Here's an outline that encompasses the essential knowledge and skills an OER Librarian should possess to build OER, gain buy-in from faculty, administration, and staff, and successfully manage and promote OER projects, this will be expanded upon over the next year:
Definition and importance of OER
Benefits of OER for institutions, faculty, and students
Overview of the OER movement and its impact on education
Familiarity with popular OER repositories and creation tools
Skills in using digital tools to create and adapt OER content (e.g., LibreTexts, Pressbooks, H5P)
Strategies for advocating OER to faculty and administration
Understanding and communicating the cost benefits and educational benefits of OER
Developing presentations and informational sessions to educate and inspire interest in OER
Basics of project management principles applied to OER projects
Planning and timeline creation for OER development and implementation
Budget management and resource allocation for OER initiatives
Building relationships with faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders
Collaborating with external OER communities and networks
Leveraging partnerships for resource sharing and co-development
Principles of effective instructional design for creating engaging and pedagogically sound resources
Integrating educational theories and practice into OER development
Adapting and customizing OER for specific courses and curricula
Basics of UX/UI design in educational resources
Designing OER that are intuitive and user-friendly
Conducting usability testing to ensure effective resource navigation and engagement
Understanding principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Ensuring all OER materials meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG)
Techniques for creating inclusive and accessible educational content
Knowledge of copyright laws and Creative Commons licensing
Navigating the legal aspects of adapting and sharing educational materials
Ethical considerations in the creation and use of OER
Methods for evaluating the impact and effectiveness of OER
Collecting and analyzing feedback from users (faculty, students)
Reporting on OER usage statistics and success stories
Techniques for marketing OER initiatives within the institution
Developing promotional materials and campaigns to increase OER adoption
Hosting events and workshops to showcase the potential of OER
Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in OER
Continuous professional development through workshops, courses, and conferences
Participating in professional OER organizations and online communities
This outline provides a roadmap for an OER Librarian to effectively manage their role and responsibilities, ensuring the successful implementation and growth of OER within their institution.
Letters for Faculty:
Dear Esteemed Faculty,
Step into the forefront of educational innovation by embracing Open Educational Resources (OER). OER not only offers an immediate start with zero-cost textbooks for every student on day one but also places you at the helm of educational transformation.
Why OER? Here's why it matters:
Equity in Education: Level the academic playing field. Ensure that every student, regardless of background, starts the semester equipped and ready. Your choice to adopt OER closes achievement gaps and upholds the right to education for all.
Customization at Your Fingertips: You have the expertise. OER gives you the tools to tailor educational content to fit the unique needs of your curriculum and highlight your academic strengths. Update, modify, and enrich your courses with the latest research and cultural relevancies that keep students engaged.
Cost-Effective and Accessible: Break down barriers. With OER, your students can access materials anytime, anywhere, at no cost. Easy to print and digital-friendly, OERs ensure that learning is never out of reach, fostering a more inclusive and adaptable educational environment.
Global Impact: By adopting OER, you’re not just teaching—you’re sparking worldwide educational engagement and contributing to a global movement of knowledge exchange. Lead systemic change in teaching and learning, and make your mark on the global academic stage.
Join a Community of Leaders: Embrace OER and position yourself as a leader in the movement towards more dynamic, equitable, and accessible higher education. Transform your teaching, empower your students, and gain recognition for your innovative approach to academia.
Be the change. Choose OER and elevate the educational experience for every student, everywhere.
Respectfully,
An OER Librarian
Dear Faculty Members,
Imagine starting each semester with every student fully equipped and ready to learn from day one—no delays, no barriers. Open Educational Resources (OER) make this possible by providing free, accessible, and high-quality textbooks and educational materials from the outset. Here’s why embracing OER is not just a choice, but a transformative step forward in higher education:
Affordable & Equitable Access: With OER, all students have immediate access to textbooks and materials without the financial burden. This eliminates the achievement gaps caused by disparities in resource availability, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to succeed from the first day of class.
Flexible & Customizable Content: OER empowers you, the educator, with the freedom to adapt materials to fit your pedagogical needs. You can update, modify, and tailor content to reflect current events, latest research, and cultural relevance, making learning more engaging and applicable.
Up-to-Date Information: The dynamic nature of OER allows for continuous integration of new knowledge and discoveries, keeping course content fresh and relevant. This real-time updating enhances the learning experience and keeps students engaged with the most current information.
Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: OERs are designed to be universally accessible, providing students with the ability to download, print, and access materials across various devices. This global accessibility supports diverse learning environments and student needs, ensuring everyone can learn in a way that suits them best.
Global Reach & Cross-Pedagogical Exchange: Adopting OER facilitates worldwide educational participation, enabling a vibrant exchange of knowledge and teaching practices across borders. This global engagement fosters a richer, more diverse academic community and catalyzes systemic change in teaching and learning methodologies.
A Human Right: Access to education is a fundamental human right. By adopting OER, you contribute to a global movement that supports universal education access, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society.
Join the Movement: Switching to OER isn't just an academic choice—it's a commitment to social equity, innovation in teaching, and the betterment of global education standards. Be a part of this revolutionary change, where resources are shared, knowledge is accessible, and learning is inclusive.
Let’s work together to dismantle barriers to education and create a world where every student has the tools they need to succeed. Adopt OER today and be at the forefront of educational equity and innovation!
Respectfully,
An OER Librarian