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Open Educational Resources (OER) and Affordable Course Content

Affordable Course Content

Affordable course content describes any educational resources that are free to access and support your learning objectives. Copyright still applies to most affordable course materials, including restrictions on how a resource can be used or shared. 

The Library is a great way to provide an affordable alternative to traditional, high priced textbooks, but Library resources are not generally considered OER.

VIVA Faculty Textbook Portal

The VIVA Faculty Textbook Portal is a free collection of OER and copyrighted e-books that are available to UMW faculty through the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA). Simply search for a title, complete the course information form, and the item will be available through the Simpson Library.

VIVA Faculty Textbook Portal



If you need the password to access all the faculty specific content, please contact us at: research@umw.edu or viva@gmu.edu.

Library as Textbook

Utilizing the resources available through the Library is a definite option.

Use the Primo search box on the Simpson Library home page to search for e-books, articles, videos, images, and more.  Put the permalinks to these materials in Canvas or in your syllabi. 

Primo search box