This is a two-part workshop that takes place over two days: June 1, 9 am – 12:30 pm, and June 2, 1:00 – 4:15 pm. When you register for the event you will be registered for both days. Please do not register for this event if you are unable to attend both sessions.

Massachusetts Library System (MLS) is working with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) to bring the ACRL virtual Open Educational Resources (OER) and Affordability RoadShow to MLS members. This introductory virtual workshop, taught over two half-day sessions, will help you understand the basics of OER and how libraries can be involved in affordability initiatives at your institution. 

The workshop is intended for academic librarians and library staff interested in learning about OER and/or developing OER initiatives, as well as campus partners who may be interested in learning about, leading, and/or supporting affordability initiatives, such as instructional designers, student government representatives, administrators, and others. 

The online workshop begins with foundational knowledge about OER: What are OER? How do they impact faculty and students? We also discuss examples of and opportunities for library involvement in affordability initiatives, examine the intersection of OER and DEI, analyze stakeholders and institutional context, and determine appropriate strategies and goals for real-world application. We invite you to come prepared with an idea or questions in mind.  

Learning Outcomes:

After attending this online workshop, participants will be able to: 

• Summarize key principles of open educational resources, affordability, and inclusion in order to explain common motivators and opportunities for the adoption, modification, and creation of open and alternative course materials. 
• Analyze how existing library skills and tools can be leveraged in order to advance the use of open and affordable resources in a variety of institutional contexts. 
• Identify possible roles for librarians and campus partners in supporting open and affordable resource use in order to articulate achievable actions that build community, further knowledge, and/or advance open and affordable resource solutions. 

About the Presenters:

Heather Blicher is the Resident Librarian for Open Education with Virginia Tech’s University Libraries. Her focus is digital publishing technologies, marketing, and public findability. Blicher provides coaching during the development process, including accessibility, open pedagogy, and open licensing. Her main areas of interest are the intersections of OER and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, Blicher holds grant-funded positions with Open Oregon Educational Resources as an equity consultant and instructional designer, collaborating with project leadership and author teams to support the centering of equity in the Targeted Open Pathways Project. She is an alumni of ALA’s Leadership Institute, and a recipient of ACRL’s Distance Learning Librarianship Award. 

Dr. Kathy Essmiller is an Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University, where she is the Coordinator of OpenOKState/OER Librarian. Kathy holds Masters degrees in trumpet performance and educational technology, a PhD in Learning, Design and Technology, and was a 2019 -2020 Open Education Group OER Research Fellow. Kathy is also a member of GO-GN, and the 2023 recipient of the 2023 Oklahoma Online Excellence | Open Education Impact Award. Kathy’s background is in music education, where she enjoyed over fifteen fantastic years making music with MS/HS band students (including her own two kids).