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The Rohrbach Library of Kutztown University manages its electronic resources using a disconnected array of resources including spreadsheets, paper files, email files, and a Google Docs account. Clearly, a more streamlined and unified approach would be beneficial. In this case, the authors investigate various Electronic Resource Management System (ERMS) options and whether they are a fit for the library. They then examine the decision to implement an open source option. Finally, the case describes the process of implementing and populating the open source ERMS, in addition to challenges experienced along the way.

OASIS is a freely available librarian developed OER search tool. It currently searches almost 100 sources from reputable organizations such as Cornell Open, OpenStax, and MIT Open Courseware with new content being added regularly. Source types include textbooks, courses, course materials, simulations, books, audiobooks, videos, podcasts, learning objects, and primary sources. Users can search OASIS directly from the search box on the main page or use the advanced search option. Search functionality works well but there are no options to sort results by relevancy or date. However, users can filter results by type, subject, source, license and reviews. The pages are clear and easy to read and there were only minor issues with accessibility. Overall OASIS is a good search tool for finding quality OER materials.

The awareness, adoptions, adaptions, and publishing activity around Open Educational Resources (OER) vary greatly among institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania and beyond. This article provides an overview of the paths and efforts, described as preparation and plays, that I have taken to promote OER at Kutztown University and around the state as an OER Specialist for the Affordable Learning PA Project. While this article focuses on tactics for beginning OER promotion, readers who are further along in their efforts to develop and support OER projects may find some new ideas to explore and expand upon at their institutions.