UMD joins Open Textbook Network - News | UMD Libraries

"The University of Maryland Libraries are pleased to announce membership in the  Open Textbook Network, an alliance of higher education institutions working to improve access, affordability and academic success through the use of open textbooks.

Student groups on campus view open textbooks—freely available and not restricted by copyright—as a welcome solution to help ease the burden of high textbook costs. According to the university’s Office of Admissions, students spend an average of $1,130 on books and supplies. A survey by the Student Government Association revealed that 48 percent of students say textbook prices affect which or how many classes they take.

The University of Maryland joins more than 350 member institutions in the Open Textbook Network who work together to advance the use and impact of open textbooks. Experts from the network will lead workshops on campus this fall to promote the adoption and use of open textbooks by faculty. Hundreds of open textbooks are available through the network’s online library."