Lower Course Material Costs: OER and Open Access Week Workshops
Rutgers University Libraries is hosting three free virtual workshops during Open Access Week 2026 for faculty, instructors, graduate students, and researchers. One session is especially relevant for instructors interested in lowering course material costs, including how to apply for funding to replace an expensive textbook with free or low-cost alternatives.
Reducing textbook costs can help make course materials available to students from the first day of class while lowering one of the hidden costs of attending college.
At a Glance
Monday, October 19, 3–4 p.m. — Open Journal Finder: Discovering Open Access Publishing Opportunities
Tuesday, October 20, 1–2 p.m. — The Cost of Knowledge: Reducing Textbook and Course Material Costs through the OAT Program
Wednesday, October 21, 12–1 p.m. — Make Your ORCID Bloom: Managing Researcher Identity with ORCID
All three sessions are online. Registration is required, and seats are limited. The meeting link will be included in your registration email.
Featured Workshop: Reduce Textbook Costs with the OAT Program
Tuesday, October 20 · 1–2 p.m. · Online
The Libraries' Open and Affordable Textbooks (OAT) Program provides funding to Rutgers instructors who adopt, adapt, or create affordable course materials, including open educational resources (OER) and open textbooks.
The program offers a $2,500 Course Redesign Award and a $3,500 Authoring Award and has saved Rutgers students more than $13 million to date.
In this workshop, you will:
Find out whether your course is a good fit for the OAT Program
See affordable course materials Rutgers instructors have adopted or created
Get practical ideas for developing a future proposal
With the next OAT application cycle opening in early 2027, this workshop is an opportunity to begin identifying materials and developing a proposal now. No prior experience with OER is needed.
More Open Access Week Workshops
Open Journal Finder: Discovering Open Access Publishing Opportunities
Monday, October 19 · 3–4 p.m. · Online
Learn to use Open Journal Finder to identify reputable open access journals in your field, compare article processing charges (APCs), and see where APCs may be discounted or fully waived through Rutgers University Libraries' publisher agreements.
This workshop is designed for graduate students, faculty, and research staff.
Make Your ORCID Bloom: Managing Researcher Identity with ORCID
Wednesday, October 21 · 12–1 p.m. · Online
Learn how to create, enhance, and manage your ORCID profile so your research outputs are connected and your scholarly contributions are easier to identify and recognize.
Explore OER on myTech@Newark
Want to start exploring before the workshop? Visit Open Educational Resources and Course Materials on myTech@Newark for resources related to finding and using affordable course materials.
For more teaching and learning events, visit the Rutgers–Newark events calendar.
Questions?
Need help with course materials or Canvas? Contact Academic Technology Services at atshelp@newark.rutgers.edu, call 973-353-1713, or book a consultation.
Questions about the workshops or the OAT Program? Contact Rutgers University Libraries.
Academic Technology Services · Rutgers University–Newark
