Higher education affordability planning is shifting from tuition-only thinking toward the learning-cost ecosystem, with academic libraries emerging as a strategic lever. The reported focus is on reducing “textbook tax” pressures through digital-first access models, shared collections, and subscription or access-based acquisition rather than ownership. The report argues that digital delivery can cut physical overhead tied to space and acquisitions while improving on-demand access for students balancing work, family, and commuting. It also highlights how licensing restrictions can block access at the exact moment students need it, contributing to downstream preparedness and learning outcomes. Institutions exploring partnerships and centralized digital libraries are expected to strengthen vendor negotiations and standardize access across campuses, aiming to lower total cost for learning materials while maintaining consistency for students and faculty.