Open Textbook Library Reaches 1,000 Titles

Just in time for its 10-year anniversary, the Open Textbook Library's collection of open education resources has surpassed 1,000 titles. Launched in 2012, the Library is an online catalog of openly licensed materials hosted by the Open Education Network (OEN), a membership community based at the University of Minnesota's Center for Open Education.

The Library offers faculty book reviews and downloadable textbooks in multiple formats (including PDF, ODF, XML and Ebook), covering subjects such as business, computer science, education, engineering, humanities, journalism, law, mathematics, medicine, natural and social sciences and student success. The thousandth book in the collection: Botany in Hawaiʻi, by Daniela Dutra Elliott and Paula Mejia Velasquez, added in March. OEN expects to grow the Library "as OER garners increasing acceptance and approval from faculty, and as the broader open education movement continues to gain momentum," according to a news announcement.

"The Library visibly demonstrates our commitment to a more equitable higher education system," commented David Ernst, executive director of the OEN and founder of the Open Textbook Library, in a statement. "At this 10-year milestone mark, we're thrilled with the Library's success and see it as a reflection of the community's generosity with their time, expertise and resources."

"It has been exciting to watch the Open Textbook Library's continuing development," said Merinda McLure, OER co-lead and health & human sciences librarian at the University of Colorado Boulder. "It is difficult to describe adequately the central importance of the Library to supporting educators' adoption, adaptation, and creation of open textbooks across higher education institutions."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • glowing blue nodes connected by thin lines in an abstract network on a dark gray to black gradient background

    Report: Generative AI Taking Over SD-WAN Management

    In a few years, nearly three quarters of network operators will use generative AI for SD-WAN management, according to a new report from research firm Gartner.

  • abstract pattern with interconnected blue nodes and lines forming neural network shapes, overlaid with semi-transparent bars and circular data points

    Data, AI Lead Educause Top 10 List for 2025

    Educause recently released its annual Top 10 list of the most important technology issues facing colleges and universities in the coming year, with a familiar trio leading the bunch: data, analytics, and AI. But the report presents these critical technologies through a new lens: restoring trust in higher education.

  • abstract image representing AI tools for reading and writing

    McGraw Hill Introduces 2 Gen AI Learning Tools

    Global education company McGraw Hill has added two new generative AI tools to help personalize learning experiences for both K–12 and higher ed students, according to a news release.

  • abstract image of fragmented, floating geometric shapes with holographic lock icons and encrypted code, set against a dark, glitchy background with intersecting circuits and swirling light trails

    Education Sector a Top Target for Mobile Malware Attacks

    Mobile and IoT/OT cyber threats continue to grow in number and complexity, becoming more targeted and sophisticated, according to a new report from Zscaler.