Open access texts are free for students to read online, usually also free to download, and sometimes also available in inexpensive print format. Often an open access text may have a Creative Commons license that would allow an instructor to alter the text for their course. These can be supplemented with additional OER resources.
There are multiple ways to look for open texts. Here are some strategies:
1. If you have a text that you want to find alternatives for, try the ISBN search below.
2. Try the Open Text Search. This Custom Google Search allows you to search across several large collections of OER texts.*
3. Check out the resources listed for your subject area below.
4. Librarians at your university may be able to help you find open access texts beyond those found in these collections.
This searches across several web sites that index or publish open access texts.
You'll need to skip ads at the beginning (powered by free Google Custom search).
Peer reviewed studies have shown that:
"OER is an equity strategy for higher education: providing all students with access to course materials on the first day of class serves to level the academic playing field in course settings." [Colvard, 2018]
OER use increases enrollment intensity: "students in courses using OER enrolled in a significantly higher number of credits in the next semester." [Fischer et.al., 2015]
Double Click for full screen.
3-minute clip describes why a prof at University of Lethbridge (Alberta CA) uses open materials.
You may be able to join a collaborative project described on this guide. If publishing an open text on your own, check with your librarian on possible ways the library can support your efforts.