Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 12-7-2021
Abstract
The abrupt transition to online teaching and learning during COVID-19 has necessitated the need of providing information sources and textbooks online. The Open Access and Education Resources (OAER) have the potential to fill the gap which may have occurred due to fiscal constraints and budget cuts within Higher Education Institutions in developing countries. This study highlights the importance of OAER movement, its emergence as a strong information resource and its contribution in teaching and learning in higher education. The study also examines the current state and utilization of OAER resources in Pakistani higher education institutions. The authors have used two methods for completing this study. Literature review of OAER and the analysis of Pakistani higher education institution’s websites including their library websites. The study recommends to consider this valuable resource and advocating its use, creation and adaptation in Pakistani Higher Education Institutions at a national level. The study also focusses on the roles academic libraries and librarians could play in creating an awareness of OAER at their institutions and recommends policy level strategies which could lead to inclusion and promotion of OAER into the academic and research endeavors of faculty, students and researchers.