Using diffusion of innovations theory to modify library OER interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

The high cost of commercial textbooks has been well documented. To help alleviate the impact of those costs, the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Library identified exploration and support of open educational resources (OER) as a priority in their strategic plan. The OSU Library OER Librarian used human performance technology analysis findings to select and design interventions for inclusion in the library's support of OER. When OSU abruptly switched mid-Spring 2020 to emergency remote teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library was faced with the need to modify interventions designed for face-to-face interaction to engage and support faculty instructors in online spaces. This chapter uses diffusions of innovations theory to describe how the library made meaning of and anticipated challenges and to share how the library designed and implemented modified interventions.Librar

Academic library publishing of Open Educational Resources

Institutions and organizations perceiving the use and creation of Open Educational Resources (OER) as consistent with their values, experiences, and needs are developing partnerships in support of the creation and publication of OER (Bell, 2018; Hess et al., 2016; Jung et al., 2017; Schaffert, 2010). Open Educational Resources (OER) are "teaching, learning and research materials that make use of appropriate tools, such as open licensing, to permit their free reuse, continuous improvement and repurposing by others for educational purposes" (Miao et al., 2019, p. 9). Academic libraries are among the organizations advocating for OER, often playing a key campus role in education, advocacy, and support of their creation and publication (Bell, 2018; Lashley et al., 2017; Reed & Jahre, 2019; Sandy et al., 2018). Publication of OER resonates with the role of the academic library (Bell, 2018; Hess et al., 2016; Jung et al., 2017; Kleymeer et al., 2010; Reed & Jahre, 2019). Because "incongruence in perceptions" (Chtena, 2019, p. 24) can cause difficulties and unforeseen challenges with implementation and use of OER, organizations involved in OER initiatives need familiarity with how OER and organizational values align. The goal of this dissertation was to investigate how academic libraries enact academic library publishing programs and the ramification that has in the diffusion process of OER in higher education. Data collected in this single case study research project was analyzed through the lens of Diffusion of Innovations Theory. The findings from the study suggest that, if academic libraries are to enact the creation and publication of OER in ways appropriate to its conception, those involved will need to be intentional about ensuring enactment of the values foundational to OER. Future suggested research includes a multiple-case study comparative research study looking at academic library publication of OER, exploration of how opinion leaders and attributes of innovations impact academic library publication of OER, and investigation into the impact of organizational structure on the diffusion of OER creation and publication

Exploring the presence of marginalized populations in OER texts dealing with matters of EDI

The purpose of this research is to build on the growing body of literature that seeks to identify how often OER material used in higher education references historically marginalized groups in matters pertaining to EDI with an emphasis given to the contexts in which they are mentioned. The guiding research question of the study posits that EDI discussions within OER unintentionally place added emphasis on certain marginalized population groups while others are routinely overlooked.Educational LeadershipLibrar

Course H[OER]oes? Ethical Data Collection in Open Digital Societies

In 2021 networked learning community scholars responded to a call inviting discussion of how they made meaning of the term networked learning and understood its associated practices (Gourlay et al., 2021). The insights shared and questions raised have implications for all educators and scholars working with and among students of all levels. The purpose of this roundtable discussion will be to consider the relevance of these insights and questions for those whose work centers open educational resources and collection of data related to their use. In particular, participants will discuss whether and how to gather, analyse and store data in ways which honour the "trusting relationships" (Gourlay et al., 2021, p. 337) considered essential to "socially just" (Bali, 2020, n.p.) networked learning experiences. Discussants will be invited to unravel to what extent the use, modification, or creation of open educational resources qualify as networked learning, explore the impact the use of related technology has on pedagogy, and work together to explicate whom, in fact, such practices and connections are ultimately for (Gourlay et al., 2021). The authors of this paper will share research and experiences related to the development of a student data privacy framework intended to guide data collection practices for materials created in association with the academic library's open educational resource publishing program. &nbsp

Performance improvement technology for building a sustainable OER initiative in an academic library

In keeping with its land grant mission, a university campus library partnered with several OER advocacy efforts on both national and state levels to promote the creation and use of OER at the university. While the program had some initial success in inspiring faculty to create and use OER in their courses, the effort proved difficult to sustain. This paper presents the application of the Performance Improvement/HPT model to an Open Educational Resources (OER) initiative in a university library. This paper focuses specifically on three phases of the process: organizational analysis, environmental analysis, and gap analysis We share results of that application and discuss how the HPT model might effectively be applied to other similar programs.Peer reviewedLibraryEducational Technolog

Accessibility: Let's talk about it!

This round table will bring together all types of practitioners to talk about tangible ways we incorporate accessibility into every role, responsibility, and process. This discussion will be a space to learn alongside one another as we share accessibility best practices and resources. Bring your experiences, questions, and curiosity!Librar

Will academic library publishing break OER? A diffusion of innovations study

Academic libraries are among the organizations advocating for open educational resources (OER), often playing a key campus role in education, advocacy, and support of their creation and publication. Publication of OER resonates with the role of the academic library. Because "incongruence in perceptions" (Chtena 2019: 24) can cause difficulties and unforeseen challenges with implementation and use of OER, organizations involved in OER initiatives need familiarity with how OER and organizational values align. The goal of this exploration was to investigate how academic libraries enact academic library publishing programs and the ramification that has in the diffusion process of OER in higher education. Data collected in this single case study research project was analyzed through the lens of Diffusion of Innovations Theory. The findings from the study suggest that, if academic libraries are to enact the creation and publication of OER in ways appropriate to their conception, those involved will need to be intentional about ensuring enactment of the values foundational to OER. Future suggested research includes a multiple-case study comparative research study looking at academic library publication of OER, exploration of how opinion leaders and attributes of innovations impact academic library publication of OER, and investigation into the impact of organizational structure on the diffusion of OER creation and publication.Peer reviewedLibraryEducational Technolog

Open educational resources

This community presentation on open educational resources is adapted from slides provided by the Open Education Network. The content is modified for localization and purpose.Teaching, Learning and LeadershipLibrar

Rethinking accessibility design practices in libraries

Creating accessible library spaces and services is a practice that produces an inclusive and welcoming environment for patrons of all abilities. The ability to do this effectively, however, is a task made up of a wide variety of knowledge and skills, as well as thoughtful and purposeful planning.Few would disagree on the benefits of accessible spaces and services, especially since it’s legally required, however it’s rare to find a workplace that infuses accessibility practices and mindsets into each and every role and responsibility. Even with the best of intentions, it’s common practice for libraries to treat accessibility as a discrete task relegated to specific individuals who “make things accessible” after the fact. In the long run, this type of accessibility framework is likely to cause inefficiencies, focus on compliance instead of equity, and may lead to “othering.”In this presentation, participants will explore a reframing of accessibility in libraries, one that normalizes accessibility practices as a foundational part of every role and process.Librar

Unspoiled broth: A memorandum of understanding for chefs cooking up OER

Librar