KU Libraries – Engaging with Open

College textbooks and course materials costs have increased more than 800% throughout the last three decades — far outpacing inflation, housing, and medical costs — to become the most inflated consumer product. With your help, KU Libraries can continue to provide open educational and low-cost resources for all KU students. 

In late 2016, KU Libraries launched an OER grant program with an initial investment from the Parent’s Campaign of $50,000. In 2017, the Office of the Provost matched the libraries’ investment, bringing the total funding for this effort up to $100,000. Small grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 have been distributed to KU instructors to support the adoption, adaptation, and creation of open educational resources to support teaching and learning at KU.

The OER grant program is a shining example of the commitment KU Libraries have for providing access to low-cost and no-cost resources for Jayhawks.

“As much as KU Libraries strive to benefit and advance students, faculty, and staff, it’s important that we reciprocate and invest in KU Libraries,” said interim provost Carl Lejuez. “KU Libraries do great work to deliver, facilitate, and propel the essence of KU — research, learning, and service that are the hallmark of the nation’s top research institutions. It’s fitting that the health and strength of KU Libraries should be a concern for us all.”

With your support, the libraries can continue to further a culture of accessibility and affordability for students. For every dollar you give, you directly save a student $11 annually. With a gift to KU Libraries in support of open educational resources, you will impact current and future generations of Jayhawks.