Abstract: The paper explores the role of Open Access (in licensing, publishing and sharing research data) and Open
Educational Resources within Distance Education, with a focus on the context of the University of London International
Programmes. We report on a case study where data were gathered from librarians and programme directors relating to
existing practice around Open Access; the major constraints in using Open Educational Resources and the main resource
implications, when adopting Open Educational Resources, were also investigated. Our aim was to (a) raise awareness and
understanding of what is possible to achieve in higher education by embracing the Open Access movement(b) identify
next steps and actions that could be taken to improve institutional use of Open Access materials, including Open
Educational Resources, (c) examine the implicationsof such actions for Open Distance Learning and generally the higher
education sector. Our investigation highlighted some opportunities and the findings resulted into some clear
recommendations that emerged both for practitionersand for students in this area. There seems to be aclear synergy
between the different but related movements of Open access and OERs as both have to address issues of ease of access,
quality and visibility in order to become accepted in higher education.