For the last 15 years, the amount of high quality OERs have been growing, and there are large collections for you to search on the Library’s OER Resource guide. Resources available to you range from collections of entire “open textbooks” like the University of Minnesota Open Textbook Library, to advanced search settings that enable you to limit your Google image search by license type (select “usage rights”).
As you search for materials, check to see if the following information is included with the learning object:
- Authorship and credentials
- Peer review and affiliations
- Intellectual property licensing:
- Is the license displayed?
- Are there terms of use? Terms of service?
- Is there a fee model associated with this resource? Is it provided by a company or a non-profit?
- Are users required to register or pay for any services?
Materials O.K. to include in your overall O.E.R.:
- Public domain materials
- Open Access materials (journal articles and books)
- Library Digital Resources
- Free online that you can link to
Materials NOT O.K. to include in your O.E.R.:
- Copyright protected materials
Remember two things:
- You are the subject expert so trust your instincts
- Not all subject areas are represented equally in the form of OERs. If you’d like additional support finding cost-free materials – especially if you think your course subject would be better represented through library resources, contact your library subject liaison.
This short guide embedded below will help you organize your searches.
Download the PDF version.
OERQucikGuide
More info: Evaluate & Adopt OERs
Proceed to the next unit, Final Assignment.
