Can students order a print copy?
Yes, there are many on-demand online print services, or students could print out only the parts they want at home.
Do open textbooks have supporting/ancillary materials?
Some do. Like commercial textbooks, some open textbooks have ancillary materials.
How often are they updated?
Depends on the book. One of the great things about open textbooks is that you can update them yourself--an instructional designer might be able to help!
Are there accessible versions for disabled users?
Open content has huge potential to increase Accessible content on campus. Unlike traditional materials, it is not locked down and can be adapted and reformatted without extra permission.
How can I edit these?
You will likely need some technical support from the staff at your institution.
How do I find the time to adopt an open textbook?
Affirm that it could take time. Ask how they normally handle adopting a new textbook, and emphasize similarities.
Who writes open textbooks? How do they get paid?
There are several business models to support open textbooks. For example, OpenStax offers free textbooks, and sells options supplements and print copies.
Could adopting an open textbook impact decisions about my promotion and tenure?
This differs by institution and department. Does using a different traditional textbook affect the process?
How can I edit these?
You will likely need some technical support from the staff at your institution.
They can’t be that good if they’re free, right?
Only you [faculty member] can tell if a book is good, open or not. What we can say is that faculty who reviewed textbooks in the OTL have given high ratings.
How do I know if a book is "good?"
The best way is to review for yourself - the books are free online. Also look at reviews on the OTL. (NOTE: do NOT claim quality unless you are an expert in their field)
Is the quality the same as other textbooks?
There is a growing number of studies that show that students have the same or better learning outcomes when using open textbooks. But only you can judge quality for your own course.
Are students learning using these resources?
Numerous case studies have found that student outcomes are as good or better with open content vs. traditional materials.
How do I find the time to adopt an open textbook?
Affirm that it could take time. Ask how they normally handle adopting a new textbook, and emphasize similarities.
Where can I find an open textbook for my [CLASS NAME] class?
The best place to start is open.umn.edu. If you need help, ask your librarian for help.
Why would I, or any faculty member, give away content for free?
No one is asking you to! You can still use open textbooks without writing one. Most authors of open textbooks were paid! Others are looking for increased exposure for their work and for themselves.
Are you going to try to force us to use a certain textbook?
The choice is yours. Academic freedom is important.
What about our campus bookstore? If we support this effort, won't they go out of business?
Bookstores are already facing many challenges, since students look off campus for cheaper books. Open textbooks are actually an opportunity for bookstores to get more students to buy on campus.
[all questions about licensing]
Refer to Creative Commons website (www.creativecommons.org) or copyright expert.
Why aren't there more options?
There will be soon. There are lots of efforts underway: California, BC, OpenStax, SUNY, PDX, …