Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
Since 2022, Griffith Library has been part of the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) Open Educational Resource (OER) Collective. This initiative provides a comprehensive publishing platform, workflows, copyright and resource support, and an academic Community of Practice. It enables universities to publish Open Educational Textbooks that are accessible to all.
So far, Griffith University has published two open textbooks through this process – one in 2023 and one in 2024.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Griffith Library, CAUL, Textbook authors and editors
Students, Course Convenors, teaching staff, anyone interested in the topics covered in the textbooks
Outcomes to Date
As part of this project, two open access texts have been published. These texts are freely available to students and the public, and can be reused, adapted, copied and shared openly, promoting equitable access to education and educational resources.
Leading in Health and Social Care: Leadership Concepts and Practices to Strengthen Health and Social Care Services
Published in 2023, this text is used as a resource in several courses at Griffith University and other Australian universities. It is authored by academics from many Australian universities, with editorial guidance from several Griffith academics (including one former Griffith academic).
Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice: An Australasian Perspective
Published in 2024, this text is authored by staff and students from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. It serves as a key resource for first-year Bachelor of Criminology students, giving them free and open access to knowledge in their discipline.
Project Significance
How does it contribute to achieving the SDGs or sustainable development?
Our open educational resources (OER) textbook initiative directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing free, high-quality educational materials, we promote inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) and support public access to information for participatory decision-making (SDG 16). This initiative reduces financial barriers for students, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. By fostering this culture of sharing and collaboration, we are creating partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
Who or what does the project or activity benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of our OER textbook initiative are students, who gain access to essential learning materials without the burden of cost. Educators also benefit by having the flexibility to adapt and customise resources to better meet their teaching needs.