will not be billed. Students who drop after the Opt-Out deadline should contact the Brown Bookstore within 7 days regarding exceptions and any potential refund.

I forgot to opt out and missed the deadline. Can I still get a refund?


Once the Opt-Out deadline has passed, the only option for a retroactive refund is with documented withdrawal from the class within 7 days. Please stop by the store or email [email protected] for information on requesting a refund.

I am wait-listed for the course. Will I still have access to the digital course materials and do I need to opt out if I don't get into the course?


All enrolled and wait-listed students have access to the content on day one of class. If you are dropped from the wait-list without getting in before Friday of the 2nd week, you will automatically be opted out.

I opted out of Inclusive Access for my course, but I want back in.


No problem! Send us an email at [email protected] and let us know your name, course information, and that you want to rescind your opt out. We'll take care of the rest.

How do I get help if I'm having trouble with access to an eBook in RedShelf?


For help with anything within the RedShelf site (your account, trouble redeeming an access code, or questions about the RedShelf eReader), please visit RedShelf Student Support at https://solve.redshelf.com/hc/en-us to view a list of frequently asked questions or to submit a help request. You may also email: [email protected].

How do I get help if I'm having trouble with access to a publisher learning platform (publisher websites outside of RedShelf or Blackboard or Canvas)?


For help with publisher online content, please contact the publisher's online help team:

I have further questions that were not addressed. Who do I contact?


If your question wasn't answered in this FAQ, please email [email protected] for more information.