In the fall of 2023 we announced the launch of a new research project, funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, designed to assess the impact and implementation of open educational resource (OER) initiatives at public institutions of higher education.

Today, we are publishing the resulting report, based on an initial literature review and interviews with OER leaders in four US states. In Charting the Course: Case Studies in OER Sustainability, we identify five key takeaways:

  • There is no one-size-fits-all model for how OER initiatives are sustained.
  • OER initiatives flourish when they align with institutional priorities are framed as a tool that can address several goals beyond affordability, such as advancing equity, access, or instructional innovation.
  • Academic libraries are central nodes in OER champion networks.
  • Awareness of and enthusiasm for OERs are increasing in our case study states, but the devil is in the details.
  • Ensuring that OERs reflect the diversity of student populations is crucial in fostering student engagement and academic success.

Ultimately, the future of OERs depends on a deeper understanding of what makes these initiatives critical to their institutions. Broader assessment efforts of the impact of OERs on teaching, learning, and student success would strengthen their value proposition. This will require greater coordination between state agencies of higher education or system offices and campuses, robust assessment mechanisms, and a commitment to addressing challenges such as faculty resistance and resource limitations. As higher education continues to evolve, OERs stand out as a promising strategy, but their future success will depend on their ability to secure long-term institutional support in an increasingly competitive environment.

We hope that this report can help others who are invested in the expansion of OERs on their campuses. If you have questions or would like to discuss initiatives at your institution please contact Ioana Hulbert (ioana.hulbert@ithaka.org), Deirdre Harkins (deirdre.harkins@ithaka.org), or Mark McBride (mark.mcbride@ithaka.org).