Call for Applications: Inclusive OER for African Librarians Short Course

The African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) is pleased to announce the Inclusive OER for African Librarians Short Course. This mid-level online course is designed to strengthen the capacity of African librarians and information professionals to promote, implement, and manage inclusive and equitable access to high-quality Open Educational Resources (OER).

The course builds on AfLIA’s previous foundational training like the Openness for African Libraries Course, The Early Literacy Development Course, The Advancing Open knowledge in Africa through Persistent Identifiers and Open Research Infrastructure Course and the Open Data Management Foundational Course. The Inclusive OER for African Librarians Course focuses on implementing UNESCO Action Area 3 Guidelines, which promote effective, inclusive, and equitable access to quality OER. Participants will also explore the relevance of the UNESCO OER Recommendation in advancing inclusive and quality education across Africa.

Course structure and content

The course will be delivered online through the AfLIA Learning Management System (LMS). Participants will engage with video lectures, readings, assignments, and discussion forums. Weekly virtual workshops and live sessions will be conducted via Zoom. WhatsApp groups will support communication, peer learning, and facilitation.

Participants will complete weekly assignments or quizzes, knowledge checks, reflective activities, and peer assessments. The course will conclude with a capstone or mini-project and course evaluation. Certificates of Participation and Certificates of Excellence will be awarded to deserving participants.

The course content is developed in collaboration with Neil Butcher and Associates (NBA), South Africa, and is supported by funding from the Hewlett Foundation.

Key modules include:

• OER in African Library Systems
• Integrating OER into Library Services
• OER Quality Assurance, Curation, and Management in Libraries
• Accessibility and Inclusivity in Library OER Services
• Supporting Open Pedagogy through Library Services
• OER Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Libraries
• Capstone Project and Course Evaluation

Course objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of UNESCO Action Area 3 guidelines and their application in African libraries.
2. Develop skills in creating and adapting culturally relevant and accessible OER for diverse African contexts.
3. Implement strategies to ensure inclusive access to OER, including offline solutions.
4. Design quality assurance mechanisms for OER suitable for resource-constrained environments.
5. Develop an action plan for promoting inclusive and equitable access to quality OER in their libraries.

Target Audience

• Librarians and information professionals working in academic, public, school, and special libraries across Africa.
• Faculty, educators, instructional designers, library support staff, and policymakers interested in OER implementation in African contexts.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have:

• Basic knowledge of information and communication technologies (ICT).
• Familiarity with library and information science concepts.
• Knowledge of foundational OER concepts is recommended.

Application process

Interested applicants are required to complete the online application form as part of the review and selection process. All information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of this course.

Application deadline: 11:59 PM GMT, 10 March 2026.