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iNTRODUCTiON

The College Library Information on Policy and Practice (CLIPP) publishing program, under the auspices of the College Libraries Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, provides college and small university libraries analysis and examples of library practices and procedures. This CLIPP provides information on Open Educational Resources. Open Educational Resources (OER) were first discussed in 2002 at a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) forum which was intended “to develop together a universal educational resource available for the whole of humanity” (2002). They were seen as a method to improve global education by ensuring access to high-quality course materials. Since that time, there have been a variety of initiatives at various levels to implement OER. We are now at a point where the work of the early adopters can be consolidated to provide insights for those looking to provide OER.

While there are case studies that provide insight on how individual institutions have implemented OER initiatives, there is no overview study that provides a context for such initiatives within the larger college population. This CLIPP allows librarians to survey what is being done on a larger scale whether they already are a part of an OER initiative, are looking to form such an initiative, or are unfamiliar with such initiatives.

The survey first gathers information on OER or other affordable course content initiatives that are occurring at college libraries. These questions look at items such as funding of the initiative. These structural questions provide libraries considering OER with ideas on how to implement such a program on their own campuses. The survey then looks specifically at what actions libraries are taking to support OER. Given the range of possible activities, it is helpful to see what other libraries are doing and to consider how the library may expand by offering additional services. The survey finally asks for comments from respondents as to the future of libraries and OER. These comments can help vocalize the need for such initiatives. The final section of this CLIPP provides a selection of documents related to OER initiatives as examples.