Publish and share texts in Pressbooks at IU

• Overview
• Share public texts
  • Website
  • Canvas
  • Exports
• Share private texts
  • Website
  • Canvas
• Publish eTexts for purchase

Overview

Pressbooks texts may be published and shared a number of different ways. For assistance determining which sharing method will best meet your desired outcomes, contact your campus teaching and learning center.

See the following recommended options for sharing your Pressbooks text.

Share public texts

Multiple options are available for sharing public Pressbooks texts. When sharing a public text, be sure to apply an appropriate license; for help, contact your campus OER librarian(s).

Website

Your Pressbooks text will be available as a website with an address like this:

https://iu.pressbooks.pub/yourchosenaddress

Canvas

• Course navigation: If you wish to share your text in Canvas, you may add a link to the URL listed in the previous section using the Redirect tool.
• Modules: If you wish to link to specific chapters in Canvas Modules:
  1. Finalize the organization of your text.
     Note:

     While you can add and remove chapters in Canvas Modules throughout the semester, you will need to complete steps 2, 3, and 5 again for them to appear in Canvas; you may wish to complete your text organization before completing the import.
  2. Export your text in the Common Cartridge 1.3 format as described in chapter 15 of the Pressbooks User Guide.
  3. Import your text into the desired Canvas site as described in How do I import content from Common Cartridge into Canvas?
  4. Contact the Pressbooks administrators to complete the integration process. Provide the URL for your Canvas site (for example, instructure.com/courses/123456) in your request.
  5. Organize your imported modules as desired. If you wish to edit any text in the imported text, you may do so from pressbooks.iu.edu; the text in Canvas Modules will update automatically.

Exports

In addition to each of the options above, your text may be distributed in a number of different formats intended for print, e-readers, and more, such as PDF (for print or digital distribution), EPUB, MOBI, etc. For instructions, see Export. Note that the instructions related to upgrading books are not relevant to the IU community: exports from Pressbooks at IU will not include a watermark or ads. If you wish to allow your text to be downloaded by others in your chosen formats:

1. From your text's dashboard, select Settings.
2. In the "Share Latest Export Files" section, select Yes. I would like the latest export files to be available on the homepage for free, for everyone.
3. Select Save Changes.

You can also make the exported files available from your preferred file storage option.

For help customizing the format of your exports, see:

• PDF Export & Options
• Ebook (EPUB + Mobi) Exports

Share private texts

Pressbooks texts may remain private if desired. A number of options are available that may address your particular needs.

Website

• Make your text public, but password-protect your chapters: This will allow you to manage access to specific chapters without needing to add individual users to your text. To add chapter-specific passwords:
1. From your text's Organize menu, select the title of one of your chapters to enter the "Edit Chapter" page.
2. On the right, under "Status & Visibility", check Require a password.
3. Enter your desired password in the text box, and select Save.
• Make your text private and adding individual users: You can add people to your text with varying permissions. This method may work well if you want to add a small number of collaborators to a text. See Users & Collaborators.

Users must log into pressbooks.iu.edu at least once before they can be added to a Pressbooks text.

Canvas

• Modules: If you wish to add your text to modules with multiple module items linking to chapters in the text, see Canvas above.
• Course navigation menu: Pressbooks will be installed as a module item when administrators deploy it to your Canvas course. If you wish to add your entire text to the course navigation menu, use the Redirect tool to create a link to the module item.

Publish eTexts for purchase

If you wish to publish a low-cost eText you've written in Pressbooks, contact IU Press for assistance. IU Press will work with you to determine deadlines, assist with copy editing, and offer advice relating to layout and design. You can share your low cost eText using any of the access methods described above, except exporting to eBook or PDF.

Once your eText has been completed, IU Press will work with UITS staff to add your text to the IU eTexts catalog. When the eText ordering window opens, you will be able to assign your text as follows:

1. Visit Order textbooks and course materials (Faculty).
2. Under IU eTexts, select Order Tool. (If you cannot access this tool, the eTexts ordering window may not be open. For details and timelines, see IU eTexts: A Faculty and Staff Introduction.)
3. Select your class, search for and choose your eText, and check out.

Your eText will be associated with your course listing in the schedule of classes and will be available in your Canvas site before the first day of classes.

Timeline for Pressbooks texts offered through the IU eTexts program

All book titles, assigned ISBNs, and costs must be delivered to IU eTexts consultants (etexthlp@iu.edu) by the dates below. This includes information for new editions of existing eTexts that are assigned new ISBNs.

• Spring term deadline: August 31
• Summer and fall terms deadline: January 31