California State University libraries are working with
OpenStax College to provide free and low-cost digital and print textbooks to
students on 13 CSU campuses across the state. The initiative is the largest
coordinated library showcase of open educational resources (OER) in the nation.
The initiative includes rotating displays, copies of
published books, and information on digital offerings and supplemental
materials. The effort gives faculty the opportunity to review and evaluate the
resources.
The OER content is professionally produced,
peer-reviewed, and developed to meet the requirements of introductory college
courses. Instructional resources are also available, along with PowerPoint
slides and test banks for faculty.
“It is clear that we must take every effort to lower
the cost of education for students,” Gary Michelson, who contributed more than
$1.3 million to OpenStax College through his 20MM foundation, said in a release. “One area that is often overlooked is the skyrocketing cost of textbooks, which
are an underreported financial burden on students. This program will help grow
awareness of open textbooks and more affordable education options across a wide
swath of the CSU system.”