Letter to LBCC HDFS 262 students and other students using this text

Students,

This book is password protected because it is the “working draft” of a brand-new book.  That means it has been developed enough to read, but that is not yet in its final form, ready to have the first edition published.  In another year, another time, I would not have given students early access to this text; I would have waited until it was more finished and more complete. But this is not a typical year or a typical time. I can make this text available to you for no cost and it seemed like the right thing to do just now. Many students and families are struggling and I hope that paying for one fewer text makes a difference. I’ve worked hard to get it “ready enough” for you.

But I’m not releasing it early only because it is free. I also believe that this text will ultimately be superior to the text that students paid $160 for last year.  It is more focused on students in this region and on today’s challenges.  Human services professionals must be ready for those challenges and we will use this text to help us think about the crises that families currently face: unemployment, housing insecurity, mental health challenges, all worsened by the worldwide pandemic and the regional wildfires. We will look at the role that helping professionals play in these social problems.

This text also helps students think about major choices and careers. Many of you are considering human services, sociology, social work, psychology, criminal justice, public health, education or other related majors.  While the focus on this text tis on Human Services and Social Work it also takes a broad look at careers, workplaces, and populations served.

I’ve written some chapters and I’ve utilized chapters from three other openly licensed textbooks. Eventually this book will look seamless and consistent, but not yet!  Each of the other textbooks has different features (e.g. like textboxes, learning objectives, and self-checking quizzes). So it may feel a bit unsettling to get used to one style and then go to another style. That’s the trade off for “free” right now.  I’ll be working to fix those inconsistencies for the next year. For now, I’ve tried to get rid of as many broken links and fix as much formatting as possible, as well as editing content that was out of date or inaccurate.

You can play a role.  I’ll have a spreadsheet where you can enter problems or inconsistencies that you find. If you see something that is inaccurate or leaves someone out or needs updating, I want that feedback. The beauty of open licensing is that students can give feedback and can even help revise the textbook! And you will be key to the revision process.

By the way, I spent last year writing another textbook with a group of 13 LBCC students.  I’m really proud of it! While it will also have revisions in years to come, it much more complete than this book, and I’d love for you to take a look at it.  Contemporary Families: An Equity Lens will be used by about 300 students this year. It is not password protected; anyone can read it and we hope that colleges across the country will eventually adopt it.

I am interested in your feedback on this text at any time. Please feel free to email me directly with ideas, corrections or suggestions: pearcel@linnbenton.edu.

Best,

Liz