Connecting adjuncts to the library: Hosting online sessions to increase awareness of OER, E-books, and other library resources

Abstract

In Fall 2021, librarians at Florida Gulf Coast University partnered with the campus faculty development center to host a one-hour online instructional session for adjunct instructors to increase their awareness of e-books, OER, and other library resources, for the purpose of reducing textbook costs for students as well as enhancing course content. In order to host a session that was tailored to the attendees' knowledge threshold and interests, the librarians asked session attendees to complete a questionnaire before and after the session. The results of the pre-session and post-session questionnaire indicate that adjuncts are eager to connect with the library and have a high interest in accessing a variety of resources, including OER. Although the main objective of the study was to promote adoption of OER and zero-cost textbooks, the authors encourage other librarians to promote OER adoption holistically and within the context of all of the library's resources and services. This approach is especially critical for adjuncts, who are still on a “learning curve” and are unaware of all the services and resources the library has to offer.