Open textbook publishing at Australian universities

Open textbook publishing at Australian universities

Studies show university students struggle to afford textbooks, which can lead them to go hungry or withdraw altogether. Universities are combating this problem by using open textbooks to increase participation and improve student outcomes. Little research has been conducted on open textbook publishing at Australian universities. Most existing research focuses on the international context, where differences in funding and legislation affect not only how, but the extent to which publishing work is undertaken.

This editing and publishing doctoral research project is the first national study of open textbook publishing activities and experiences at Australian universities and will advance understanding of emerging trends in library and university publishing in Australia. Adopting a mixed methods approach, I will collect quantitative and qualitative data about open textbook publishing practices and experiences at Australian universities. Using statistical and thematic analysis, I will identify and explore facilitators and barriers that contribute to the success or failure of open textbook publishing projects. I will use these results to make evidence-based recommendations for how Australian universities can build sustainable open textbook publishing programs that provide more students with access to zero-cost course materials.