Reference and Instruction Librarian Penn State University Libraries
This poster showcases Goal #2 of a two-year Open Educational Resources (OER) Action Plan. Goal #2 focuses on a student textbook survey designed to show the impact of textbook costs. The evaluation of the survey data indicates a need for an OER Student Advocacy club to raise a higher awareness of and increased support for the adoption of OERs among students, faculty, and administrators.
The new OER Student Advocacy club, with library work-study students serving as core members, will provide strong representation and momentum to leverage student passion and skills to promote textbook affordability and sustained advocacy among the entire student body. Under the supervision of two advisors, club members may identify current barriers to OERs, be a sounding board for ideas, provide a test audience for marketing, and partner with the Student Government Association and other stakeholders committed to strategic OER initiatives. These efforts will support increased student retention and will attract new students by offering low-cost and no-cost course materials.
A graphic of the OER brand will be the focal point of the poster. The brand will be flanked with survey bar charts illustrating that most students: purchase their textbooks each semester, purchase their textbooks from the bookstore or Amazon, do not use library course reserves or older editions, have used and prefer free e-book versions of textbooks, and want their instructors to offer OERs. Talking points will include how the survey data supports the development of this officially recognized club and exciting next steps planned for 2023.