Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
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The Anti-Textbook of Writing
Sybil Priebe · North Dakota State College of Science
Since writing is subjective, the rules aren’t always black and white. What can we do, if writing is subjective and doesn’t have PERFECT rules then? We just practice the genres we know. We give it our best shot. We just practice.
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Greek and Latin Roots II - Greek
Peter L. Smith · University of Victoria
This text is part two of a two part series that examines the systematic principles by which a large portion of English vocabulary has evolved from Latin and (to a lesser degree) from Greek. This book focuses on Greek roots and focuses on imparting some skill in the recognition and proper use of words derived from Greek. There is a stress on principles so that students may be able to cope with new and unfamiliar words of any type that they have studied.
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Technical and Report Writing
Amber Kinonen, Joseph Mold, Edie Erickson, Shawn Curtin · Bay College Library
Technical writing is an audience-centered means of communication that provides a reader with clear and easy access to information. The technical writer and reader have a vis-à-vis relationship. The writer recognizes, respects, and addresses the importance of time in effective and efficient communication by providing documents written in specific formats, using unambiguous language to send clearly accessible information.
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History of Modern and Contemporary Art
Deborah Gustlin & Zoe Gustlin · Evergreen Valley College
Art history studies culture and people’s development through time using multiple art disciplines. Visual arts are one of the oldest forms of communication between humans and the fundamental beliefs of their culture. The historical background of art history has been written from the canon of wealthy individuals from Western countries focusing on well-known art and artifacts in isolated environments. To become more culturally inclusive, the textbook is written to redefine art history.
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About Writing - A Guide
Robing Jeffrey · Klamath Community College
This writer’s reference condenses and covers everything a beginning writing student needs to successfully compose college-level work, including the basics of composition, grammar, and research. It is broken down into easy-to-tackle sections, while not overloading students with more information than they need. Great for any beginning writing students or as reference for advanced students!
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Oregon Writes Open Writing Text
Jenn Kepka · Linn-Benton Community College
This textbook guides students through rhetorical and assignment analysis, the writing process, researching, citing, rhetorical modes, and critical reading. Guided by Oregon's statewide college writing outcomes, this book collects previously published articles, essays, and chapters.
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Annotated Lysistrata
LibreTexts
A disenfranchised group intervenes to stop a war by striking and protest. In Aristophanes's play, this group was women, who used their religious and domestic roles, a sex-strike, and protests to bring opposing sides to the bargaining table. A timely play for considering the influence of protest in creating political and social change. Excellent companion pieces would include news coverage of sex-strikes around the world and of #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, and Spike Lee's film, Chiraq.
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Art Appreciation
Lumen Learning · Lumen Learning
This art appreciation textbook introduces students to the foundational tools needed to understand and analyze visual art. It begins with the elements and principles of design, guiding readers through formal analysis, representation, and the relationship between form and content. Building on this foundation, the text explores the evolving question of “What is art?” by examining art as cultural expression, communication, and aesthetic experience across historical periods.
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Hist 121: History of the United States after 1865
JoAnn Conrad · Diablo Valley College
This text presents a multicultural history of the United States from 1865 to present. Students will explore social, political, cultural, and economic factors in the development of United States’ society. Topics will include the operation and the continuing evolution of local, state and federal governments and the experiences of groups from diverse backgrounds such as European Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Latino/a Americans.
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Spanish 1A: Beginning Spanish (2026)
Cristina Moon · Chabot College
Beginning Spanish 1A is the first half of a comprehensive introductory Spanish sequence, providing guidance and practice in reading, writing, listening to, and speaking Spanish. Each chapter includes thematic vocabulary, sequenced grammar instruction, numerous self-check drills and exercises, open-form communicative activities, scaffolded writing assignments, and reading passages exploring various aspects of life and culture in the Spanish-speaking world.
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Introduction to Philosophy
Sondra Peron · Springfield Technical Community College
This Introduction to Philosophy: An Anthology is a collection of essential readings from a wide variety of contemporary writers and philosophers designed to help students unfamiliar with philosophy understand that they know more than they think. This OER asks students to think about how they think and how they know what they know. Students will start by challenging assumptions and flexing those critical thinking skills we all have—not just in an abstract way but in a practical, everyday way.
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Creating Literary Analysis
LibreTexts · LibreTexts
Literary scholarship is guided by literary theories and expressed through writing; it doesn’t make sense to learn each in isolation. Literary theories are intellectual models that scholars use to understand stories, novels, poems, plays, and other texts. Different theories prioritize different historical, social, or methodological concerns. The authors believe students of literature should learn about many literary theories.
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EmpoWord - A Student-Centered Anthology and Handbook for College Writers
Shane Abrams · Ashland High School
EmpoWord is a reader and rhetoric that champions the possibilities of student writing. The textbook uses actual student writing to exemplify effective writing strategies, celebrating dedicated college writing students to encourage and instruct their successors: the students in your class. Through both creative and traditional activities, readers are encouraged to explore a variety of rhetorical situations to become more critical agents of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
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An Introduction to Technical Theatre
Tal Sanders · Pacific University
An Introduction to Technical Theatre draws on the author’s experience in both the theatre and the classroom over the last 30 years. Intended as a resource for both secondary and post-secondary theatre courses, this text provides a comprehensive overview of technical theatre, including terminology and general practices. Introduction to Technical Theatre’s accessible format is ideal for students at all levels, including those studying technical theatre as an elective part of their education.
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Technical Writing Essentials
Suzan Last · University of Victoria
This open textbook is designed to introduce readers to the basics of technical communication: audience and task analysis in workplace contexts, clear and concise communications style, effective document design, teamwork and collaboration, and fundamental research skills.
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Technical Writing
DeSilva et al. · Central Oregon Community College
A textbook focusing on writing in the workplace, with an emphasis on audience analysis, writing for specific situations, document design, research processes, and visual aids.
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English Composition II - Rhetorical Methods–Based
Lumen · LibreTexts
English Composition II is an expository writing course that helps students develop advance writing skills. The text also reviews and incorporates some of the same skills. This course teaches research skills by emphasizing the development of advanced analytical/critical reading skills, proficiency in investigative research, and the writing of persuasive prose including documented and researched argumentative essays. This course emphasizes on the research process and information literacy.
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Living Literature: A Journey Through Stories, Drama, and Poetry
Kelsey Ford · Cosumnes River College
This textbook introduces students to literature through creative nonfiction, fiction, drama, and poetry while developing skills in close reading, literary analysis, and academic writing. It explores literary elements, major critical theories, research methods, and MLA citation style through readings, discussion questions, and writing activities that strengthen interpretation and communication skills.
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Early World Civilizations
Lumen Learning · Lumen Learning
Early world civilizations refer to the ancient societies that emerged and flourished in various regions across the globe, laying the groundwork for the development of human civilization. These civilizations emerged independently and at different times, each contributing unique advancements in culture, technology, governance, and trade.
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Metaethics from a First Person Standpoint
Catherine Wilson · University of York
This text addresses in a novel format the major topics and themes of contemporary metaethics, the study of the analysis of moral thought and judgement. Metathetics is less concerned with what practices are right or wrong than with what we mean by ‘right’ and ‘wrong.’ This book engages students and general readers in order to enhance their understanding of morality and moral discourse as cultural practices.