This month’s blog post was contributed by Deb Lowman, Associate Dean of Libraries and Learning Resources District Lead, Scott Community College.
In today’s world of rising educational costs, Open Educational Resources (OER) offer a much-needed solution. For Iowa’s public libraries—already central to their communities—OER presents an exciting opportunity to expand access to education, promote equity, and support lifelong learning.
From 2017 to 2021, the State Library of Iowa funded free access to valuable educational tools like Transparent Languages and Gale’s business and health databases for 500 public libraries statewide. When this program ended, many libraries faced difficult choices about which digital resources to keep, especially those for high school and higher education. Budget constraints hit hard, emphasizing the importance of finding sustainable alternatives like OER.
Public libraries in Iowa already play a huge role in providing access to knowledge. In 2022, they circulated over 22 million items and welcomed more than 10 million visits. Meanwhile, Iowa’s universities have been blazing a trail with OER. The University of Iowa’s OpenHawks initiative has saved students more than $1.7 million, and Iowa State University supports over 40 instructors using OER each year and leads Iowa OER publications.
These efforts show that adopting OER can significantly reduce costs and improve access. So why shouldn’t public libraries be part of this movement?
The Benefits of OER in Public Libraries
- Financial Relief for Communities: OER help ease the financial burden on students and families. By providing openly licensed textbooks and resources, libraries can offer no-cost alternatives to expensive course materials, saving community members a substantial amount.
- Improving Accessibility and Equity: For many rural and low-income Iowans, access to high-quality educational materials can be limited. OER help bridge this gap, ensuring everyone has access to essential resources, no matter their socioeconomic background.
- Supporting Lifelong Learning: Libraries aren’t just for students—they’re for anyone seeking personal growth or professional development. Incorporating OER into existing resources would further diversify what’s available for lifelong learners.
- Empowering Homeschool Communities: Homeschooling is on the rise in Iowa, with more than 6,500 families in some counties. OER provide cost-effective, customizable curricula, making it a perfect fit for homeschoolers looking for flexible and high-quality educational materials.
Libraries across the country are already finding innovative ways to integrate OER. For example, the Make-IT Place in Baltimore County, MD uses OER for STEM education. Libraries like the Worcester Public Library in MA have even paired OER with in-person programs like nutrition classes, showing just how versatile these resources can be.
Recommendations for Expanding OER in Public Libraries
- Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Partnering with local schools and universities can help public libraries share resources and expertise, making OER integration smoother and more effective.
- Leveraging Grants and Funding Opportunities: Libraries can seek out funding from programs like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support their OER initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth.
- Enhancing Community Awareness: Hosting workshops and events can showcase the benefits of OER, encouraging more community members to explore these free resources and driving demand in local libraries.
OER have the power to revolutionize Iowa’s public libraries, helping them continue their tradition of community support while meeting the challenges of today’s educational landscape. By embracing OER, libraries can unlock new opportunities for Iowans, ensuring that knowledge truly remains accessible to all.