OpenStax Edition Retirement Policy

Removing older editions from our platforms allows us to continue providing up-to-date, high quality materials as our library grows and ages.

We understand that updating course materials is a time consuming process, and to be sensitive to this, we have committed to hosting two editions for each title - its newest edition on OpenStax.org and the previous edition. The timeline between publishing new editions varies by book, but it typically falls between every 3-5 years.

This means that by the time an old edition is effectively removed, there can be a difference of 10 years of errata updates and content improvements between the oldest and newest edition of the book.

We currently have a library of over 50 titles, and maintaining only 2 editions per title allows us to:

• Offer a high-quality online reading experience as we integrate new features and technology
• Connect users with content that is relevant to their students and responsive to updates in their field
• Quickly publish new textbooks and errata updates

Our goal is to make the transition between editions as seamless as possible. The second half of this article will show you how to move to a new edition over the next few months.

Transitioning to a New Edition

Step 1: Select a New Edition

You have the option of choosing which edition of the book you want to move to. For example, if the first edition of your book is slated for retirement, you can move to either the second edition, currently available on OpenStax.org, or wait for the third edition to publish. We recommend selecting the edition that will cause the least disruption to course planning between semesters.

Step 2: Access the New Edition Textbook and Ancillaries

To locate the new edition of your textbook and its ancillaries:

1. Go to OpenStax.org
2. Hover over Subjects and select your discipline
3. Click on the title of your book and the edition you wish to use

Note: Before the newest edition is published, only the older edition will appear on OpenStax.org. You can sign up for updates on the upcoming edition on the current edition’s book page.

1. The Details tab will connect you with the free online and PDF format of the book

Be sure to save a copy of the PDF to your device so that you will have permanent access to this edition.

1. The Instructor Resources tab will connect you with the free ancillaries available for your book. You will need a free, verified Educator account to access these. Learn more here. Download all of the book’s Instructor Resources to your device so that you have permanent access.
2. Download and read the Transition Guide from the Instructor Resources page. This will provide a chapter-level breakdown of the updates that have been made between editions to help you update your course materials.

Step 3: Update Course Materials

Verify where you have links to the OpenStax book in your course materials. For example, you may review your syllabus, course website, and LMS and update textbook links to the new edition.