Seeds, like other creations, can be protected by copyright and patents, but there are numerous seeds that are in the public domain. These open-source seeds allow growers to propagate, modify and redistribute them. Hence, they provide the same flexibility as other items defined as OERs. Seed libraries are programs that allow patrons to check out, and occasionally return, seeds for common plants and herbs. They have become popular in public libraries, and to a lesser extent, academic libraries. Seed libraries not only embody the 5Rs of OERs, but also expand the definition of what constitutes an "open educational resource" beyond typical course-related materials.
This talk hopes to grow the definition of OER by considering how seed libraries position the academic library as a nexus of student growth that cuts across distinctions between curricular and cocurricular programming. Traditionally, seed libraries have served as "seeds'' themselves for educational programming that teaches patrons how to grow plants within their distinct local environments. While serving as IUPUI's first Seed Librarian, I helped grow the University's seed library by promoting seeds as an open resource through both conventional instructional methods and cocurricular programming.
The presentation will also address specific challenges that occur when operating a seed library as an OER and how this model might be extrapolated to other types of materials and instructional initiatives. Finally, I will provide examples of the kinds of integrated academic programming that I implemented as an academic Seed Librarian.
By attending this session, attendees will be able to:- Define and understand a seed library
- Think about seed libraries as an Open Education Resource
- Appreciate and understand the unique challenges and opportunities of seed libraries as an OER