Engaging with Open: KU Libraries support student success through open educational resources" event to be held March 3

The University of Kansas Libraries are pleased to host “Engaging with Open: KU Libraries support student success through open educational resources,” an event focused on exploring how the cost of educational resources impacts students on the KU campus. 

The event will feature a panel of faculty, students, and donors who are taking action to advocate for low-cost resources and textbook affordability for all Jayhawks. Panelists include Margie Sheppard, donor and chair of KU Libraries’ Board of Advocates; Dr. Meggie Mapes, introductory course director for the Department of Communication Studies; and Brianna Gabriel, KU student majoring in Journalism and minoring in Italian. 

"I'm excited for attendees who might not be familiar with the affordability crisis — and how open educational resources addresses it — to hear from different perspectives, especially those of KU students," said Josh Bolick, scholarly communication librarian. "KU Libraries' direct support for the use of open textbooks saves KU students almost a million dollars per academic year."

KU Libraries are committed to ensuring the existence of affordable and accessible classroom materials for all Jayhawks. To support this commitment, the libraries launched Textbook Heroes, recognizing members of the campus community who champion open educational resources (OER) and other low-cost resources for use in classrooms at KU. The spring 2020 cohort of Textbook Heroes will be revealed during “Engaging with Open.”

The event will be held March 3 in Watson Library, third floor West, and begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by the panel discussion on the impact of textbook costs moderated by Bolick.

This event is free and open to the public. Those who plan to attend may RSVP online or to Kelly Spavin at libevents@ku.edu.