Navigating the LibreTexts Platform
Navigating the LibreTexts Platform
Libraries and Bookshelves
The LibreTexts project consists of 14 independently operating and interconnected “libraries” that focus on augmenting education in separate fields via a series of open-access online textbook environments that includes complementary ancillaries that advance diverse pedagogical methods and support multiple student learning styles. Simply exploring the libraries to access available OER does not require a log-in, although a personal user account will need to be created in order to customize content or use more advanced platform features.
Upon visiting LibreTexts, the user needs to select the appropriate library to find the resources for their discipline. If you are unsure as to which library your discipline is housed in, type your discipline and LibreTexts into a search engine to identify your library. Such a search reveals that accounting is in the Business library and paramedic is in Medicine. Specific content for a discipline, such as taxes, may be found in many libraries.
Once a given library is accessed, the user is given three options to select from:
- Campus Bookshelves
- Bookshelves
- Learning Objects
The “Bookshelves” house OER texts that are curated by LibreTexts that can be used either directly ("as is") or customized. Customized remixes (i.e., texts that are generated from existing content often with customized editing and/or content interspersed) for use by one or more faculty at a given college are stored in "Campus Bookshelves". The customization in the Campus Bookshelves may be minimal or extensive, depending on faculty needs. Each college can house up to 5 books for free without becoming a member of LibreTexts.
There are two types of texts found in the Bookshelves: “Textbooks” and “Textmaps“. Textbooks are the central spot for integrated content in a library and are identified by “Book:” in their titles. Textmaps are specialized remixes that are constructed to follow the organization of existing commercial textbooks. Textmaps facilitate adoption by faculty that struggle to switch from a commercial textbook to an OER alternative; these texts are identified by “Map:” in their titles.
The items available in “Learning Objects” vary depending on the library you are exploring. Animations, exercises, labs, and worksheets are examples of the types of resources housed in this section.
Please note that if you conduct a search within LibreTexts using its search feature you will only be getting results for content within a given library. The search option is available to you after you have selected a library and appears as a box at the top of the page that says "How an we help you?"
Confirming Permissions
Once you find content of interest, it is important to take note of the Creative Commons licensing Links to an external site. offered by the author/creator to determine how the resource can be used. Creative Commons licenses specify how work can be used, allowing for exceptions to the limits associated with copyright.
Providing Access to Students
When choosing to adopt a LibreTexts, there are two simple ways to provide access to students.
Direct Access to LibreTexts: Provide students with the URL to access the text directly in LibreTexts.
- From LibreTexts, OER can be downloaded or printed, in their entirety or by chapter.
- In addition, printed texts can be ordered using the LibreTexts print-on-demand option.
- Accessing a resource in LibreTexts also provides the student with access to the BeeLine Reader that "uses subtle color gradients to help you read more quickly and efficiently."
Import LibreTexts: Import the content into a course management system (e.g., Canvas). The steps involve in exporting an OER from LibreTexts and importing it into Canvas are covered on the next page, How to Import a LibreTexts into Canvas.