Eastern Michigan University faculty are used to their students pulling out textbooks in class. Now, those same instructors are hoping students and many others on campus take the time to pull one of their authored tomes off the shelf.
That opportunity now exists at the Faculty Publications Alcove, an 18-square-foot area with more than 800 publications, located behind the Halle Library information desk. The newly created alcove spotlights the scholarly and creative contributions of EMU's faculty authors, and was the site of the Second Annual EMU Faculty Author Recognition Reception Feb. 23.
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A GOOD READ: Jeanne Thomas, dean of the College of
Health and Human Services, explores a book selection
at the Faculty Publications Alcove in Halle Library. The
alcove was the site of the Second Annual EMU Author
Recognition Reception Feb. 23. The alcove contains
more than 800 books and other publications authored
by EMU faculty.
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"When we profess, we usually do it orally. But sometimes we need to write it down. That makes it more special," said EMU President Craig Willis, who congratulated the faculty and everyone connected with the alcove during his reception remarks.
"There wasn't any place on campus that kept track of all the faculty publications," said Julia Nims, information services librarian, standing in the alcove, which contains a "blazing" electric fireplace and comfortable chairs and sofas. "Our library faculty members suggested the idea and it was funded by a $20,000 strategic initiative."
"It's a nice thing for students to see that faculty are publishing. I write computer textbooks that are now more visible (in this alcove)," said John Preston, associate professor in the College of Technology. His book, "Go! With Microsoft Office 2003: Advanced" (2004, Prentice Hall), is included in the alcove.
"It's the greatest thing ever. The community can be aware of faculty publications, especially journal articles, since 75 percent of the publications are journal articles," said Raouf Hanna, head of the economics department.
To facilitate a search for a specific publication, the Website http://defiance.emich.edu/notablecollection/Facpub was developed for browsers to access faculty publications by author, department, title, keyword, school or publication type, Nims said. The Web site also has forms for submitting books or correcting information. The faculty-authored books are displayed with special bookplates, Nims said.
In the future, the alcove can be used for book signings or faculty discussions. Eventually, the alcove can be expanded to include publications by staff, students and alumni, Nims said.
"This (alcove) is an excellent way to recognize faculty scholarship, which is the other half of teaching," said Linda Pritchard, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
