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As a starting point for institutions to establish OER policy, we suggest taking a scan of the particular OER environment at the institution. This tool helps gather data for the scan.

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Report commissioned by eCampusOntario containing:

overview of research into OER benefits and obstacles

identification of professional recognition as key motivator for OER/P participation by faculty

section on institutions with successful OER policies

proposals for moving forward on institutional policy-making

appendix with opinions and suggestions from OER practitioners

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Textbook costs undermine student success by limiting access to learning

Evolving publishing practices remove choice and threaten to lock students into commercial products

Engaging with learning materials as creator/adapter increases instructor-student connection

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Lack of professional recognition

Lack of clarity regarding intellectual property rights to educational materials

Lack of instructor awareness of OER

Lack of resources to participate in OER creation

Lack of courage (i.e. fear of time/effort required)

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OER uptake will hit ceiling if only OER production incentives (resources/time) are offered

Faculty members will not ignore career incentives (tenure/promotion)

Institutional policy can balance universal OER goals with local campus culture

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This doesn't address precarious instructors directly (but influences the recognition of teaching among the professoriate, and that will trickle down to other levels)

Production incentives still needed for contract faculty