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Building an OER program based on stakeholder feedback

Marisa Petrich (University of Washington Tacoma Library, University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma, Washington, USA)

Reference Services Review

ISSN: 0090-7324

Article publication date: 14 October 2020

Issue publication date: 25 November 2020

538

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to outline a library-led open educational resource (OER) training program for faculty and an assessment of barriers to OER adoption on campus. This study examines program assessment data (including faculty-reported needs to increase the likelihood of OER adoption) and analyzes a community-focused outreach strategy for a new OER program.

Design/methodology/approach

This program took a user-centered approach to developing campus support services for OER that specifically sought to address local needs and challenges. It intentionally incorporated strategies related to faculty motivation and satisfaction.

Findings

Although this faculty incentive program did not require OER adoption, a high number of voluntary OER adoptions occurred and participants showed interest in sharing information about OER across campus. Information about barriers to adoption informed future services.

Practical implications

This paper presents an adaptable model to launch new OER services and encourage a culture of using affordable course materials.

Originality/value

This project gathered information and identified collaborators to help build a sustainable, community-oriented OER program. The program focused early efforts on collecting and incorporating stakeholder feedback rather than moving directly to strategies focused on adopting or creating OER. It offers a model for other libraries to follow in creating sustainable practices.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This program would not have been possible without the support of the University of Washington Strategic Initiative Fund Grant committee and the University of Washington Tacoma Library. In particular, Collections and Budget Librarian, Serin Anderson, was an instrumental partner in creating and leading OER support services at UW Tacoma. The author would also like to thank the program’s first cohort of participants for their generous feedback and this article’s reviewers and editors for their improvements to this work.

Citation

Petrich, M. (2020), "Building an OER program based on stakeholder feedback", Reference Services Review, Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 489-501. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-03-2020-0013

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Marisa Petrich.

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