What is an Open/Alternative Textbook?
At K-State an open or alternative textbook may be either:
- The use or adaptation of an existing open access textbook (see Resources to Find Open Textbooks)
- Library resources, high quality open educational resources (OER), media, and/or faculty-authored materials
- If you are creating your own content check out Authoring Open Textbooks from the Open Textbook Network.
How do I find out more information about the award process?
You can learn more on these pages:
Which faculty have already done this at K-State?
A list of faculty who have received an award can be found on the Open/Alternative Textbook Past Award Winners page.
Where can I find campus support for these resources?
There are several options for support:
- Student Access Center
- Information Technology Services
- Global Campus
- K-State Libraries and The Center for the Advancement of Digital Scholarship (CADS)
What is the Student Fee and how do I apply?
The Student Fee supports conversion and retention of open/alternative textbooks. K-State faculty and instructors may apply for the fee through the Open/Alternative Student Fee Application form.
Who do I contact for more information?
- Dr. Andy Bennett, Department of Mathematics | (785) 532-0562 | bennett@k-state.edu
- Dr. Brian Lindshield, Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health | (785) 532-7848 | blindsh@k-state.edu
- Center for the Advancement of Digital Scholarship | cads@k-state.edu
Additional Resources on the K-State Open/Alternative Textbook Initiative
- Cultivating Textbook Alternatives From the Ground Up: One Public University’s Sustainable Model for Open and Alternative Educational Resource Proliferation
By Jonathan Lashley, Rebel Cummings-Sauls, Andrew B. Bennett, Brian L. Lindshield
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v18i4.3010
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University Students and Faculty Have Positive Perceptions of Open/ Alternative Resources and Their Utilization in a Textbook Replacement Initiative
By Nicole Delimont, Elizabeth C. Turtle, Andrew Bennett, Koushik Adhikari, Brian L. Lindshield
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v24.29920
Top five reasons to implement an Open/Alternative Textbook at K-State
1. Academic Freedom
- Incorporate what you need and want
- Adopt/Adapt/Create; your choice
- Flexible with content, delivery, and format
- Ideal textbook not always available
2. Social Justice
- Cost savings - Free or low cost resources reduce cost for students
- No one using an older version; everyone is “on the same page”
- New and up-to-date information enables connection between students and society
- In 2015, 4 in 10 K-State students self-reported struggling to afford their textbooks
- Course textbook and supplies’ costs rose higher than 80% in the last ten years
3. Student Success
- Student access to textbook from day one
- Custom Resources - Create, Gather, or Re-mix to meet student needs
- Positive impacts on student performance and retention
4. University Strategic Priorities
- 2025 and Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, and Discovery (RSCAD) Goals
- Land Grant Values
5. Win-Win-Win Scenario
(Students - Faculty - University)
- $10 Student Fee - Per course
- Students pay $10 instead of $100 or more
- 89% goes back to department
- Funds new course conversions
- Awards - Up to $5,000
