Open Educational Resources (OER) Program

Open educational resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that are copyright-free (public domain) or have been released under an open license that permits others to reuse, revise, remix, retain, and redistribute them. Examples of OER include open textbooks, videos, images, course modules, lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, lab and classroom activities, games, simulations, and other resources contained in digital media collections from around the world.

The high cost of learning materials presents a barrier to students and negatively impacts their success in college. Spending less money on required learning materials is a step not only in making college more affordable and accessible but also equitable.

The goal of MSU Libraries’ OER Program is to:

• Reduce educational costs by providing free or low-cost learning materials that are available from day one of their class and customizable to fit their learning needs.
• Encourage and support the adoption, adaptation, and creation of Open Educational Resources (OER) and other free and low-cost materials as textbook alternatives.
• Provide technical support for instructors to implement OER in courses.
• Empower instructors to engage in new pedagogical models made possible by OER and the open education approach.

If you have any questions about the OER Program, please contact Linda Miles, milesli3@msu.edu.