Open Education

Open Education Program

JCU Library places students at the heart of everything we do. Partner with us to reduce prescribed textbook costs and remove a financial barrier to JCU student success.

Eddie Koiki Mabo Library

© Rob Parsons / Through The Looking Glass Studio 2020

Empower JCU students with affordable textbook solutions

Prescribed textbooks and LearnJCU sites are essential learning resources for JCU students. Yet, many report struggling to afford their textbooks, which makes them a significant barrier to academic success - as reflected in 2025 JCU student feedback:

“I struggle to afford my textbooks because uni = not enough time to work.”

“I could not afford any textbooks so it was amazing having free [JCU Library] resources. I would not have been able to get as much out of my course without this service, and I REALLY appreciate it.”

Aligned with JCU’s Learning Resources and Educational Support Policy, the Library is committed to reducing textbook costs for students. Partner with us to explore a zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) experience using free, accessible, and high-quality alternatives to commercial textbooks. Contact us today!

Find out about JCU Open eBooks

JCU Open eBooks Catalogue

Authored by JCU academics

Engagement Metrics and Insights

JCU Open eBooks data dashboard

Achievements and Impacts

Explore JCU Open eBooks' values-based approach

Textbook affordability: What JCU students say

With OERs, students get more than free resources - they get instant access, diverse content, and the freedom to learn on their terms.

Choosing OERs: What’s in it for YOU?

Switching to OERs means more than saving students money - they give you the freedom to teach your way and reach diverse learning requirements.

OERs: Not just free - they’re high quality too!

Think OERs are just free resources? Think again - they’re expert-made, rigorously reviewed, and held to high academic standards.

OERs in your Readings list? Yes, please!

Your weekly readings don’t have to come from a single source. Mix and match top-tier OERs, book chapters, journal articles, videos, and more.

Other roads to zero-textbook-costs (ZTC)

Published OERs not quite the right fit? There are other options to reduce textbook costs in your subjects.

Find out more about Open Education

Latest news

Find out the latest about JCU Open Education

Open Education Library Guide

Resources to assist with the use of OER's

Contact us

Go zero-textbook-cost in your subjects