Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
External
Preparing for College Success
Amy Baldwin; Lisa August; James Bennett; Larry Buland · OpenStax, Rice University
OpenStax’s Preparing for College Success is a comprehensive resource that provides secondary students critical information to prepare for their “to and through” college journey. The book addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities of today’s diverse students. College match, preparing for transition, time management and study skills, building relationships, financial literacy, and career planning are all reflected throughout the material. Preparing for College Success also includes an array of student-centered features including scenarios and advice from current college students that can support robust classroom conversation or individual learning. Based on OpenStax’s open (CC-BY) license and its wide array of formats, educators may remix and reuse these elements according to their approach. OpenStax textbooks are always free online and as a PDF. Robust instructor ancillaries will include lecture slides, an instructor resource manual, a test bank, and other resources.
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Introduction to Computer Science
Dr. Jean-Claude Franchitti; Amal Alhosban; Mark Buckler; Joanna Gilberti · OpenStax, Rice University
Introduction to Computer Science provides a comprehensive foundation in core computer science concepts and principles, aligning with the scope and sequence of most introductory computer science courses. The offering serves as an engaging entry point for students pursuing diverse fields of study and employment, including computer science, business, engineering, data science, social sciences, and related disciplines. By addressing a broad learner audience—ranging from computer science majors to non-majors—the book offers a thorough introduction to computational thinking and its applications across multiple domains. Introduction to Computer Science is designed to be both interactive and practical, focusing on real-world applications that showcase how core computer science concepts can be used to solve complex problems. Students will explore foundational concepts, such as algorithms, data structures, computer systems organization, and software development, using an array of engaging, hands-on activities. Introduction to Computer Science also includes advanced topics such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, ensuring students have a solid foundation for continued study and future professional success. The offering integrates meaningful learning experiences through chapter-based scenarios, problem-solving exercises, embedded coding activities, and project-based assessments that encourage students to apply what they learn in authentic contexts. The material also includes an array of industry insights and explorations of emerging technology trends in order to provide a holistic approach to learning that extends beyond theory.
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Introduction to Business 2e
Lawrence J. Gitman; Carl McDaniel; Amit Shah; Monique Reece · OpenStax, Rice University
Introduction to Business 2e provides a strong, multidimensional foundation in the concepts, skills, and real-world examples of contemporary business. Welcoming and relevant narratives support students as they engage in core themes such as decision making, ethics, customer satisfaction, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing technological and societal changes. The material includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations. Extensive illustrations, case studies, review materials, and assessments offer instructors and learners the tools needed to develop a deep, practical understanding. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for success in further studies and careers. The Second Edition was written with extensive input from faculty, industry experts, and students. Revisions focus on currency, emerging technologies, changing business practices, and evolving legal and ethical dynamics. The authors emphasize course-wide themes, including the impacts and implications of artificial intelligence, the changing nature of the workplace, and new approaches to team dynamics. A detailed transition guide is available in the instructor resources. Introduction to Business 2e is supported by instructor ancillaries, and is available in OpenStax Assignable. As described in OpenStax’s accessibility statement and related documentation, we focus on inclusive development and detailed evaluation to ensure that our platforms and course materials meet relevant WCAG guidelines.
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Foundations of Information Systems
Dr. Mahesh S. Raisinghani; Amal Alhosban; Dax Bradley; Wade Chumney · OpenStax, Rice University
Foundations of Information Systems aligns to the topics and objectives of most introductory information systems courses in computer science and information technology, as well as in other subject areas such as health and business information systems. The offering helps students understand foundational concepts including hardware, software, database management systems, and data networks. The instruction is based on the ACM/IEEE/AIS curriculum standards for information systems (IS2020) that allow institutions to use the content for the purposes of accreditation for ABET, AACSB, and ACBSP. The material focuses on developing and applying knowledge regarding the collection, processing, storage, distribution, and value of information. Students will also learn about the various interactions between information systems professionals and others in organizations, so that they understand how to collaborate with management, colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Foundations of Information Systems is designed to engage students through a combination of practical, real-world applications and thought-provoking scenarios that promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of core concepts. The pedagogical approach is centered on making information systems relevant to students from an array of backgrounds and career interests. By connecting theory to practice and encouraging students to explore real-world issues, Foundations of Information Systems equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their academic and professional journeys.
