Below are some OER-specific criteria for evaluating textbooks and other materials, which you can use in addition to your own criteria for determining whether to use materials in your courses.
Peer Review
Has the resource been reviewed? Some OER collections include peer reviews for their resources, such as the Open Textbook Library, OER Commons, and MERLOT.
Supplementary Materials
Does the resource include supplementary materials (answer banks, instructor manuals, etc.)?
If so, do you need to request access to these materials, or are they openly available?
Access
In what forms/formats is the resource available (i.e., website, PDF, ebook, course site)?
Is there a printable option for the resource, such as a printable PDF or a print-on-demand option, to accommodate those students who prefer print?
Accessibility
Is the content accessible to students with disabilities? See the Accessibility Checklist for more details.
Reuse/Modifications
If you would like to modify or edit the resource, does it have a license that gives you permission to do so?
An OER evaluation tool that consists of eight rubrics for assessing OER, from how well the resource is aligned to learning outcomes, to whether the resource aligns with accessibility standards. Achieve is a US-based education nonprofit.
