This panel explores the “space between” OER adoption and increasing the relevance of OER through localization—the intentional adaptation of open materials to reflect local cultures, curricula, communities, and learner experiences.
The session draws on Recentering Relevance: Exploring the Role of Academic Libraries and Library Consortia in Supporting OER Localization, a 2023 IMLS grant awarded to the University System of Maryland. Panelists will highlight project components, including a national forum of OER library leaders and a national survey, followed by lessons learned: how localization is understood in practice; the gaps between values, policy, and impact; and the strategic roles libraries and consortia can play in bridging them.
Participants will gain an understanding of localization, glean practical takeaways for how libraries and consortia can support localization as a community-centered practice, and assess their readiness to embark on or deepen OER localization efforts.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Define localization.
- Connect institutional mission and priorities to specific localization use cases.
- Articulate unique library/consortial contributions to localization efforts.
- Assess their current institutional and library/consortial priorities for OER vis-a-vis localization.
- Assess readiness to embark on or deepen OER localization efforts.
