OER textbooks have no user limits and free students from the cost of purchasing a textbook. Lower textbook costs have been attributed to better learning outcomes for students.(1)

Commercial textbook licensing conditions may restrict:

• concurrent usage (few students can access at the same time)
• copying, downloading, printing
• access to supplementary materials

This can affect student access, especially during peak usage periods such as in the lead up to an assignment due date.

To find a suitable open textbook, search the directories on this page or ask the Library for help.

(1) Colvard NB, Watson CE and Park H (2018) ‘The Impact of Open Educational Resources on Various Student Success Metrics’, International journal of teaching and learning in higher education, 30(2):262-.