Portland State University has joined the Open Textbook Network (OTN), a consortium of colleges and universities working to advance open textbook initiatives.
Most significantly, OTN hosts the Open Textbook Library, comprised of “real, complete textbooks licensed so teachers and students can freely use, adapt, and distribute the material. Open textbooks can be downloaded for no cost, or printed inexpensively.” The Open Textbook Library “is a tool to help instructors find affordable, quality textbook solutions.”
According to OTN, members:
Help faculty members understand and adopt open textbooks in their classes
Increase capacity of institutions to support open textbooks on campus
Collect data to show the impact of open textbooks for students
The Open Textbook Library began at the University of Minnesota, a collaboration between the Center for Open Education and the University of Minnesota Libraries.
The Open Textbook Network now includes more than 60 individual and system members. In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon State University, the University of Washington, and Oregon Community Colleges are also members.
As part of this membership, Portland State is hosting an Open Textbook Workshop this fall. Sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Academic Innovation, and the University Library, this workshop will offer an introduction to open textbooks and how they benefit students both financially and academically. We encourage Portland State faculty to apply.
Learn more about the Open Textbook Workshop at Portland State University in November.