OER Digest – March 28, 2024
Aishah Abdullah (SPARC) | Volume 180 | March 28, 2024
THE OER DIGEST
Your monthly newsletter for open education updates, opportunities, and reminders
OPEN TEXTBOOK PILOT: The U.S. Congress passed its second and final FY24 appropriations package, which includes $7 million in new funding for the Department of Education’s Open Textbook Pilot grant program. While this represents a decrease in funding over the previous year, it is a strong show of support for the program in the current political environment. There is no news yet whether the Department will hold a new competition this year.
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: The White House released a fact sheet on new steps the Biden-Harris Administration is taking to crack down on “junk fees” in higher education. It highlights the Department of Education’s proposal to curb automatic textbook billing and highlights open textbooks. “Competitive markets provide consumers choice and value, but automatic charges for textbooks and course materials leave students with little ability to meaningfully shop around for better prices or to utilize free and open-source textbooks,” the fact sheet says.
OPEN CONNECTIONS
Conferences, jobs, and other OER-related opportunities
CALL FOR PROPOSALS Call for proposals is open for the 2024 Open Education Conference (#OpenEd24), which will be held as a hybrid event on October 8-10 in Providence, RI and online. The theme “It’s About Time” explores a range of interesting and timely topics. Submit a virtual or in-person proposal before April 15th, 11:59 pm PT. Learn more about the submission process and conference details.
CALL FOR REVIEWERS: The Open Education Conference is seeking volunteer proposal reviewers and candidates for the selection committee. Learn more and apply here.
WEBINAR: Join the webinar on April 25th to explore the recent developments at the federal level which suggest the future of automatic textbook billing programs (Inclusive and Equitable Access) may be “opt-in” rather than “opt-out.” Learn more about the Department of Education’s rulemaking process and the University of Central Florida’s successful opt-in program. Register Here.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Lone Star College-CyFair and Harris County Public Library are seeking a Joint Use Librarian to join their team. This position offers an opportunity to advocate for open education and lead the launch of a Z-Degree pathway in the fall. Learn more and apply today.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: The Ohio State University Libraries is hiring a dedicated Copyright Services Specialist to uphold values of equity and integrity within the organization. Join a dynamic team committed to advancing access to information. Learn more and apply today.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: Hesburgh Libraries at Notre Dame is seeking a Data Services Librarian to support digital scholarship across disciplines. Take on a key role in providing expertise and resources for research data services. Learn more and apply today.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Quick snapshots of those making change on the ground level, and those impacted
FROM TENNESSEE: Tennessee Tech University has implemented proactive measures to significantly reduce course material costs for its students through grant funding OER programs. Since 2021, they have saved students $1.4 million in course materials cost. By embracing OER and digital textbooks, the university aims to alleviate the financial strain often associated with higher education. Their OER program is open to all professors at the institution. Through the adoption of innovative approaches to course materials, Tennessee Tech is paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. Read More>>
FROM CALIFORNIA: Pacific University’s library resource program has surpassed a remarkable $2 million in student savings. Through a variety of initiatives, including textbook lending programs and access to digital resources, Pacific University demonstrates its unwavering dedication to supporting student success and affordability. This significant milestone highlights the pivotal role of libraries in promoting access to education and highlights Pacific University's commitment to fostering a learning environment where all students can thrive academically. Read More>>
FROM MINNESOTA: Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) announced that it has secured funding to develop courses with free course materials. This transformative initiative underscores MSUM's ongoing commitment to enhancing accessibility and affordability for its students. Through OER and other cost-saving measures, MSUM is empowering its students to pursue their educational goals without the burden of high course material costs. Through innovative approaches to course design and delivery, MSUM is leading the way in creating a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students. Read More>>
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Each edition, we highlight an interesting, new, openly-licensed resource
North Broad Press, the collaborative open access textbook initiative between Temple University Libraries and Temple University Press, presents the latest publication: "Zombie Apocalypse: Holy Land, Haiti, Hollywood" by Dr. Terry Rey. Delving into the intellectual and cultural histories of the zombie and apocalypse, Dr. Rey explores their origins and widespread influence, tracing their roots from Haitian Vodou to ancient religious traditions.
WEIGH IN
Great reads to repost or share and interesting discussions to consider
Victoria College to Offer Dual Credit Courses at No Cost to Economically Disadvantaged High School Students | Victoria College
The Key To Expanding Digital Learning | 24 Hours World
Students Create Open Educational Resources to Help Future Learners | Education News Canada
Improve Student Success by Lowering Textbook Costs | WVU eNews
Students petition against automatic textbook billing | WFSB News
CT students, university staff clash over proposed textbook fee | CT Mirror
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The OER Digest is a public newsletter distributed to a broad group of stakeholders across the higher education community. Subscribe here.