This guide has been developed by UNSW Library to provide unmediated support for finding resources suitable to use for open online courses. This includes Open Access (OA) material, Open Educational Resources (OERs), and Creative Commons (CC) licensed resources. By downloading or using any resource, you must also adhere to the particular licence requirements.

Explore the menu for different collections and types of resources.

Key definitons

Open Educational Resources (OERs)

• OERs are free and accessible online teaching and learning resources.
• OERs have licences that outline the permissions and conditions of use. A licence may contain restrictions and should contain requirements for citing and attribution. When using OERs, it is essential to check the licence and always include an attribution.

Open Access (OA) resources

• OA resources are freely accessible scholarly literature.
• OA resources may have licences that outline the permissions and conditions of use. A licence may contain restrictions; for example, the material must always be given the correct attribution, and permission may not be given for commercial use. When using OA materials, it is essential to check the licence and always include an attribution. 

Creative Commons (CC) Licences

• Creative Commons is a not-for-profit organisation that enables sharing and use of online materials by providing free legal tools, such as licences, that can be used for OA materials and OERs.
• There are six CC Licences, each allowing different types of use of the licensed material, with attribution.  CC licences provide clear guidance on what uses are permitted and prohibited for the licensed material. When using CC licensed material, it is essential to know your rights and always include an attribution.

Attribution

• Always attribute resources you use in your open online courses.
• Check the resource for attribution requirements.