Affordable and Open Educational Resources

The NYU Libraries seek to advance teaching and learning at the University by providing resources and services for course reading and educational materials. The Libraries offer support for instructors and students interested in finding and adopting course materials that are free or low-cost. We can help with learning materials that fall under these two categories: 

• Open Educational Resources (OERs)

• Library Course Content

Although both fall under the larger umbrella of learning materials, there are key differences between open educational resources (OERs) and library course content.

Open Educational Resources (OERs)

• Materials that are openly licensed (e.g., via Creative Commons) or in the public domain, allowing broad legal use of the materials without having to seek permissions.
• Largely free, not just at NYU, but to all.
• Part of a broader effort in international higher education to make learning more affordable and accessible for students.

Library Course Content

• The Libraries purchase and license resources for the NYU community to use. These can help lower course material costs for NYU students.
• Not generally openly licensed.
• Accessed with NYU authentication.
• Consider licensing restrictions for the particular materials, and of fair use for your intended use.