Q. I'd like to create an open textbook, but I'm not sure how to start?

1. Learn about open textbooks and Open Educational Resources (OER) 

Open textbooks are Open Educational Resources (OER) that offer a free, flexible, and accessible alternative to traditional commercial textbooks. Academics worldwide are adopting open textbooks to promote equitable access, cost savings, and better learning outcomes for students. They provide numerous benefits for academics, students, and the broader community. 

2. Consider the benefits of open textbooks

For Academics

• Customise content: Tailor material to enhance deeper learning and engagement.
• Incorporate diverse perspectives: Add local context, Indigenous viewpoints, and a variety of perspectives.
• Flexibility: Update your textbook quickly and easily.
• Enhance interactivity: Add rich multimedia and interactive elements.
• Collaborative opportunities: Co-create content with your students.

For Students

• Free access: Removes financial barriers by eliminating textbook costs.
• Unlimited access: Ensures access to materials without restrictions, even during assessment periods. For further information, refer to Section 3.3: Learning Resources and Educational Support in the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (Cth).
• Inclusive learning: Fosters a sense of belonging through locally relevant content and diverse viewpoints.

3. Get started with open textbooks and OER

Adopt an open textbook

• Explore and discover the benefits: Using (OER) can improve curriculum flexibility and engagement. Beyond textbooks, OER include images, videos, audio, software, and even entire courses. The library’s Open Educational Resources (OER) guide offers resources to help you locate and use these materials.
• Find open textbooks: Look for openly licensed textbooks to use as prescribed or recommended readings in subjects or microcredentials. These often come with Creative Commons licences, allowing free copying, adaptation, and redistribution. On the Western Open Books page you will find open texts created by WSU authors.

OR

Create an open textbook using Western Open Books. This Western Sydney University publishing service supports academics in developing open textbooks for teaching and microcredentials. 

• Features include hosting, copyright advice, design support, DOI minting, H5P integration, structural and copy-editing referrals, and post-publication promotion. 
• Peer review coordination and training opportunities are also available through the CAUL OER Collective. 
• Western Open Books aligns with WSU’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advancing open, accessible education. 

4. Find help

• Contact your School Librarian: Reach out for guidance on adopting or creating open textbooks by requesting a consultation.