Library, Museums and Press Staff
January 27, 2025

Transform Your Teaching with Open and Affordable Materials: Apply for a UD Library Grant

As faculty at the University of Delaware, you’re dedicated to providing the best possible learning experience for your students. One way to enhance student success while addressing a growing concern—cost—is by integrating Open and Affordable Teaching Materials (OATM) into your courses. OATM includes free or low-cost resources, such as Open Educational Resources (OER) and Library-licensed materials, which can replace expensive textbooks and provide more flexibility in how you teach.

Imagine offering your students high-quality, accessible materials that won’t break their budgets. With OATM, not only can you lower financial barriers, but you can also customize your teaching materials to suit your course objectives and teaching style. Best of all, the University of Delaware offers support to help you get started.

To learn more, join us for an information session on February 20 or March 7, 2025. These sessions will provide insights into the application process, share successful project examples, and offer tips for maximizing the impact of your grant.

Through the Open and Affordable Teaching Materials Grant program, UD faculty can receive funding and expert guidance from librarians and instructional designers to integrate OER and Library-licensed materials into their courses. There is also support for those that wish to author a brand new Open textbook. Whether you teach a small seminar or a large lecture, there’s a grant tailored to fit your needs, allowing you to enhance your curriculum and engage your students more effectively.

So far, the OATM program has saved Blue Hens more than $500,000 in textbook costs. Additionally, OATM has been linked with decreasing the achievement gap for students of low-income and diverse populations, making a meaningful difference in student success.

Dr. Meghann McInnis-Dominguez, a 2023 grant recipient, noted, “Overall, the introduction of open educational resources markedly improved course accessibility, student satisfaction, and engagement with Latin American literature in SPAN 303.” Similarly, Dr. Kate Riera, a 2024 grant winner, praised the excellent support and professional development provided throughout the process.

Grants are available in various amounts to suit courses of all sizes:

  • Small Enrollment Courses (49 students or fewer): $500
  • Mid-Sized Courses (50–150 students): $1,500
  • Large Enrollment Courses (150+ students): $5,000 (includes undergraduate student assistance)
  • Custom OER Development: $5,000 for creating tailor-made resources

Applying is easy, and the benefits are significant. You’ll help students save money, increase engagement, and have the opportunity to shape the future of your course. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2025.

For more information and to submit your proposal, visit the Open and Affordable Teaching Materials Grant page. Let us support you in transforming your teaching while making a lasting impact on your students.