Open Textbook Library
Verified working Sep 17, 2026
A searchable catalog of free, adaptable textbooks for college courses.
Open Textbook Library is a University of Minnesota–based directory of open textbooks that can be used, downloaded, modified, and redistributed at no cost. The collection covers a wide range of academic subjects and lists more than 1,800 textbooks, with search, subject browsing, new releases, and forthcoming titles from Open Education Network members.
Why it stands out
- Focuses specifically on textbooks rather than mixing them with every type of educational resource.
- Large collection size for a curated open-textbook directory, with 1,866 titles listed on the page.
- Emphasizes reuse and adaptation rights, not just free online reading.
- Backed by the Open Education Network and the University of Minnesota’s Center for Open Education.
Good to know
- Collection scope is limited to open textbooks, so it is not a complete courseware or lesson-materials platform.
- Users should review each textbook’s individual license and available formats before adapting or redistributing it.
- Forthcoming titles listed on the site may not yet be available for teaching use.
Under the radar: Check the “Coming Soon” section when planning future courses; it can reveal in-development textbooks from OEN member institutions before they appear in the main catalog.
Photos
College instructors replacing commercial course texts can find open textbooks they may download, adapt, and share. Students can look for free textbook alternatives for assigned or self-study topics. Librarians and instructional designers can identify open materials to recommend for course adoption. Faculty authors and publishers can explore examples of openly licensed textbooks in their discipline.
Searchable textbook catalog; subject-based browsing; pages for new books and forthcoming OEN-member titles; openly licensed textbook records; links to download, read, adapt, and redistribute materials where available.
Alternative listings
A university-curated shortcut to open textbook repositories.
Open educational resources & free learning platformsElon University’s library guide points instructors and students toward sources for open textbooks, open books, and related teaching materials. It organizes major OER textbook hubs alongside subject-specific and publisher-based collections, with a reminder to check each resource’s license before reuse.
0 votesVisit siteA university-curated launch point for open textbook and OER searches.
Open educational resources & free learning platformsUIC Library’s guide gathers major open textbook libraries, OER repositories, and cross-repository search tools in one place. It is designed to help instructors and students locate freely usable course materials, with links to related guidance on evaluating, adopting, or creating open textbooks.
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Similar sites elsewhere
- OpenStax — openstax.org
- LibreTexts — libretexts.org
- OER Commons — oercommons.org
- MERLOT — merlot.org
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