Topic: IMLS OER Grant Awarded to Three Oklahoma Institutions

Three Oklahoma institutions recently received a $428,304 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). East Central University’s Linscheid Library, in partnership with Oklahoma State University Libraries, Redlands Community College and the Council for Online Learning Excellence (COLE), will use the funds for a three-year project to create and disseminate a research methodology for evaluating the efficacy of Open Educational Resources (OER) in increasing lifelong learning competencies. COLE will play a key role in the project by providing access to communication tools that will allow project coordinators to gather feedback from a variety of institutions in the state.  

In addition to a research toolkit for studying the efficacy of OER, the project will also include the development of OER for librarians on how to create robust research methodologies for the study of teaching and learning efficacy. Addressing these problems through the lens of lifelong learning creates opportunities to promote and evaluate OER across disciplines and in contexts in and outside of higher education.

100% of the project funding comes from federal funds appropriated to IMLS. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Author:       Marla Lobley (East Central University)