Open textbooks are FREE, ONLINE, and intentionally licensed and shared for REUSE. Many open textbooks are published under a Creative Commons license and available online; some are downloadable in a variety of formats. Most can be printed at low-cost. Faculty can modify open textbooks to meet their needs. Contact Rod Library's Digital Scholarship Unit if you need assistance modifying open textbooks and understanding what open textbook licenses allow.
Rod Library's Affordable Textbook Initiative saved UNI students more than $421,000 in 2018-19 due to open textbook adoptions.
This March 1, 2021 faculty panel discussion, "Cutting Costs for Students: Moving to a Free Online Textbook," was held in conjunction between the UNI Scholarly Communication Committee and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Facilitator: Jim Demastes (Biology). Panelists: Jonathan Chenoweth (School of Music); Deb Young (Languages & Literatures); and Robert Earle (Philosophy & World Religions).
