In his assessment of the current state of e-book technology, David Rothman illustrates the value of e-books for educators, accounts for why the technology has not been more widely embraced, and discusses new developments that suggest a better future for e-books. For educators, particularly distance educators, e-books hold great potential to…

Three main factors in textbook selection for distance education--readability, appropriateness, and availability--are examined in detail, and suggestions for adapting standardized texts to the needs of individual groups are provided. Twelve specific criteria are listed for determining the appropriateness of a text and textual factors influencing…

Criticizes the lack of innovation and solid substance in most composition texts and freshman handbooks for college English. Also criticizes bidialectalism as an elitist concept. (RM)

Changes the state of California wishes incorporated in the materials used by the children of the State become incorporated in the publishers' national editions to ensure their availability whether the textbooks are supplied by the California state printers or the publishers. (RC)

This paper addresses the question of whether introductory students are learning the essential concepts of sociology. A study of 18 introductory sociology textbooks, dated from 1973 through 1977, indicates that these basic concepts are not clearly and intelligibly presented. Although over 1500 concepts were included in 18 glossaries, only one…

The subjects for this study were 81 freshman students who were taking courses in the social sciences at Herbert H. Lehman College in New York. A Nelson Denny Reading Test showed their average reading grade level to be 10.4 Twenty-three books in the social science areas were selected for appraisal, using such procedures as the application of a…

Designed to help local boards of education eliminate biased instructional materials, these guidelines contain (1) a suggested contractual provision which specifies instructional material reflecting the multi-ethnic nature of society, (2) a rationale for the contractual provision, (3) three examples of how textbooks can be analyzed, (4) the…

Raises questions about the readability criteria used by publishers and editors of reading textbooks in selecting and assembling materials for middle grade reading texts. (RL)

A survey of both junior and four-year college composition instructors revealed definite similarities in their preferences in a composition handbook. (MKM)

In order to prevail as viable instruments for learning in this day of close scrutiny and increased demands, textbooks must improve to meet society's expectations and educational trends. After discussing alternatives to textbooks and criticism of how textbooks are written, considers nine educational principles that textbooks can be expected to…

Shows that little overlap between books of psychological readings exists, and that little agreement exists between articles cited in textbooks and articles presented in readings books. (RL)

Charges that Macmillan Publishing Company's policy guidelines for textbooks ought to be denounced as a wilful exercise in intellectual dishonesty, as the company insists that its textbooks depict society, not as it is, but as the publishers would like it to be. (Author/AM)

Several responses to Kilpatricks' article on the Macmillan Publishing Company's policy guidelines governing textbook publication are provided. (Author/AM)

Discusses the textbook protest movement, highlighting themes and materials that have come under attack. Examines how art education might be affected by the movement and presents eight guidelines, adapted from the work of Ken Donelson, as quoted by Edward B. Jenkinson, for the safe selection of course material. (GEA)

Presents information on textbook design and marketing practices, and their consequences for textbook content; recommends that selection committees firmly define the role of the textbook in curriculum, and adapt published materials to their school system's unique requirements. (MCG)