To meet the growing online and face-to-face library instruction needs of a large research university, a team of librarians set out to develop asynchronous online instruction of sufficient quality to supplement and replace classroom teaching. This report describes the best practices that were identified from a review of the literature, the instructional design process that was used to implement these practices in a pedagogically effective way, the results of pilot testing of the instruction, and implications for future practice. The result is a template for development that can be used by other librarians seeking to develop robust, effective, and accessible online learning objects, whether to reach out to online learners or improve the scalability of information literacy instruction.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe programs that support open educational resources (OER) publishing in academic libraries. Insights, opportunities and challenges are shared in relation to the broader open education movement.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides two case studies describing the development of OER publishing programs at large, public research universities – the University of Houston and the University of Washington. Each program takes an Author DIY approach to publishing support and is in the early years of supporting OER adoption and creation.
Findings
These case studies demonstrate the need for a greater focus on decision-making and workflows. They illuminate challenges and opportunities for librarians supporting OER initiatives, including adapting existing models of OER publishing, navigating institutional culture, moving OER programs beyond affordability and how to sustain and scale OER programs with shifting institutional support.
Originality/value
OER is an emerging program area within academic libraries, and much of the focus has been on outreach and advocacy around affordable alternatives to commercial textbooks. Little has been written about programmatic initiatives to support OER publishing. This paper adds unique examples to the OER literature and raises new questions around support for OER publishing.
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