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College Success Concise
Amy Baldwin; Lisa August; James Bennett; Larry Buland · OpenStax, Rice University
OpenStax College Success Concise serves First Year Experience, Student Success, and College Transition courses, and can also be used as a supplementary resource in courses across the curriculum. With the input of hundreds of instructors and academic success experts, the authors carefully prioritized the most critical topics to align to briefer courses. The offering covers material such as college culture, time management, mindset, study skills, test preparation, financial literacy, health, and planning for the future. While much of the material is very similar to the original College Success book, this version was holistically edited and updated. Users will see additions such as a new section on group work and greatly expanded coverage of stress management and wellbeing. While College Success Concise is a self-contained work with a logical flow and narrative, our open (CC BY-NC-SA) license and multiple formats allow instructors and students to utilize content from the original College Success text, as well. Ancillaries such as the Instructor’s Manual, Test Bank, and Lecture Slides will specifically support College Success Concise.
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College Success
Amy Baldwin; Lisa August; James Bennett; Sabrina Mathues · OpenStax, Rice University
OpenStax College Success is a comprehensive and contemporary resource that serves First Year Experience, Student Success, and College Transition courses. Developed with the support of hundreds of faculty and coordinators, the book addresses the evolving challenges and opportunities of today’s diverse students. Engagement, self-analysis, personal responsibility, and student support are reflected throughout the material. College Success also includes an array of student surveys and opinion polls, and OpenStax will regularly provide the results to adopting faculty. Based on OpenStax’s open (CC BY-NC-SA) license and its wide array of formats, faculty may remix and reuse these elements according to their approach. OpenStax textbooks are always free online, and as a PDF. Robust instructor ancillaries will include lecture slides, an instructor resource manual, a test bank, and other resources.
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College Physics 2e
Paul Peter Urone; Roger Hinrichs; Kim Dirks; Manjula Sharma · OpenStax, Rice University
College Physics 2e introduces topics conceptually and progresses through clear explanations in the context of career-oriented, practical applications, and meets the scope and sequence of an algebra-based physics course. The narrative of physics and scientific discovery has been even further expanded to focus on including more diverse contributors to the field. Building on the success of the first edition the authors have increased focus on interdisciplinary connections, including enhancements to biological and medical applications. The problem solving approach has been revised to further unify conceptual, analytical, and calculation skills within the learning process, the authors have integrated a wide array of strategies and supports throughout the text for students. The first edition of College Physics by OpenStax is available in web view here.
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Clinical Nursing Skills
Christy Bowen; Taranee Albert; Mary Anne Bera; Jessica Crockett · OpenStax, Rice University
Clinical Nursing Skills is designed to equip nursing students with the practical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to provide comprehensive patient care. The material emphasizes the application of clinical judgment in a variety of settings, ensuring that students are prepared to deliver high-quality care across different patient populations and clinical scenarios. The content utilizes concepts promoting the development of clinical judgment by building upon the systematic model developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Clinical Nursing Skills provides detailed instructions on basic procedures such as hygiene, mobility, vital signs assessment, medication administration, and wound care. It also guides students through more complex skills, including intravenous therapy, catheterization, tracheostomy care, and emergency interventions. By integrating the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, the material helps students recognize, analyze, prioritize, create, act, and evaluate outcomes in various clinical situations, fostering critical thinking and clinical decision making. By studying Clinical Nursing Skills, students will gain the confidence and competence needed to perform essential nursing tasks, make informed clinical decisions, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care, which will prepare students for success in their clinical rotations and future professional practice.