Dear Canadian Colleagues,

OpenStax has identified a company in Canada, Vretta, that has agreed to distribute hard  back copies of its open textbooks. This is the result of a discussion between OpenStax and BCcampus two years ago. Many Canadian instructors like/prefer these hardcopy versions vs. print-on-demand (PoD) books because of their layout and for their more durable hard cover. (Many PoD copies are soft cover.) Also, the cost of the pre-printed, full colour books are about 50% less than the colour PoD in the BC  Collection.

I am currently working to establish a plan and process for providing this opportunity to students, faculties and bookstores at BC's post-secondary institutions (including how this might work for OpenStax books in the BC Open Textbook Collection), as well as Canada's other colleges, institutes and universities. No formal announcement has been made to the BC or Canadian post-secondary sector, though OpenStax participated in a couple of press releases in July:

You will also find a link on the OpenStax page here: https://openstax.org/bookstore-suppliers

I will be meeting with Vretta, again, Thursday morning. If possible, please send me answers to one or all of the below items by late Wednesday (tomorrow)/early Thursday (before 9:30am).

• Is there interest at your institution or project in these books? Include specific titles and number of potential buyers if available.
• Would your bookstore would be interested in ordering these books for sale to students? (Bookstores will be offered a discount on orders.)
• Would your institution and/or bookstore be interested in providing a link to the order form on its website?
  
• How many lead up time does your institution/faculty need to order textbooks for a term?
  
• Other questions, comments, feedback.

Thanks and regards,

Lauri