Open Educational Resource Advocacy: Examining Strategies and Resources for OER Supporters

It is not easy to bring an open educational resource (OER) into existence, but after all that work, creators are sometimes dismayed to find that their OER does not gain traction with their intended audience. Once the OER—be it a textbook or other material—is produced, what is next? How will other educators know that the newly composed OER exists, and why should they want to adopt it for their classrooms? The library can help. Three academic librarians successfully received an Affordable Learning Georgia Research Grant, the purpose of which was to conduct research on OER sustainability and advocacy. The grant team recruited a data analyst, and together they conducted a qualitative research study using an online survey instrument and received 98 responses from librarians and OER creators. Themes that emerged from the study include challenges (i.e. lack of time, energy, and support), communication and engagement (i.e., at events and other programming), and structured strategies (i.e., encouraging faculty and other creators to update their materials). Findings revealed that depositing into collections, making recommendations, and sharing via word of mouth and listservs are practical strategies and resources for OER creators and advocates. The article concludes with steps librarians and supporters can take to help OER creators design an advocacy plan and prioritize outreach.