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Open Educational Resources (OER)

Learn about free and open resources available.

COVID-19 - Expanded Access from Publishers and Platforms

As of March 2020, many publishers and platforms are offering free access to texts, tools and resources through the end of the semester. Please check out the Outstanding COVID-19 Resources for SCELC Libraries guide for an up-to-date and complete list of resources available at this time.

Resources

Below are some of the most comprehensive OER collections available. There are many subject specific resources available online as well, and often a simple search will steer you in the right direction. Most of the sources below offer options for a variety of subjects.

OERCommons

OERCommons is a clearinghouse of OER materials. Much of the content is user-created—options like lesson plans, handouts, and syllabi are available.  Materials can be  “stored” and shared by “groups” created on the site.

OpenStax  

OpenStax offers complete textbooks. The site allows students to view the books for free online, download the pdf for free, and even order a “cheap” printed copy.

Merlot

Offers complete courses, textbooks, and individual lesson-type materials.  Much of the material is linked to other sites. There is a comprehensive advanced search feature to help you dig down to specific material.

Wikibooks 

On the main page, click on the “All Subjects” link near the top of the page to browse.  There are many complete texts on this site. Most books offer a pdf version for download.

Open Textbook Library 

Open Textbook Library provides many complete textbooks in a variety of subject areas.  Each book has reviews and information about which colleges have adopted it.  Most books are in pdf format.

MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content.