Textbooks

Updated December 2018

To order textbooks for iSchool classes, faculty should first converse with their Program Director/Manager to confirm the use of the text, and to determine if the books have already been ordered. If your Director/Manager did not order them, then you are able to order them using the SU Bookstore online system, number or email address listed below.

Go to http://bookweb.syr.edu/ePOS

Call: 315-443-9901

Email: textbook@syr.edu

eBooks

Selected ebook subscription resources in Syracuse University Libraries (SUL) collections that allow for multi-person classroom use.  eBook – A Summary of Multi-user eBook Options

Tips for choosing textbooks 1,2

  • Examine the books the previous instructor used
  • Talk to the previous instructor, or an instructor of a similar class about their textbook adoption process
  • Get the opinion of faculty members who have not taught the course; it might produce a more objective result
  • Examine the program curriculum or course learning outcomes and activities for parallels between the program goals and outcomes and textbooks
  • Examine the appropriateness of the book for the audience
    • Is the book written in appropriate language?
    • Are there accessible copies for students with disabilities?
    • Is the book visually stimulating?
    • Is the book appropriate for learners’ cultural backgrounds, ages, and interests?
  • Does the text focus on the skills it claims to focus on?
  • Does it actually teach these skills or provide practice in the skills students already possess?
  • Examine the book to ensure it covers a wide range of cognitive skills including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
  • Complete any exercises or activities in the textbook.
  • Discuss your course with publisher’s representatives about the textbook, supplementary materials including free and online resources
  • Examine Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com for book reviews and recommendations

Tips for making textbooks more affordable

  • Commit to using the same textbook and edition for two – three years to ensure a supply of used books
  • Discuss with colleagues adopting the same textbook for similar or same courses
  • Let students use an older edition, and provide them with information about newer editions
  • Assign readings within the public domain where appropriate and applicable
  • For more tips see the Center for Teaching and Learning at UC Berkeley