The University has outlined a move to eTextbooks only by 2027 to improve student experience and access. Many eBook titles are available for institutional licencing - but you won't know without checking with the Library.
We can work with you to provide options for Library licenced content, and to explore other types of material including Open Education Resources. The guidance below will get you started.
Steps to go through
Email Library Acquisitions with title or subject area.
We can assess and let you know details of institutional cost, numbers of users, and other licencing options.
------------------------------------------------
About Licencing
eTextbooks are licenced by the Library via:
Access is available through:
All licenced eBooks:
*However not all eBook titles are available for institutional licencing.*
Consider Quality and Practical characteristics of your selected resources alongside pedagogic and policy fit.
Use the BASIC method to help in the evaluation process.
Does the content include several perspectives, show how meaning is negotiated and established, provide the historical angle, explore dissenting views and even include those from outside the discipline?
Is the content authoritative? Have you determined the validity of the resource, taken into account new perspectives and changes in thought, and questioned the origin and context of the created information?
Acknowledge that biases arising from positions of privilege can arise from accepted sources of authority. Apply this understanding to all formats you select, including online videos and images.
Is the content at the appropriate AQF level for your course? Does it meet the benchmarks of an Institute policy or the standards of industry, sector or professional regulatory bodies?
Do your search strategies for teaching content retrieve the results to meet the information needs of your students? Will your students be able to achieve the learning outcomes of the AQF level by interacting with material you have selected?
Is the content you select culturally appropriate, sensitive and inclusive of indigenous peoples? Does your selection of material encourage Indigenous Knowledges? Has the content been evaluated for authenticity and accuracy with input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
Know your student cohort. Are your selected resources appropriate for international, rural and low socio-economic status students?
For example:
Are your resources current, or, in the case of set textbooks, is a more recent edition available? Perhaps you have a range of authoritative materials that span recent decades.
Whilst in some disciplines older works may be most authoritative, recent works should be presented to students for them to explore emergent schools of thought and new discoveries. New research must be acknowledged in the scholarly conversation, encouraging further contributions to research in the discipline.
Is the format accessible –consider that Unit textbooks are aiming to be 100% digital by 2027.
Is the resource legitimate, legal to use?
Consider equity of access for all students. What is the cost for students?
Is a suitable licence available?
Will the resource be available to students in China or other teaching locations?
The flexiblity of Open Education Resources (OERs) and public domain material gives you options of editing, combining, or merging texts to suit your cohort (in accordance with any licencing restrictions).
If you aren't sure what is available, consult with your Liaison Librarian for your Institute. We can assist with title or subject suggestions or assistance with other options.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Open Educational Resources (OERs) are educational materials that are in the public domain or published under open licences (such as Creative Commons) that specify how they can be used, reused, adapted and shared. OERs can include textbooks, curricula, syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, tests, projects, audio, video and software.
Follow the process outlined by your Institute to make sure the textbooks and recommended readings are recorded - either through email to CurriculumServices@federation.edu.au, a ServiceNow form, or their preferred service method.
Send any required of recommended resources that you would also like to set for your students to read/view/watch are requested through Learning Resources, who will make these links and content available through your Moodle unit.
