MLA Programs

Tsunami! New Publishing Paradigms and Health Sciences Libraries

Join the Dental Section and Dr. Titus Schleyer by the sea for a great program on Monday, May 5, 2003

Abstract:

"Computing in Dentistry" -- A New Book and Website

"Computing in Dentistry" (see http://www.dental-computing.com), currently in development, is a combination of a book and a Website about computer and information technology applications in dentistry. The major focus of the project is to create acontent-specific, complementary and synergistic resource from traditional and electronic media. The project was derived from several premises. The experience of our first traditional textbook publication (The Global Village of Dentistry, 1998, Quintessence) clearly indicated that obsolescence is a major problem for technology topics. Second, there is critical need in the dental community for a comprehensive resource on computer technology that is not being met with traditional information resources. Third, a novel approach was needed to combine one of the oldest academic activities, publishing textbooks, with one of the newest academic activities, creating Web-based resources. "Computing in Dentistry" allows readers to interact with the content of a textbook in a new way that is more akin to educational software. For instance, content is separated into more static and dynamic parts. Readers can choose to be notified when new material about a specific topic becomes available; highlight content updates; ask questions of the authors or interact with other readers; and use pointers in the hardcopy to access corresponding online resources through the Website immediately. In addition, an intelligent search engine allows retrieval of specific information quickly. The presentation will highlight the design of the book/Website, and discuss results of early usability tests.