Reflecting on the Decline in OER Awareness and Leading the Way Forward
The world of education is constantly evolving, and as educators, it’s our job to adapt and lead the charge. A colleague recently shared Approaching a New Normal? Educational Resources in U.S. Higher Education, 2024, and while some of the findings were concerning, they’ve sparked something in me. This report shows a continued shift towards digital resources and the desire for flexible learning options, which is promising. But it also reveals a drop in OER awareness—a sobering 8% decline. Fewer faculty feel "very aware" of what OER can offer their teaching, and OER usage as required materials has decreased by 3% (Seaman, 2024).
At first glance, these numbers feel like a setback. But rather than discouraging me, they reaffirm why I do this work: to make education more accessible, equitable, and human. This isn’t just about data points—it’s about real students and educators who deserve learning environments that are flexible, affordable, and personalized. The decline in awareness is a challenge, but it's also a call to action. And I’m not in this fight alone. Alongside many dedicated colleagues, I’m working hard to turn these trends around.
Here’s how we’re meeting this moment, with hope and purpose:
OER Video Series: This is one of the projects closest to my heart. My team and I are creating a documentary series featuring the testimonies from faculty members as they dive into OER—exploring, adopting, and even creating their own resources. Through their stories, we’re shining a light on how transformative OER can be—not just for students, but for educators, too. These interviews remind me that OER is more than a tool—it’s a pathway to creating resources that reflect the true needs of our classrooms and communities. We’re putting the finishing touches on the videos, and I can’t wait to share these inspiring stories.
UTA Affordable Learning Initiative: As part of the 2024 Certification in Open Librarianship cohort, I’ve created and started implementation of a three-year initiative aimed at expanding OER usage at UTA. Our goal? To reduce textbook costs for students while ensuring that learning remains high-quality and accessible. It’s been a journey of patience, collaboration, and a lot of creativity. But every step of the way, I’m fueled by the belief that education can and should be more affordable—and that we can make that happen without sacrificing excellence.
OER Webinars & Workshops: This year, I’ve been organizing webinars and workshops designed to engage faculty, students, and administrators in meaningful conversations about OER. These sessions aren’t just about delivering information—they’re about creating a space for dialogue. I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their experiences, and walking away with practical tools to bring OER into their own contexts. These events may seem small in the grand scheme, but they’re a crucial step in rebuilding awareness and making OER feel accessible and exciting for everyone.
Open & AI Professional Learning Community (PLC): This fall, I’m co-facilitating a PLC that explores how AI and open education intersect. This is such a forward-looking initiative, designed to help educators think about how AI can enhance learning while staying true to ethical and human-centered values. It’s a reminder that education’s future isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about doing so thoughtfully, with care and responsibility.
While the data from the report may seem daunting, I choose to see it as a reminder of why we do this work. There is so much to be hopeful about. The faculty and administrators I work with are deeply committed to open education, and the projects we’re leading together are already making a difference. It might feel like I’m just one librarian trying to tackle a huge problem, but I’ve learned that change happens through small, intentional actions. Each workshop, each conversation, and each new OER adoption brings us one step closer to creating a more open and equitable educational landscape.
I’m proud to be part of this movement. There’s a lot of work ahead, but together, I believe we can shift the trends and create a future where openness is the norm, not the exception.
At the heart of all this is a belief in community—a learning environment where everyone belongs and where knowledge is truly free and accessible to all.
Seaman, J., & Seaman, J. (2024). Approaching a New Normal?