LOYOLA LINKS

• September 21, 2011
• 12:01 am
• khustad

Are e-books the future?

Professors: though it may seem early to start thinking about booklists for next semester, the future of textbooks is approaching and the name of the game is digital.

Ten percent of all course materials will be digital by Fall of 2012, according to projections by the National Association of College Stores as reported by the Boston Globe, which is up from three percent in 2010. But still, for many this  may be uncharted territory.

The University Libraries are here to help, however, with their September Commonalities discussion series, occurring on Monday, September 26 from noon to 1 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Klarchek Information Commons.

“Commonalities is an informal discussion group for faculty interested in exploring topics that are related to teaching and research,” writes Leslie Haas, director of the Klarchek Information Commons, in an e-mail interview.  “It is not meant to be a lecture or presentation, but to provide faculty with an opportunity to meet others who may have an interest in the same subject and to get together and explore different topics.”

This month, the focus is all on the new era of digital textbooks. In addition to being an increasingly prominent issue in the higher education world, Haas says there was an e-book discussion last year, and it was so popular they decided it should be brought back and expanded.  Haas says the Dean of the Libraries, Robert Seal, is leading a University Committee on the subject as well, making the discussion particularly germane in terms of Loyola’s broader vision.

Not a digital textbook expert? Don’t worry. Haas says the discussion is facilitated by a faculty member that has a “specific interest” in the topic and helps the conversation begin. If interested, participants are also given articles and resources before the discussion in order to help prepare.

Commonalities is open to faculty, administrators, and graduate students who teach. The event is free and includes lunch, but reservations are required.  Reserve a spot by September 22 by e-mailing Carol Franklin at cfrankl@luc.edu.