Open access textbooks: student perspectives and adoption

Universities are increasingly adopting open textbooks to offer students high-quality, cost-free educational resources. However, the literature on open textbook adoption is still emerging, with limited research focused on student experiences in Australian universities. This study addresses that gap by examining the factors that influence students' adoption of open-access textbooks through a proposed conceptual model. Specifically, it explores students’ perceptions of text quality, the extent to which open textbooks build confidence in learning, alignment with study habits, and the perceived financial benefits of using a free, open resource. A quantitative approach was employed, with survey data collected from 139 students enrolled in a marketing course at an Australian university using an open textbook. The data were analysed using SmartPLS structural equation modelling. Results show that perceived textbook quality and study habits both positively affect students’ confidence in learning, which in turn enhances open textbook adoption. No direct effect was found between quality perception or study habits and adoption, indicating that confidence in learning fully mediates the relationship. Additionally, the cost-free nature of open textbooks directly boosts adoption, promoting inclusive and equitable learning. The study offers practical implications for educators and institutions and acknowledges limitations that present opportunities for future research.