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Open Educational Resources (OER) Guide: Using Library Resources

Provides an overview of Open Educational Resources. Derived from UNCG's Open Educational Resources Libguide: https://uncg.libguides.com/oer

Library resources aren't "open" in the way that CC-licensed materials are. However, library materials are a great free-to-you alternative to textbooks. You can use any of the resources we subscribe to or purchase, within the limits of copyright and licensing restrictions.

We recommend:

Put books on reserve: Putting books or other materials on reserve in the library is a great way for many students to access a single copy of a text. They usually scan or copy the pages they need for the class, so it's not difficult for many students to get your reading assignments with only one or two copies on reserve. 

Library ebooks: each collection of ebooks has its own licensing, but both JSTOR and most eBooks on EBSCOhost allow us unlimited simultaneous users. Look at the details page of a textbook or check with the Library on licensing limitations for a particular title. 

Use chapters, articles, videos, music: you can build incredible multimedia modules in Canvas using library resources, or distribute print copies (one time only according to fair use laws) of articles and show streaming media in your classes. To learn more about linking to library resources in Canvas, talk to any librarian; to learn more about building Canvas learning modules, talk to James. You can link to any library resource--just look for a "permalink" to be sure you get all of the information needed in the link.