As a collection development/management librarian, I’m very interested in how faculty and students think about library resources, and these days I spend a lot of time wondering and worrying about e-books. In particular, I’m curious to talk to other THAT-campers about attitudes toward e-books (specifically scholarly monographs) within various humanities disciplines. A few questions we might consider:
- How could the e-book format change scholarship in the humanities (both in terms of the kind of work you produce and the way you use the work of others)?
- Are there significant differences in attitudes toward e-books between humanities professors and humanities students?
- What features or options would make e-books more appealing to humanities scholars and students?
- Is the stereotype of humanities faculty as e-book-averse true? If so, what are the reasons behind the aversion?
- Do existing e-book business models have the potential to support humanities research and education? What other models might work better?
- How can librarians and faculty have a productive conversation about e- books in the humanities?
I’ve enjoyed reading the creative and thoughtful proposals that have been put forth so far and look forward to meeting everyone on Saturday!
#1 by laynecraig on April 15, 2011 - 12:57 am
I am also very intrigued, but thinking more from the classroom side. I’d like to talk about the views humanities professors and students have about e-books particularly in terms of accessibility challenges and advantages of assigning e-books–cost on the one hand, but increased options for students with disabilities on the other. How would assigning e-books change the demographics and environments of humanities courses?
#2 by amyschexnayder on April 12, 2011 - 4:13 am
As someone who uses ebooks in my research – and I have faced resistance – I am very intrigued by this session!