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It appears to be more difficult to find appropriate updated textbooks for a few topical areas. Textbook reps continuallyl ask, "would you be willing to author a new text?"
I think that this really depends upon the topic under consideration. In economics, I prefer Krugman and Wells because Krugman was the 2008 Nobel prize winner in economics. Other people do not like Krugman because he is a liberal. I feel that this is not relevant. It is the fame and quality of the text that is really important, not the politics of capitalism and its critics.
Donald L. Buresh
Hi Beth,
First check with your college to see if they secure sample copies for you. If they don't, contact the publisher of the text you are interested in and they will be glad to send you a sample copy. Also, there will be a regional sales rep that will be glad to call on you and show the text as well. Text book publishers are more than eager to share sample copies with you once they know you are interested.
Gary
Hi Gary
What is the best way to go about getting sample texts from companies? Do they limit instructors? Should we ask our schools education department to do this? Or do we just ask them?
Hi Amy,
Talk with different textbook reps and get sample copies. Go through the texts and then select the one that covers the topics the way you want them covered. Develop list of reasons why the text you want should be selected. Be specific with your reasons. Examples of graphics, sidebars, illustrations, and chapter reviews are all good to include. You have to have a very solid rationale in order to sell the desired text to the curriculum committee.
Gary
Some text books that have been chosen for my program that really do the students no good. They are either too indepth or way to basic. How do you go about finding the appropriate text and then have it approved in the cirriculum
Jerry,
I think that you should go ahead and start writing a text! You would do a fantastic job!
Hi Jerry,
Maybe you should think about taking on the task of writing a text. It is people from the field that can really communicate the needed content. It could be a new adventure for you to something like this.
I have written a number of books and I must say writing is a challenge but can bring great satisfaction when completed.
Gary
