Open educational resources (OER) are freely accessible, openly licensed text, media, and other digital assets that are useful for teaching, learning, assessing, and research purposes.
Open Access Textbooks
Textbooks have always been expensive, but the cost of textbooks has risen over 800% in the last 8 years. The Libraries and University Store support faculty moving to open access, online textbooks. Many sources exist, while faculty are encouraged to produce their own textbook and place it in USM's Digital Commons for open access to everyone.
Print Textbooks
With the increasing cost of textbooks, USM has created the Textbooks on Reserve program. USM Libraries has one copy of most 100 and 200-level textbooks and copies of some upper-level textbooks on reserve. Check with the library of the campus where the class taught.
Faculty are encouraged to help the library expand its collection of textbooks and keep that collection current by donating a copy of current textbooks
Open Access Collections
Lesson Plans
Sample open access lesson plans from a variety of sources. CTEL and USM Librarians welcome the opportunity to locate other lesson plans that meet your specific needs.
The University of Southern Maine has Instructional Design and Support staff who can help you design and create the course materials.
The sources listed below offer a range of materials for use and remix. They include textbooks, lesson plans, full courses, and more.
Schedule a meeting for research help.
