JISC National e-textbook Debate - asking big questions

As part of the National E-books Observatory Project and the first in a series of events for Jisc’s Libraries of the Future programme, the Jisc National E-textbook Debate provides a unique opportunity to quiz a panel of experts and to openly debate the future role of the library in the provision of electronic textbooks.

Jisc’s Executive Secretary, Malcolm Read, will be chairing the event and managing the panel. The panel consists of publishers and librarians. Representing the publishing community we have Tom Davy, CEO of Cengage and Dominic Knight, MD of Palgrave. Representing the library community we have Sue McKnight, Director of Libraries and Knowledge Resources at Nottingham Trent University and Mandy Phillips, Information Resources Manager at Edge Hill University. Each will have their own viewpoint, some arguing that in order to meet expectations and demand the institution/library purchase model must continue and some arguing against the institutional/library purchase model of e-textbooks on the grounds of sustainability and diversity of needs.

This event will be blogged live by a Guardian editor and recorded for podcasting. In addition, a camera will interview audience members. It will also be included in the Libraries of the Future micro-site on the Guardian website and a bespoke editorial Guardian supplement.

The key to a successful debate is to have a lively audience! If you would like to be an audience member and join the debate please complete audience registration form

Register here

Maps: Google Maps or Street Maps
Times: 17:30 - 19:00 - Wine and nibbles will be served in the Lounge Bar from 17:30 and the Debate will start at 18:00 and run till 19:00 in the Kingston Theatre
Charges: This event is free

 Listen to the audio from this debate

Download the mp3