University Libraries Seeks to Create Freely Available Learning Materials and Lower Textbook Costs - WVNS

The University Libraries at Virginia Tech recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds in support of faculty who are creating freely available textbooks and learning materials for students. As part of its mission to provide new ways to discover, access, create, sustain, and share information, the University Libraries created Open Education Faculty Initiative Grants to engage faculty in adapting or creating and openly sharing high-quality legally remixable learning resources called open educational resources (OER). OER include no-cost, editable alternatives to traditional textbooks and homework software access codes. The University Libraries provides infrastructure, project management, technical expertise, introductions to potential collaborators, and uses Creative Commons licenses to further allow customization of these materials. http://www.wvnstv.com/news/education/university-libraries-seeks-to-create-freely-available-learning-materials-and-lower-textbook-costs/1104543516