Lamson Library: OER and Copyright: Course Marking

What is Course Marking?

Course marking is a process of associating information about costs with course data so students can make informed decisions about the financial implications of taking particular courses. In particular, our course marking project will include information about courses that have zero- or low-cost textbooks. During the registration process, students will be able to search on and view these cost attributes.

Why Course Marking?

Course marking is a great way to give students more agency. Marking courses allows students to take the cost of their classes into consideration when selecting their classes. This choice can provide cost savings to students. These savings will make us a more friendly campus for low-income students. Use of low- and zero-cost labels bolsters student success because it allows students to make decisions that will enhance their wellbeing inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, OER markers allow us to track and develop the use of OER better, which aligns with our faculty referendum on OER.

Course Marking Definitions

ZTCO: Zero Text Cost

This course uses free open educational resources (OER), free textbook alternatives, or no textbook. No book purchase is required. (NOTE: This does not include other course supplies such as calculators, lab equipment, or art supplies)

LTCO: Low Text Cost

This course uses low-cost open educational resources (OER) or other low-cost textbook alternatives. Total book purchases will not exceed $50. (NOTE: This does not include other course supplies such as calculators, lab equipment, or art supplies.)

OERC: OER Course

This course uses open educational resources (OER) as part of the required course materials. OER are teaching, learning, and research materials that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation, and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions.

Transitioning to Low or No Cost

If you would like to consider transitioning one or more of your courses to no- or low-cost, consider the following:

This process can be a lot of work. Start with one course and get your bearings with it, then go from there.
Similarly, unless you are designing a brand new course, consider aiming for low-cost and transitioning to no-cost after.
Consider all of the courses you already have. Are there any that already use OER and Open Access materials? Transitioning courses that are already using fewer paid materials may be an easier lift.
Start small. Try plugging gaps in courses or replacing materials that already need to be replaced with OER and Open Access materials. It is ok if courses transition over time rather than as one larger overahall.
Ask for help. Appointments are available through Lamson Library and the CoLab to help you with this work.
Currently, grant funding is available to support increased use of OER and transition to low- or no-cost courses.