Libraries and access to open online courses

Abstract

This article aims to raise consciousness about the value of massive open online courses (MOOCs) for learners who cannot afford the exorbitant cost of higher education. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is a relatively new method of education in the digital age. The courseware is inexpensive, and students can access the materials whenever and wherever they like. MOOCs can be broken down into three distinct types: cMOOCs, xMOOCs, and quasi-MOOCs. A MOOC is an online education programme that allows for an infinite number of participants. The course materials typically consist of videotaped lectures, assigned readings, quizzes, and tests, but students, instructors, and Teaching Assistants (TAs) also have access to discussion boards. Libraries today offer a wider variety of services, communicate with their patrons through more channels, and serve a more varied group of people than ever before. Libraries must vindicate their essential positions in society by maintaining unfettered access to knowledge. Free and open to a huge number of individuals, MOOCs are delivered over the Internet. Hence, libraries are regaining their status as academic hubs. Libraries and librarians can improve the utilization of library resources by supporting MOOCs and promoting the programmes at libraries more effectively than in other settings. While they offer numerous benefits, MOOCs present a number of obstacles related to issues like intellectual property, licensing, technology, data storage and control, etcetera.