What are Open Educational Resources?

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free of cost and access barriers, and which also carry legal permission for open use. Generally, this permission is granted by use of an open license (for example, Creative Commons licenses), which allows anyone to freely use, adapt and share the resource—anytime, anywhere. “Open” permissions are typically defined in terms of the “5R’s”: users are free to Retain, Reuse, Revise, Remix and Redistribute these educational materials.

The Textbook Affordability Crisis

73%

Increase in the cost textbooks since 2006, 4 times the rate of inflation

$1200

Students spend on average $1,200 a year on textbooks

85%

85% of USU students delayed purchasing a textbook due to cost

58%

58% reported suffering academically due to this delay

Sources: Student Public Interest Research Groups; Internal survey of USU students.

OER are making a significant impact at Utah State University. We strive to increase the number of open textbooks and materials used throughout the USU community.

OER have saved USU students over $1,400,00 since 2014.

16,013 USU students impacted by OER
1,077 class selection that have used free textbooks
95 unique courses that have used OER at USU

Call for Proposals

We do not currently have an open call for proposals. If you are interested in learning more about funding opportunities, please reach out to the OER team.

Get Started

Find OER

Search trusted repositories to find an OER to suit your instructional needs.

Find courses at USU that have already incorporated OER.

Learn More

Learn more about the benefits of OER and ways to advocate for affordable learning at Utah State.

Contact Us

Interested in OER? Contact us for help finding OER to suit your needs.

Contact the OER Team

OER Faculty Champions

Jennifer Burbank

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I like OER because it's a great supplemental resource and great for students. It's accessible and economical for a Gen Ed course.

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Melanie Chambers

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I've loved the flexibility of OER. Flexible for students to study with and for our faculty to innovate and possibly adapt.

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Carla Endres

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I like leveling the playing field and making it affordable for everyone.

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