Librarians / Information Professionals & OER

There are a range of different business models that support the creation, management, and release of OER. These models are usually linked to both the original intentions behind such a 'service' and by the funding mechanisms. Business models need to be flexible, to respond to changes that can happen very quickly, and sustainable. Many existing OER services were established with 'one-off' initial funding and based on an altruistic notion of opening resources worldwide and sustainability has become a significant issue in recent years. Several services have developed strong communities which come together through sharing both practice and resources, which helps to sustain and support continued development of OER.