3.0 Introduction to the Role of Libraries

Learning Objectives

In this unit, we'll start to:

  • Identify commonly used repositories, search tools, and producers of open educational resources (including textbooks).
  • Recognize the potential limitations and opportunities presented by open, affordable, and commercial resources in textbook affordability initiatives.
  • Identify communities of practice currently available for OER editing, creating, and publishing.
  • Describe the challenges and opportunities in curating and locating OER.
  • Recognize common publishing platforms, roles, funding sources, and workflows for OER publishing in libraries.

Why This Unit Is Important

Librarianship aligns well with the values and mission of the open education community. This unit explores how your training and skills as a librarian can be put to use in promoting OER at your institution. Some of the issues and opportunities of open education are uniquely suited to librarians' searching, curation, and community-building skills.

How This Fits Into the Larger Picture

While all of the modules in the certificate are relevant to librarians, this unit specifically explores the searching, community-building, and metadata skills that librarians bring to the table. Moving beyond the "what" and "why" of open education, in this module we start to explore the "how." 

What's Due This Week

  • Read sections 3.1–3.4 by Friday, March 20
  • Discuss
    • Initial discussion post due Friday, March 20 (11:59 pm local time)
    • Response post due Sunday, March 22 (11:59 pm local time)
  • Action Plan Activity due Sunday, March 22 (11:59 pm local time)