“I think when people first hear they can make their course materials more affordable, they automatically think it means the materials are going to be lower quality, or they have to make significant compromises for that to happen,” says Hare. “OER often opens the conversation, so we can try to find things that are more affordable and match their learning outcomes at the same time.”

The Course Materials Fellowship Program (CMFP) is an IUB initiative that empowers instructors to create and adopt affordable course materials. It provides a stipend, librarian and instructional designer expertise, and peer support.

Despite starting during the pandemic, the program has transformed over ten courses each of its two years. CMFP operates with an implementation board, a group of librarians, instructional technology consultants, and members of the  Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL). 

Two noteworthy subject librarians on the implementation board have been Neuro- and Health Sciences Librarian Amy Minix, and Business/SPEA’s Research and Instruction Librarian G. Arave. Hare says, “Because there are so many applications from Business and Sciences, it’s great to have their involvement. They’re both instrumental in getting people to apply, but then supporting those people once they do apply.”

Another important partner CMFP is IU Libraries' Copyright Librarian Naz Pantaloni who leads a copyright workshop for fellows and helps fellows navigate copyright issues with their resources.  

Hare finds her success in the feedback of program participants, "We asked if previous fellows would recommend the program to a colleague, and so far, everyone has said yes. I think that is the biggest endorsement.”