MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching) is a leading online learning resource and community platform based in the United States. It was established in 1997 as a project funded by the California State University system and has since grown into a renowned organization with a global reach. The headquarters of MERLOT is located in Long Beach, California, where it operates a diverse range of services and initiatives to support education and online teaching.

The organization's primary aim is to provide educators with a vast collection of high-quality, open educational resources (OER) that can be accessed and utilized for free. These resources include learning materials, multimedia tools, textbooks, and software applications contributed by institutions and educators worldwide. MERLOT serves as a hub for educators to connect, collaborate, and share their expertise.

With its robust online community, educators can participate in peer reviews, create personalized collections of resources, and engage in discussions and collaborations with other professionals. The platform also features a variety of workshops, conferences, and professional development opportunities to support the continuous growth of educators. On a global scale, MERLOT has established partnerships and collaborations with numerous educational organizations and institutions.

It has formed alliances with international bodies such as UNESCO and has active partnerships with educational institutions in various countries. Additionally, MERLOT has subsidiaries, including the California State University, that focus on specific domains such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In terms of market position, MERLOT is considered a pioneer in the OER movement and enjoys a strong reputation as a trusted source of educational resources.

Its global user base has steadily grown over the years, resulting in millions of educators and learners benefiting from its services. MERLOT competes with similar organizations, such as OER Commons and OpenStax, but remains a prominent player in the field due to its extensive collection of resources and active community engagement. Notably, MERLOT has continuously evolved its strategies and product lineup to meet the changing needs of educators and learners.

It has expanded its focus beyond traditional higher education to incorporate K-12 education and workforce development, ensuring a wider audience can benefit from its resources and services. As of the latest information available, MERLOT continues to thrive and fulfill its mission of enabling teaching and learning through the effective use of technology and open educational resources. It remains committed to providing educators with a comprehensive platform for sharing and accessing high-quality educational materials while fostering a strong online community of professionals passionate about education