Representation Theory: A Categorical Approach is written by Jan Grabowski, Professor of Algebra at Lancaster University.

The book has been published Open Access with support and guidance from the library and is therefore freely available for all students and educators with an internet connection to read.

The book is aimed at undergraduate students and offers a fresh and modern introduction to one of abstract algebra’s key topics. Guiding readers through the transition between structure theory and representation theory, the textbook explores how algebraic objects like groups and rings act as symmetries of other structures. It can also be purchased as an e-book and print edition.

After deciding that Open Access was a crucial factor for the book, particularly to make the material immediately available for their students, Jan approached the library for support. The library worked closely with Jan to develop a publishing strategy, providing guidance and support to find a suitable publisher and navigate the textbook publishing landscape.

Open Access Textbooks are made available for anyone with an internet connection to read for free. This means that they can be freely accessed, shared and depending on the licence, can be modified by others to suit the needs of their teaching and learning. The publication of these works promotes equitable access to knowledge and means that a wider audience can access them who might not otherwise have the means to purchase textbooks.

Author Jan Grabowski said “Publishing a book like this has been a long-held ambition and it’s fantastic to have reached this point. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of Lancaster colleagues – especially the Library – and the publishers, OBP, as well as the book’s referees. As the project developed, it became very clear to me that I wanted the book to be Open Access, available to anyone who wants to learn about this subject, and I’m delighted we’ve made this a reality.”

Director of Library Services & Learning Development Andrew Barker said “We are delighted by the publication of this Open Access Textbook. Our ambition as a library is to go beyond being a service provider to work in partnership with our academic community. Collaborating with Jan to publish this title aligns with our library vision ‘to connect, innovate and include’ and to our long-standing commitment to Open Research.”-

The library interviewed author Jan Grabowski about their work and their motivations for publishing the textbook Open Access in October 2024. The interview is available to listen to here.

Representation Theory: A Categorical Approach by Jan Grabowski is published by Open Book Publishers.

Open Book Publishers Celebrates 17 Years with Landmark 433rd Title

Open Book Publishers, the scholar-led non-profit making high-quality research freely accessible worldwide, is proud to announce the release of Jan’s Representation Theory. This important university-level textbook is available to everyone free of charge, with affordable ebook and print editions also offered.

Founded to publish monographs in the Humanities and Social Sciences, Open Book has grown over 17 years into a global publisher across all fields of knowledge, in all book formats. As an independent Diamond Open Access Press, we remain committed to breaking down barriers to knowledge and providing resources that are free for all.