Penn State Takes the Lead in Open Educational Media Access
Penn State University Libraries has taken a significant step forward in supporting educators and researchers by relaunching Educational Media Reviews Online, known as EMRO, as a fully open access journal. This move transforms a longstanding resource into a freely accessible platform for critical reviews of educational and documentary media, aligning with broader trends in higher education toward open scholarship and equitable access to resources.
The relaunch, managed under the Libraries' Open Publishing program, positions EMRO as one of the few open access journals dedicated to media reviews. Previously hosted on a dedicated site, the resource has migrated to a new journal platform at journals.psu.edu/emro, ensuring long-term sustainability and enhanced discoverability for users worldwide.
Background and Evolution of EMRO
Educational Media Reviews Online began as a database compiling reviews of videos, DVDs, and other media from major educational distributors and independent filmmakers. It served faculty, librarians, and media specialists seeking vetted content for classroom use and research. Over the years, EMRO built a reputation for rigorous, independent evaluations that helped institutions make informed decisions about media acquisitions.
The transition to open access reflects evolving priorities in academic libraries. By removing paywalls, Penn State enables broader participation from educators at under-resourced institutions, community colleges, and international partners. This aligns with national conversations about open educational resources and the role of university presses in democratizing knowledge.
Details of the Relaunch and Migration
The relaunch was announced in mid-May 2026, with the new site emphasizing streamlined submissions and expanded review categories. Librarian Angela Davis now oversees the journal, bringing expertise in media curation and open publishing practices. The platform supports peer-reviewed submissions, ensuring quality while maintaining accessibility.
Key features include an updated interface for browsing reviews, enhanced search capabilities, and integration with Penn State's broader open publishing ecosystem. Existing content has been preserved and migrated, while new reviews are actively solicited from scholars and practitioners in education, film studies, and related fields.
The Importance of Open Access in Media Reviews
Open access publishing removes financial barriers that often limit access to specialized resources. In the context of educational media, this means instructors can more easily identify high-quality documentaries, instructional videos, and independent films without subscription costs. For PhD candidates and early-career researchers, free access supports literature reviews and curriculum development.
Academic libraries play a central role in this shift. By hosting and managing platforms like EMRO, institutions such as Penn State contribute to the open science movement, which emphasizes transparency, reproducibility, and inclusivity. This approach contrasts with traditional commercial databases that charge high fees for access.
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Penn State's Commitment to Open Publishing
Penn State University Libraries has a strong track record in open initiatives, including support for open access monographs and journal hosting. The EMRO relaunch builds on this foundation, demonstrating how libraries can leverage their expertise to fill gaps in scholarly communication.
The Open Publishing program provides infrastructure, editorial support, and preservation services. This model allows faculty and librarians to focus on content while the university handles technical and administrative aspects, fostering innovation in how research and reviews are shared.
Benefits for Higher Education Stakeholders
Faculty benefit from curated reviews that save time when selecting media for courses. Administrators gain insights into trends in educational media that can inform collection development and budgeting. Students and researchers access diverse perspectives on topics ranging from history and science to social issues through reviewed content.
Independent filmmakers and distributors also gain visibility. Positive reviews on an open platform can increase exposure for their work, encouraging high-quality productions tailored to educational needs. This creates a virtuous cycle supporting both creators and users.
Challenges and Opportunities in Educational Media
Despite the advantages, challenges remain. The volume of new media continues to grow, requiring sustained editorial effort to maintain review quality. Additionally, ensuring accessibility features such as captions and transcripts for reviewed media aligns with broader institutional commitments to inclusion.
Opportunities include expanding EMRO's scope to emerging formats like interactive media, virtual reality experiences, and open educational resources. Partnerships with other universities could further enrich the database and distribute the workload.
Future Outlook for EMRO and Similar Initiatives
The relaunch signals a promising direction for open access in niche scholarly areas. As more institutions adopt similar models, the landscape of educational media evaluation will become more collaborative and transparent. Penn State’s leadership may inspire other libraries to revive or create comparable resources.
Long-term success will depend on community engagement, consistent funding, and adaptation to technological changes. Continued emphasis on diversity in reviewed content and reviewers will strengthen the journal’s relevance.
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Actionable Insights for Academics and Administrators
Educators are encouraged to explore the new EMRO site and consider submitting reviews of media they have used effectively. Administrators can integrate the resource into library guides and faculty development programs. PhD students may find EMRO valuable for identifying primary sources in their fields.
Institutions looking to support open access can study Penn State’s approach as a case study in sustainable publishing models. Collaboration across departments, including libraries, instructional design units, and academic departments, maximizes impact.
