In 2026, librarians from University of the Pacific and Middle Tennessee State University each marked $3 million in student savings with campus celebrations designed to spotlight the impact of their OER programs. This lighthearted session explores how “throwing a party” can serve serious strategic goals—advancing advocacy, building administrative support, attracting faculty, and deepening campus understanding of OER’s pedagogical value. Presenters will share candid stories about planning challenges (from competing campus events to unpredictable attendance) alongside unexpected successes, such as leadership amplification through social media. Drawing on experiences from two very different institutions (in enrollment, dedicated staffing, location, and program longevity), this session offers practical, adaptable strategies for designing celebrations that elevate program visibility, strengthen long‑term sustainability, and support librarians seeking fresh ways to grow their OER initiatives.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Identify the essential elements of planning an OER milestone celebration that increases campus awareness and supports long-term program sustainability.
- Recognize common event-planning challenges—and learn practical, adaptable strategies for navigating timing conflicts, attendance issues, and campus dynamics.
- Generate creative, purpose-driven celebration ideas that effectively engage administrators, faculty, and students in understanding and supporting OER.
