LibGuides: Textbook Alternatives: Alternative Texts

Alternative Texts Search

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Alternative Texts

The following textbook publishers employ business models that aim to keep costs low and give students a choice of options. Some texts by alternative publishers have won awards--see box at lower right for award winners.

Flatworld Knowledge
Technically not open access, but close. Inexpensive texts start at $20 for electronic access. Growing collection of titles across disciplines. Many have been adopted by top tier universities and some have won textbook awards.
Textbook Media Press
Offers texts for business, economics, education, english, political science, and psychology. Students can choose affordable options, including digital books, PDF version, paperback, or iPhone version.
Business Expert Press
Offers a few hundred books on business and economics topics. Students can choose between very inexpensive e-text or reasonably priced print text. This publisher also sells library e-books.
Lumen Learning
Lumen Learning creates very different textbook alternatives by aggregating and organizing free resources (including readings and videos) into "open courses," with a table of contents much like text.

"Open courses are effectively a complete textbook replacement. Each course includes a complete set of OER-based readings and sample assessments. All courses include some level of built-in video delivery and interaction."

*Note: We are somewhat skeptical about this site, but it does offer a model that might be useful.
Worldwide Center of Mathematics
Started by a mathematics professor, provides inexpensive texts with print and digital options. Subjects include calculus, algebra, statistics.

Texty Textbook Excellence Award Winners

Although the quality of open & alternative textbooks can vary; some are excellent and have won awards.

Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology
By John Gallaugher
Flatword Knowledge
Math & You: The Power & Use of Mathematics
by Ron Larson (Penn State University)
Open access on the web (supported by ads)
Reasonably priced print available.
Organizational Behavior
By Talya Bauer and Berrin Erdogan
Flatword Knowledge
Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World
By Steve Barkan
Flatworld Knowledge