Faculty Publish Open Textbooks Through Libraries, Global Campus Program

Photo Submitted

Faculty members Laurie M. Apple, M.E. Betsy Garrison, Wendy L. McBride and Lynn Meade each published an open textbook in 2023 through participation in the U of A's Course Materials Conversion Program, a collaborative effort between the University Libraries and Global Campus. Each of the four texts is available online at no cost to users. 

"My decision to write an open textbook was multifaceted," Meade said. "I liked the fact that the book would be free to all my students so that everyone could have access. I also liked that they could access the book after they graduated and that they could share their book with family and friends." 

Meade, who teaches an Advanced Public Speaking course, said that former students had contacted her on numerous occasions to request classroom handouts on delivering eulogies and making toasts. Now, they have access to that information on demand. 

"I love that OER books are good for the class and good for after the class," she said.

Apple's Introduction to Apparel Production Workbook provides information on various sewing equipment, techniques and fabrics, culminating with four sewing projects: a tote bag, skirt, shirt and pants. 

Family Financial Management Case Studies, created by Garrison, asks students to think critically about and make financial recommendations for six different types of families within the context of current events in the U.S. 

McBride's Summary of Sourcing, Summarizing, and Synthesizing: Skills for Effective Research Writing provides guidance on everything from abstracts to bibliographies. Readers will learn not only how to do effective research but also the unique aspects of academic writing. 

Building a Professional Portfolio, Meade's latest open textbook, is a toolkit that equips readers with the knowledge, insights and practical strategies necessary to create a professional e-portfolio. It can be used to help build your personal brand and to create a memorable portfolio that helps others to see who you are and what you know.

Through the same program, two additional faculty members opted to begin utilizing existing open texts in their courses during the fall 2023 semester, which saved students approximately $9,420 overall. In total, as a result of the use of both created and existing open materials, 3,974 students in 23 courses saved a combined $291,597 during the fall 2023 semester.

"Creating or adapting quality open education textbooks is a way University Libraries can partner with faculty to support our students not only by eliminating the need for expensive commercial textbooks, but by ensuring the materials we share with students meets the learners where they're at," said Christine Rickabaugh, open education librarian. "I'm delighted to be part of a team focusing on student success."

Instructors will see a call for proposals for the next installment of the Open Educational Resources Course Materials Conversion Program soon. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 23 through March 27.