Filling the OER Gap: Connections and Collaborations
Channel: Open Education Southern Symposium
Date: 2021-09-22

Adopting Open Educational Resources (OER) is one of the most effective ways an institution can combat rising college costs and ensure equity. This is especially true for community and technical colleges. These institutions were founded in the twentieth century to expand educational access for all students seeking high-quality, affordable higher education options. They fill an important role in allowing learners of all ages and backgrounds to acquire skills and knowledge, whether for career development, personal development, or as the first phase of their longer-term higher education plans. Community and technical colleges support open access policies that offer equal and fair treatment to all students, with a focus on teaching and lifelong learning, making open educational practices an excellent fit.

As experts in finding and evaluating resources, librarians can play a pivotal role in college OER initiatives, but also need the support of the wider community to create sustained and equitable action. In this session, two community college librarians will share their experiences sparking conversations and collaborations with faculty at their institution about OER: holding informational sessions, finding partners, providing more in-depth training opportunities, and offering ongoing support for switching from a traditional textbook to OER material. Additionally, they will discuss ways that they are beginning to work within statewide organizations to create collaboration opportunities that will foster a culture of OER across North Carolina.

Presenters:
Julie Reed
Garrison Libby