Open Textbook Library vs OpenStax
Open Textbook Library
open.umn.edu
OpenStax
openstax.orgSide by side
| Figure | Open Textbook Library | OpenStax |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 7.5 (#20) | 8.9 (#3) |
| Spec score · Open Educational Resource Platforms | 7.4 (#20) | 8.9 (#4) |
| Accessibility | A VPAT is available, and accessibility varies by book; the library says its MARC records include accessibility metadata. | OpenStax works toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 compliance and uses Level Access for automated and manual accessibility reviews. |
| Support | The FAQ directs questions to [email protected]. | OpenStax says its support team helps instructors and students with questions about textbooks, instructor resources, and Assignable through its support center or email. |
Plans
OpenStax
- OpenStax textbooksFree
- OpenStax Assignable$15, paid once
- OpenStax AssignablePriced on request
In their own words
Open Textbook Library
Open Textbook Library has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
OpenStax
OpenStax is a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University that publishes free, openly licensed textbooks and related materials for introductory courses. Subject matter experts write the textbooks, which are peer-reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Books can be read online on the web, Android or iOS, or downloaded as free PDFs; low-cost print editions are also offered. Most titles are accessible without an account, although a small number require sign-in. Students can highlight, take notes and create study guides, with a free student account required for some features. Educators with a free account can access test banks, PowerPoint slides, solutions manuals and customization tools. OpenStax Assignable lets instructors assign readings, assessments and supporting materials through an LMS, with automatic grading and gradebook synchronization. It supports LTI 1.3 and Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace and Moodle. Textbooks cost nothing. Assignable starts at $15, paid once, billed per student per semester; instructors use it free, and a two-week trial begins on the first day of access. Institutional pricing is by contact.