The Research Department leads the initiatives in Open Educational Resources (OER) and Affordable Learning Materials (ALM), advancing the university's commitment to academic affordability and educational equity. Through strategic partnerships with faculty, academic departments, and external institutions, the department assists in adopting, creating, and integrating open and affordable course materials across disciplines.
Strategic Partnerships and Faculty Engagement
The department collaborates actively with academic stakeholders to promote OER adoption and development. Engagement extends beyond traditional library boundaries, fostering partnerships with the Faculty Center, Information Technology Services, and academic departments. These connections create a robust support system for faculty exploring alternatives to traditional textbooks. Through targeted consultations, the department assists faculty in identifying, evaluating, and implementing resources that align with their pedagogical objectives while reducing student costs.
Inter-Institutional Collaboration
The Research department actively participates in regional OER initiatives, engaging with peer institutions to share best practices and develop collaborative approaches to implementation. These partnerships include participation in SUNY OER initiatives, collaboration with regional academic libraries, and engagement with national organizations dedicated to open education. The department leverages shared expertise to enhance our institutional programs through these relationships.
Resource Development and Support
The Research Department provides comprehensive OER creation and adaptation support. Our services include assistance with copyright clearance, licensing considerations, and digital platform selection. The department works closely with faculty to understand their course objectives, identify appropriate open materials, or guide the development of new resources. This support extends to the technical aspects of implementation, ensuring seamless integration with learning management systems and other educational technologies.
Assessment and Impact Analysis
The department systematically assesses OER and ALM initiatives, tracking cost savings and pedagogical impact. Through collaboration with academic departments, it gathers and analyzes data on student success metrics, course material accessibility, and financial implications. This evidence-based approach allows the department to demonstrate the benefits of adoption while continuously refining support strategies.
Professional Development and Community Building
The department leads professional development initiatives focused on OER awareness and implementation. We organize workshops, facilitate faculty learning communities, and provide individualized training sessions. These activities create a supportive community of practice, encouraging knowledge sharing and collaborative resource development among faculty members.
The Research Department demonstrates its commitment to advancing educational equity and innovation through these comprehensive initiatives. Its leadership in this area positions the library as a crucial partner in institutional efforts to enhance academic affordability and student success.