Tonight I watched another session entitled “Scaling OER Efforts: Tapping Librarian Subject Specialist’ Expertise, Efficiency and Sustainability” by DeeAnn Ivie from UT San Antonio Libraries. UTSA is a “Hispanic-thriving institution” and has over 34,000 students. The institution has 165 degree programs and a breakdown of about 50/50 by gender. They primarily serve undergraduates, with a large number of first-generation students. Ivie explained that their model for student success puts students first, and the Libraries have worked to support students through workshops and events. UTSA’s “Adopt a Free Textbook Grant Program” has helped students save thousands. They now have access to Presbooks, and this year launched the platform on the campus. It seems the campus is very supportive of OER, with about 1.5 staff working on OER. They have creates guides and a handbook for Library staff and instructors. Their working group helps remind Librarians at UTSA about conferences, open pedagogy, and other resources. DigiTex provides a certificate and a useful overview of OER and licensing. They have built on the OER Commons website. Staff then update the resources they can use with instructors. I’m learning about what others are doing, and it is giving me ideas for RLOE and other initiatives. Thank you for sharing, DeeAnn!
