OER Policy

An OER policy creates clarity for dealing with open educational resources.

Policy kit and sample template

What content is important?

Which universities are involved?

Articles on the topic of OER policy

It specifies the conditions under which openly licensed educational materials may be created and published. This ensures legal certainty for all employees who wish to work with OER. At the same time, your university visibly positions itself in favor of free access to education and knowledge.

Questions about developing a policy? Visit our consultation hour twillo-Thursday or write to our support team.

Get started: policy kit and sample template

Guide to creating an OER policy

The OER Policy Kit (external link, opens in a new window) is a guide to the policy process and comprises seven steps, which are supplemented with additional materials, such as presentation slides or mail templates.

Our lawyer Yulia Loose will be happy to support you with the individual implementation of an OER policy. Please contact us at info@twillo.de.

The sample template shows you an example of how the content of an OER policy can be formulated. You are welcome to use it when creating your own policy for your institution. Simply download the document in the desired format (ODT, DOCX, PDF).

Sample Policy 2024

ODT file (79.9 kB), DIN A4 portrait format, German

Sample Policy 2024

DOCX file (80.2 kB), DIN A4 portrait format, German

Sample Policy 2024

PDF file (125.1 kB), DIN A4 portrait format, German

What content is important?

Audio: Contents of an OER policy

As a rule, an OER policy comprises recommendations; there are therefore no fixed specifications for the content. Particularly relevant for the policy is, firstly, information on how to deal with the institution's rights of use and, secondly, the choice of license. A list of contact persons and educational offers on OER at the institution is also useful.

You can hear more about the content, opportunities and challenges of an OER policy at a university here (audio language: German):

Show transcript (English)

Carolin: In order for educators to navigate open educational resources with confidence, a clear framework is needed.

Carolin: That’s what I’ll be talking about today with Yulia Chalina and Norbert Kleinefeld from Elan e.V.

Carolin: Yulia, you explained to me beforehand that an OER policy is a guideline that sets the framework for using open educational materials at a university. Why should a university adopt an OER policy? How can it help?

Yulia: Yes, that’s right, Karo. An OER policy is essential for establishing Open Educational Resources sustainably in higher education. It provides a structured framework for working with OER and legal clarity for everyone involved.

Carolin: What content is important in an OER policy? Are there clear requirements?

Yulia: They’re usually recommendations. We suggest addressing licensing, quality, publication formats, and responsibilities.

Carolin: Norbert, how does the implementation process work at universities?

Norbert: There are top-down and bottom-up processes. A mixed approach that includes all levels is often the most effective, though it takes time.

Carolin: What are some common stumbling blocks?

Yulia: Legal uncertainty, lack of incentives, and low awareness of OER. Also, insufficient resources and professional development options can be barriers.

Norbert: Universities can strengthen their openness and reputation with OER—for example, through international visibility and more personalized learning opportunities.

Carolin: What if a policy is adopted but no OER is actually being created?

Yulia: That usually means educators weren’t included or motivated. Support, training, and incentives are crucial.

Carolin: Do you have any practical tips?

Yulia: Use existing infrastructures, such as the advisory services provided by twillo, and involve all stakeholders early in the process.

Carolin: Thank you very much for the conversation.

[Music]

Find and share OER at www.twillo.de

Which universities are involved?

Our interactive map gives you an overview of the status of the implementation of OER policies in Lower Saxony. It was created in June 2023 and last updated in November 2025.

Click on one of the marked locations to obtain further information and a link to the respective university website. Click on the symbol at the top right to display the map in full screen.