Library/Writing Center professional development spotlight: 'How Textbooks Work at NEOMED'

On Tuesday, September 23, from 11:15 a.m. to noon, Colleen Duchon and Stephanie Gaskins will lead a professional development session on a topic that impacts every course at NEOMED: the textbook adoption process.

While textbooks may seem like a straightforward part of course design, the reality is far more complex. Faculty and staff play an essential role in ensuring that students have timely, affordable access to course materials. This session will break down the process step by step, providing practical insights into how NEOMED coordinates textbook adoption across departments.

Understanding textbook adoption isn’t just an administrative detail; it’s an important part of student success and faculty efficiency. When the process is transparent, everyone benefits:

• Cost savings and accessibility: NEOMED policy encourages selecting affordable options, including e-books, open-access materials, and previous editions when appropriate.
• Faculty responsibility: Course directors are tasked with identifying required and recommended texts, avoiding unnecessary bundles, and coordinating with the library to leverage existing resources.

Participants will leave the session with:

• A clearer understanding of the behind-the-scenes adoption process.
• Tools for streamlining communication between departments, the library, and the bookstore.
• Strategies to make textbook adoption easier and more equitable for both faculty and students.

Join Us

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Location: Zoom 

As with all PD sessions, this event will be recorded. Unlike most sessions, however, the recording will be sent directly to the email inboxes of faculty and staff for ease of access.

This is more than just a technical workshop; it’s an opportunity to see the bigger picture of how course materials shape teaching and learning at NEOMED.