- Remix: The right to combine the original or revised content with other open content to create something new (e.g., incorporate the content into a mashup).
- Redistribute: The right to share copies of the original content, your revisions, or your remixes with others (e.g., post a copy online or give one to a friend).
What Is Not OER?
Just because a resource is freely available does not mean it is OER. The following parameters prevent a resource from being labeled as OER.
- Resources that cannot be adapted. To be fully OER, an instructor must have permission to edit or alter the resource.
- Online resources that are fully copyrighted. Always check for Creative Commons license or a copyright logo. If you are unsure, contact the author for permission to use the resource.
- Subscription-based resources. Any journal, video, or other materials that can only be accessed through a paid subscription is not OER.
- Purchased textbooks and supplemental materials from a textbook publisher. Publisher-provided textbooks and related materials are not considered OER.
- Open Access Resources. An open access resource will be available for use but cannot be edited or adapted.
OER Repositories
There are four main types of OER repositories: complete courses, text-based content, images and multimedia, and discipline-specific resources. Our Instructional Support Team has compiled examples of each type in our .
Consider these tips when searching within OER repositories:
- Start by searching for broader terms and then narrow your focus.
- Search for alternate terms for your main topic.
- Browse resources on the same general topic.
Licensing and Attribution
One of the key factors that make OER possible is the availability of open licensing mechanisms, such as Creative Commons (CC).
Creative Commons (CC)
are a set of standardized licenses that allow creators to share their work with others while retaining certain rights. These licenses provide a simple, standardized way for creators to grant permission to others to use their work in various ways, such as copying, distributing, and adapting.
CC licenses do not replace copyright but allow copyright holders to retain copyright ownership in their work while allowing certain uses of their work by the public.
We provide an outline of key license elements and the six Creative Commons licenses in our
Copyright, Fair Use, and Open Access
According to , “Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form of expression." It also states that the authorship of a creative work that is fixed in a medium such as the written word, art/drawings, audio, video, etc. can be protected.
Copyright holders can bring legal action against those who:
- Copy, reproduce, or augment the work.
- Distribute copies for free or for profit.
- Perform or present the work in public.
Only the copyright holder can authorize others to do any of the above, within limitations.
The concept of is central to copyright law. It is determined on a case-by-case basis, and when met, it allows for use of copyright-protected work without permission. There are four factors in determining if something is fair use: purpose and character of the use, nature of the copyrighted work, amount of the work used, and effect of the use upon the potential market of the original copyrighted work.
The owner of the copyright can give you permission to use their work, especially for educational purposes. are available to help you through this process and to know exactly what questions to ask.
While open-source resources (like OER) can be modified to fit the needs of the user, cannot be altered, remixed, or edited.
Attribution
It is important to provide proper when using OER, as this respects intellectual property and supports ethical practices in sharing educational materials. OER attribution is a clear, simple statement that contains key elements used to credit the original author of openly licensed material.
