Sometimes the best ideas come from the classroom. 

For Dr. Hannah Lebovits, the idea for a textbook began after years of teaching public service ethics and searching for materials that truly connected with students. While there were plenty of resources available, she felt many focused too narrowly on rules and conduct rather than the larger questions that public servants face every day. 

Instead of continuing to adapt existing materials, she decided to create something of her own. 

Today, that idea has become an open educational resource. The resource is a textbook titled, “Public Service Ethics: A Guide for Students and Professionals” and was made possible through a partnership with UTA Libraries and support from a UTA CARES Grant. 

"It really started because I wanted something better for my students," Lebovits said. "I wanted materials that connected more closely to what we were discussing in class and helped students engage with the larger questions behind public service." 

Lebovits began developing her own course materials in 2022 after finding that many existing resources focused heavily on conduct and compliance rather than the broader ethical questions that public servants face every day. By 2023, she was ready to turn those materials into a full textbook. 

She was awarded a UTA CARES Grant through the Libraries' Reference, Instruction & Open Education Department to support the development of the project. The Libraries' Research, Data and Publishing Partnerships Department provided publishing guidance that helped bring the textbook from concept to publication. 

An early version of the book was piloted in her Public Service Ethics course in 2024. Students responded positively to having a resource that was written specifically for their class and reflected the discussions taking place in the classroom. 

"They appreciated that there was a book created for them by their professor," Lebovits said. "It was accessible, easy to follow, and free."

Like many long-term projects, the book's journey was not a straight line. After piloting the text, Lebovits took on new responsibilities at UTA, including leadership roles within the Institute of Urban Studies. The project was temporarily set aside while she focused on applied research and community work. 

When she returned to the manuscript in 2026, she found that the time away had given her an opportunity to revisit the material with fresh eyes and incorporate new perspectives shaped by both her professional experiences and changes within higher education. 

Rather than seeing the pause as a setback, she viewed it as an important part of the process. 

"I appreciate that the Libraries gave me the space to do that," she said. "There wasn't pressure to rush it. I could step away, gain more experience, and come back when I was ready to finish it." 

For UTA Libraries, that type of partnership is exactly what the CARES Grant program is designed to support. 

The program helps faculty create open educational resources that reduce textbook costs while improving access to course materials. It also provides guidance and support throughout the publishing process, helping instructors transform ideas developed in the classroom into resources that can benefit students for years to come. 

The impact extends far beyond a single course. 

As textbook costs continue to rise, open educational resources provide students with immediate access to required materials without the financial burden of purchasing a traditional textbook. Because the resources are developed by faculty members who know their students and courses best, they can also be more closely aligned with classroom learning. 

For Lebovits, creating the book was ultimately about making learning more accessible. 

Students told her they appreciated that the text was manageable, easy to understand, and directly connected to course discussions. The result was a resource that helped students focus less on navigating dense academic language and more on engaging with the ideas being taught. 

The project also highlights the work happening behind the scenes at UTA Libraries. From grant support and publishing guidance to ongoing consultation throughout the process, Libraries staff played a key role in helping move the project from an idea to a finished publication. 

"I'm really grateful for the Libraries’ support," Lebovits said. "Every question I had was answered quickly. Every part of the process was helpful. It was such a joy to work with the Libraries." 

That collaboration reflects a shared commitment to student success. 

When faculty members and Libraries staff work together, the result is often more than a publication. It creates opportunities for students to access affordable, high-quality learning materials while giving faculty new ways to share their expertise and strengthen the classroom experience. 

For Dr. Lebovits, the project began with a desire to create something better for her students. Thanks to support from UTA Libraries, that idea is now a resource that will continue serving future students for years to come.