1.4: Course Shell Checklist
The LibreTexts project currently consists of 16 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 this hierarchical tree for each library consists of two primary trunks viewable on the top landing page of the respective library:
The 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.
There are specific terms that are required to be defined:
- Textbooks are original (all or mostly) OER texts and are identified by "Book:" in their titles. This is the traditional definition of a textbook that was constructed by one or a small team of authors with the collection of these books reflecting a traditional library or bookstore. These are stored in the Bookshelves trunk of the hierarchical tree.
- Remixes are texts generated (in part or completely) from existing content, often with customized content interspersed. These are usually stored in the Campus Bookshelves trunk of the hierarchical tree in areas identified by institution.
- 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 all of them require just one single independent authentication (i.e., account). This account can be made at the LibreOne hub . The ADAPT homework system is discussed later and has a separate account with separate access credentials. More information about the Commons/LibreOne and the login process, you may jump ahead to the page on the Conductor tools.
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. You single LibreOne login will work on all of the libraries, but you should ensure you are logged in to the library where you want to store your text, although you can reuse content across all libraries in your remix. Request an instructor's account here . To register you will have to provide an Email account and a password. We greatly prefer that those registering for an instructor’s account 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. Instructor 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 "Book" for a Course
You will use the Remixer to set up the structure of the entirety of the "book" you will build. This will be described later in detail. We put the term book in quotes because it is really a course shell where you can organize all of your course materials, but behind the scenes, it is just a complex book with different sub-books.
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:
- https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_California_Davis/UCD_Chem_110A%3A_Physical_Chemistry__I/UCD_Chem_110A%3A_Physical_Chemistry_I_(Larsen)
- https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Sacramento_City_College/SCC%3A_Chem_309_-_General%2C_Organic_and_Biochemistry_(Bennett)
and a simplified course shell (consisting of only a remixed text):
Step 4: Create a Text
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:
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.