Name: The Content Mafia: How Publishers Weaponize Copyright to Control Educational Resources
Start: 2026-10-08T15:35:00-0400
End: 2026-10-08T16:05:00-0400

All sessions are available online except round tables, special activities, and workshops.

The Content Mafia: How Publishers Weaponize Copyright to Control Educational Resources

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:35pm - 4:05pm EDT

6 DR4

ID: 33913

This session examines eight common practices in educational publishing—edition cycling, access codes and DRM, regional pricing, bundling, inclusive access programs, copyright term extensions, orphan works, and author rights transfer—and explores how Open Educational Resources offer structural alternatives to each challenge. Rather than focusing on what's broken, we'll demonstrate what's possible when educational materials are designed for access from the start.For each publishing practice, we'll show how OER provides concrete solutions: continuous community updates replace fixed edition cycles; open formats work offline and across devices; zero-cost access eliminates currency fluctuations and affordability barriers; modular design lets instructors select exactly what students need rather than buying predetermined bundles transparent licensing prevents orphan works while protecting student privacy; and open licenses let authors retain control while enabling global adaptation and sharing.This session confirms the work OER advocates are already doing while providing practical language and evidence for advancing open alternatives. We'll explore how different business models serve different purposes, examine which practices create barriers to educational access, and equip participants with tools to advocate effectively for student-centered approaches in their own contexts. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, international examples, and a framework for discussing educational materials that centers learning outcomes and equitable access.

Speakers

Beth Chenette

Associate Librarian, Texas A&M University Libraries

Elizabeth Chenette is an Associate Librarian, member of the OpenEd team, and Reserve Services Coordinator at Texas A&M University Libraries in College Station, Texas. With an MLS from the University of North Texas, Elizabeth has worked in higher education for 13+ years. She has Creative... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:35pm - 4:05pm EDT
6 DR4 MIT Samberg Conference Center, 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA 02139 USA

Presentation

Speaker Modality In-person
Track Hacking the Open Ecosystem and Praxis for the Public Good

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OEGlobal 2026

Beth Chenette

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OEGlobal 2026

Beth Chenette

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