Using Library Materials
Though most library materials do not have open licenses, there are many ways in which you can incorporate them into your class. Because library materials are free to students then they can be used in a class that is designated as a zero textbook cost class.
Like all other copyrighted and restricted materials, you must be careful how you use library resources to make sure you do not violate the terms of use of the resource.
Best Practices for Using Library Materials:
- Consult a librarian. Ask them about the specific resources you might want to use in your class.
- Be aware that many online materials, such as e-books and journals articles, are not owned by the library. This means that resources may change from semester to semester as subscriptions change.
- Know that e-books may not be accessible by more than one student at a time depending on the license of the individual e-book.
- For use of library materials in your course, such as an article from a database, properly link to the resource instead of making digital copies. If you do not know how to link to a library resource, consult a librarian on your campus.
Librarians Can Help You Find OER
You may have the option to consult a librarian who can search for OER for you. Librarians can also recommend zero cost options such as e-books, databases, specialized collections, and more. Situations will vary based on your library and its resources. However keep in mind that librarians have the following skills:
- Expert searchers
- May be able to suggest repositories and collections that you can search on your own
- Can teach skills and tools to conduct successful searches
- Help with initial evaluation of resources
Using Library Resources – Workshop Recording
Video: Using Library Resources
Slides: Using Library Resources