1.4: Course Shell Checklist

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The LibreTexts project currently consists of 14 inter-operating libraries. The OER content of each library is stored within a single hierarchical tree, so that individual textbooks are part of the whole rather than independent entities. The top level of the tree for each library consists of two primary trunks:

Textbooks within the Bookshelves are centrally curated, as are the Homework Exercises and Learning Objects. The Course Shells area holds campus- and faculty-specific course areas. Each course shell is uniquely designed to address the needs of faculty and their students. Students and faculty can directly access their class activities here.

Terminology: Textmaps

Textmaps are specialized remixes that are constructed to follow the organization of existing commercial textbooks. Textmaps facilitate adoption by faculty that are switching from a commercial textbook to an OER alternative; these texts are identified by "Map:" in their titles. These are stored in the Bookshelves trunk of the hierarchical tree.

Step 1: Identify the Library

Identify the library (or libraries) in which you want to create a course shell. There are 14 independently operating libraries on the LibreTexts platform and currently each one requires independent authentication (i.e., accounts).

Step 2: Instructors Account

Anyone can view all content available on LibreTexts, you only need an account if you want to publish your own customized course. Request an instructor's account here. To register you will have to provide an Email account and a password. We greatly prefer that you use an institutional email (for example .edu or .org in the US). We will also ask for a URL where it is clearly shown that you are an instructor. This URL must be open for us to see the content and not require a userID/pwd. Accounts are usually approved within a few days.

Step 3: Project Management and Book Creation

When you log in with your instructor's account you will have access to the Libraries and the Conductor Tool. This is described later in the manual. Using the Project Management tool you can create a Project and in one click create a rudimentary book shell which you will build out into your custom text. To complete building the structure of your book you access the Remixer from the Conductor

Step 4: Create an Empty Course

You use the Remixer to set up the structure of the book you will build. This will be described later in detail.

While the organization of a course shell can vary, they almost always have a "Text" which is typically a remix of existing material that was customized for the instructor for whom the course shell was made. Here are some examples of advanced course shells:

and a simplified course shell (consisting of only a remixed text):

https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Oregon_Institute_of_Technology/OIT%3A_CHE_101_-_Introduction_to_General_Chemistry

Step 4: Create a Text

A_Quick_Guide_to_LibreTexts_for_New_Instructors/05:_Remixing

Step 5: Customize and Edit remix

Now that you have created your course shell and remix, you can customize as needed. This often requires direct editing of pages - see Construction Guide for details:

A_Quick_Guide_to_LibreTexts_for_New_Instructors/06:_Basic Editing

You can make changes to your remix by simply going to the remixer again, either from the Project page (best) or from the book itself.

Step 6: Publishing

Once you are satisfied with your course shell it is ready to be moved to your Campus Hub so your students can access it. Until we get publish function implemented this will have to be done by an administrator, contact us at info@libretexts.org to publish.

Every campus can publish 5 course shells (across all libraries combined) without joining the LibreTexts Network. Joining the LibreTexts Network allows unlimited book publishing and other services at a cost per institution of $1500/yr.

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