Earlham Libraries Home: Textbook Affordability: OER (Open Educational Resources)

What are OER?

Open Educational Resources (OER) are free and openly licensed educational materials that can be used by educators and students. Anyone can legally and freely copy, use, adapt and re-share these materials.

OER can include Textbooks, Video Tutorials, Lesson Plans, Slide Decks, Quizzes, Entire Courses, and more.

Finding OER

OpenStax Textbook Library
OpenStax offers free, peer-reviewed online textbooks in select subjects, with low-cost printed versions available. Many include free or low-cost ancillaries (quizzes, lecture slides, online homework, etc.). OpenStax is a leader in the field: 56% of colleges & universities have adopted at least one OpenStax text. Hosted at Rice University.
Open Textbook Library
Open Textbook Library (OTL) is an initiative by the University of Minnesota designed to help faculty quickly find and assess open textbooks. OTL has curated hundreds of free, openly-licensed textbooks, some with low-cost printed versions. OTL sponsors faculty textbook reviews, so many come with in-depth evaluations from colleagues in the field.
OER Commons
OER Commons is a digital library for OER. Materials include textbooks but also lessons, quizzes, unit plans, and even full courses. Users can use the site to search for OER content, or use it as a place to host OER they've created. Content covers preschool through university levels, so filter by Education Level for best results.
OASIS
OASIS (Openly Available Sources Integrated Search) tool makes the discovery of open content easier, including content from over 90 sources. Good balance of textbooks and other content (lesson plans, courses, videos, etc).

Having trouble locating relevant OER for your subject? Consider looking at curated lists of OER, like this one from Iowa State University Library. Or talk to a librarian. Librarians can help you conduct custom searches using these and other OER search engines.

Creating OER

If you can't find OER in your subject area, consider publishing your own. Whether your OER is a syllabus, or a lesson plan, or a full textbook--These resources will help you think through the logistics of creating your own OER and how to share your material.

Modifying an Open Textbook: What You Need to Know
Five-step guide to modifying an existing open text and publishing your own version. Helpful if you found a text that has some useful content, but you want to add in or alter material. Sponsored by the Open Textbook Network.
The OER Starter Kit
Free book for anyone getting started with OER. Text is broken into five sections: Getting Started, Copyright, Finding OER, Teaching with OER, and Creating OER.
Rebus Guide to Publishing Open Textbooks (So Far)
Created by members of Rebus Press, a popular open book publisher.
Open Textbook Network Publishing Curriculum
Free online course to learn about publishing open textbooks. Created by the Open Textbook Network.
LibreTexts
LibreTexts is a new free platform for hosting and remixing OER. If you found OER elsewhere, LibreTexts allows you to edit, re-order, or add in additional content. Enables easy integration in Moodle. Printed versions of texts can be ordered cheaply and easily thru 3rd-party vendors. LibreTexts received a $5 million federal grant in 2018 to support their work.