Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the incorporation of Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) into library digital initiatives, specifically open educational resources (OER). CTML contains established principles that maximize the impact of teaching material through optimizing the use of multimedia. As educators, librarians should adhere to CTML principles and advocate for them to be followed when library digital resources are created locally or used in a classroom. The paper looks at an OER title as an example and outlines changes based on CTML for improvements. Design/methodology/approach A literature review is used to identify the areas of librarianship where CTML already is in use and where research is lacking. Findings There are many opportunities to apply multimedia learning theory to aspects of library operations. The author should consider multimedia learning when making digitization decisions. OER projects should be accomplished with these principles and general learning theory principles in mind. Libraries should be aware of CTML principles when creating all digital scholarship. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a literature review, not on research done specifically on this topic. It includes specific recommendations to improve an OER title as an example of what should be done on a broader scale. Practical implications Librarians are educators should be aware of learning theory and particularly multimedia learning theory as learners often are not directly accessible to provide feedback. Design is critical to learning and this paper provides practical recommendations for application. Originality/value Other papers have considered CTML as applied to online tutorials and instruction in general. Significantly less attention has been paid to applying CTML and cognitive learning theories outside of traditional instruction. This paper advocates expanding the use of cognitive learning theory and CTML to digital resources produced by the library.

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this paper is to articulate the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) implementation process at Syracuse University. It will describe the development of a collaborative partnership between the Graduate School and the Syracuse University Libraries (SUL) that advances open access and the scholarly communication issues among graduate students, the proposed plan for a dissertations and theses retrospective digitization project which will continue to strengthen the partnership between University Archives, university relations, and the SUL. It could also serve as an inspirational point for other institutions. Design/methodology/approach -This case study documents the successful strategies that were used to advance scholarly communications education efforts on campus and ETD implementation using an institutional repository. Findings -Partnerships, flexibility, and creativity are essential to a successful initiative. Originality/value -Sharing successful stories is crucial in our rapidly developing field. Although each institution is different, we all have things we can learn from each other and adapt to our own environment. The important lessons here are taking opportunities, building partnerships, being flexible, and creative to ensure the initiative's success.

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