I use resources from the Library as readings for my course. Are these considered OER?
Answer
This information is for faculty at RDP.
Library resources offer no-cost access to course materials for students, faculty, and staff. However, these resources are licensed (i.e. paid for) by the Library, and therefore are not OER.
For a resource to be considered open, it must have a license that permits no-cost access and permits users to adapt and redistribute the resource.
There are a few reasons why library-licensed resources do not meet this definition: 
- No-cost access. Although students, faculty, and staff have access to library-licensed resources, these resources are not “no-cost.” In fact, Red Deer Polytechnic Library pays a substantial amount each year for access to these resources.
- Adaptability. Due to copyright law and licensing agreements, library-licensed resources cannot be adapted or modified.
- Redistribution. Due to copyright law and licensing agreements, library-licensed resources cannot be redistributed or shared beyond RDP users.
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