Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does OAKTrust support long-term preservation of published works?

Answer:
Preservation best practices (e.g., Digital Preservation Handbook) require that a copy of each published work is stored in a repository, such as TAMU Libraries’ OAKTrust. This ensures long-term access and preservation. For openly published works, this practice aligns with their purpose, as they are designed to be publicly accessible. (see Preservation with Embargo Option).

2. What happens to incomplete works in terms of preservation?

Answer:
Only finalized and published works are archived in OAKTrust. Incomplete works or those associated with inactive licenses will not be preserved. Our goal is to support authors in completing their work so that it can be published for global access and also being archived in the institutional repository, OAKTrust. (see Distribution and Visibility in Open Education Hubs).

3. How are different editions of a book handled in terms of archiving?

Answer:
Each published edition that uses a license is treated as a separate work and will be archived individually. This ensures that all versions remain accessible for preservation and reference. (Preservation with Embargo Option).

4. How do I ensure that the exported formats of my book, like PDFs, meet accessibility standards?

Answer:
Our OpenEd team works directly with authors to verify that content is accessible in web versions and exported formats. This ensures that PDFs and other formats meet high accessibility standards, promoting an inclusive reading experience. (see Content Quality and Accessibility Standards).

5. How does submitting work to reputable open-access platforms like OERTX, Open Textbook Library, and Pressbooks Catalog align with Open Education goals?

Answer:
The goal is to disseminate your work widely so that it benefits students worldwide, as that is a fundamental part of working in the Open Education environment. We strongly believe in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, “Ensuring Inclusive, Equitable, and Quality Education and the Promotion of Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All” (see Distribution and Visibility in Open Education Hubs).

6. When will you submit my published work to OER repositories? Can I request a temporary pilot period before doing that?

Answer:
We submit finalized and published works to OER repositories to maximize their impact. If you’d like to pilot your OER with a limited audience before broader sharing, we are happy to support that within open education practices. This can be arranged through an agreed-upon timeline submitted during the application process. (see Distribution and Visibility in Open Education Hubs).

7. How are authors supported and informed if their work needs adjustments to remain on the Platform?

Answer:
Our approach is always transparent and collaborative. We aim to support authors by offering guidelines and assistance to keep their content on the Platform. For example, in the case of public domain works, we work with authors to transform the content (see, for example, renewable assignments to transform learning for students) to meet our criteria and retain it on the Platform. This service is designed to support faculty while ensuring alignment with the Platform’s mission. (see Removal from the Platform).

8. What are the guidelines for maintaining access to the Platform, and how are authors and their work impacted if they leave TAMU?

Answer:
Logging into the Platform is tied to the single sign-on (SSO), ensuring all TAMU members can log in using their institutional accounts. Users are only removed from the Platform if they leave TAMU following TAMU Account Services policies. However, external collaborators, including former TAMU members, can still contribute to books as co-authors, but they cannot serve as the book’s admin. (see Removal from the Platform).

9. What does “transformative” mean in the context of public domain content, and how can I ensure my pedagogical practices align with these principles?

Answer:
In this context, “transformation” goes beyond replicating public domain content in Pressbooks; transformative work involves integrating pedagogical approaches that encourage critical thinking, active engagement, and deeper connections with the subject. The goal is to move beyond simply providing free access to materials, focusing instead on fostering collaboration, diverse perspectives, and knowledge creation (See Katz’s (2019) article on applying transformative learning theory to open education; also see DeRosa & Jhangiani’s (2017) “simple but profoundly transformative” examples of OER projects). The OpenEd team is committed to supporting faculty in achieving this level of transformation. Through one-on-one sessions, we work with authors to help them enhance and adapt public domain content, ensuring it aligns with transformative principles. (see What We Cannot Publish).

10. How is collaboration managed when a TAMU faculty member co-authors a project with someone who has left the institution?

Answer:
Collaboration can continue seamlessly when a TAMU-affiliated faculty member remains involved in the project. In such cases, the TAMU-affiliated collaborator must serve as the book’s administrator, while authorship order remains unchanged. The OpenEd team is available to assist with transferring administrative rights to ensure a smooth transition. (see Who Can Publish).

11. What support is available for editing, reviewing, and proofreading services?

Answer:
While we do not provide text review or editing services, we are happy to assist authors in finding qualified reviewers and editors if needed. Any costs associated with editing or review are the responsibility of the authors. (see Content Quality and Accessibility Standards).