The Open Library at AU: Supporting Open Access and Open Educational Resources

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a shift toward “openness” in higher education, with the growth of Open Access and Open Educational Resources (OERs) and the advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). There is also recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities these concepts present to higher learning. Libraries have long played an important role in supporting open access. One of the main drivers of library support for open access is the continuously rising cost of journal and database subscriptions. According to a position statement by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), in addition to mitigating these rising costs, open access allows for greater access to research by the public, and “maximize[s] the return on [tax payer and funder]investment in research, advancing discovery and innovation, sound public policy, enhanced health and welfare, and other benefits important for society” (CARL, 2014). These rising costs, coupled with the issues outlined in the CARL position statement point to increased library support and involvement in open access...