Open Textbook Library

What Open Textbook Library is

Open Textbook Library is a free catalog that helps faculty find open textbooks. Its collection lists 1,887 books, with search and browsing by subject. Listed textbooks are free to use and distribute, and can be adapted with proper attribution under their licenses. Each book must be available as a complete portable file, such as PDF or EPUB, although authors or publishers choose which formats to provide. Books must support a quarter- or semester-length course and meet criteria for open licensing, availability, institutional use or affiliation, and originality. The library says around 70% of its books have been reviewed, with faculty reviews invited through Open Education Network member institutions. Accessibility varies by book; a VPAT is available, and MARC records include accessibility metadata. The collection is discoverable through WorldCat and Ex Libris Alma Community Zone, with monthly updates. Data access includes MARC records, CSV, a JSON API, and RSS or Atom feeds. Library records are in the public domain and available under CC0. The library does not provide instructor copies.

Who it suits

It suits faculty looking for open textbooks by subject and institutions that use the listed catalog records or data feeds. Instructors seeking instructor copies or ancillary materials will need to contact authors or publishers.

Limits

The collection is free to use, and the listed facts give no usage quota. The library does not provide instructor copies; instructors must check with authors or publishers about ancillary materials. Accessibility varies by book.

Getting started

1. Visit https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/.
2. Search for textbooks or browse the collection by subject.
3. Review a book’s license and available complete file formats.
4. Download, print, adopt, or adapt the book according to its license.

Verdict

Open Textbook Library brings course-oriented open books and catalog data together in a free searchable collection. Check each book's license, formats, and accessibility details, and contact its author or publisher about ancillary materials.