Metadata is entered in Pressbooks under Book Info. If you’re publishing on another platform, check that platform’s metadata fields and requirements. Good metadata matters because it makes your OER discoverable (search engines, library catalogues), citable (identifiers), interoperable (repositories/harvesters), and compliant (licensing, accessibility).
Include (at minimum):
The information below outlines the front matter and back matter used in Charles Sturt University Pressbooks titles. Including these elements improves transparency and trust (provenance, review statements), reuse and citation (adaptation and recommended attribution/reference), accessibility and compliance, and maintainability (version history). If you’re publishing on another platform, consider adding equivalent sections where possible.
When you modify, adapt or remix works under a CC license, you must indicate that you have made changes (Creative Commons wiki, 2016).
Simple or minor changes are usually indicated in the copyright notice that appears in the book metadata.
e.g. [New book title] was adapted by [adapting author] from [original book title] by [original book author] under a [CC BY ##] licence.
When making substantial changes in a work such as an OER textbook, describe changes in a detailed adaptation statement in the book front matter. Keeping notes in your content tracker will facilitate this process immensely. It is similar to keeping notes of references for citations. For examples see:
For more information see:
Chapter 13. Adaptation statement in Aesoph, L. (2016) Adaptation guide: A reference for adapting or revising an open textbook.
Including a recommended attribution and reference is helpful for students and other downstream users, especially if there are multiple authors and copyright and licensing varies.
It's also useful to think about how collaborating authors would like to be attributed if the work is reused.
For example, Group work anthology has a recommended attribution and reference in APA style for the whole book versus individual chapters or activities.
Note that the CC licence is not usually included in a reference list where a work has been cited, however it must be included in an attribution statement when a work is reused or adapted.
An About the Authors page is included to acknowledge the contributors of the OER and provide insight into their background and expertise in the subject. This helps build transparency and supports trust in the quality and credibility of the resource.
A peer review statement is included to demonstrate that the OER has been reviewed by experts in the field. This helps ensure the content is accurate, reliable, and meets academic standards - giving users confidence in its quality.
An accessibility statement is included to demonstrate how the OER meets accessibility standards and what features are in place to support users with diverse needs. It shows a commitment to inclusive design and helps users understand how the resource can be used by all learners.
View example review and accessibility statements: Review and accessibility statements – The secret lives of cells
A version history page is included to track any updates or changes made to the OER over time. This helps users understand which version they’re using, what has been revised, and ensures transparency in how the content evolves.
View an example versioning history: Versioning history – Group work anthology
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
