LIBRARY OF SCIENCE CHOOSES PHYSICS TEXT AS MAIN SELECTION

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Library of Science has chosen "Physics: Concepts and Connections" by University of Arkansas Professor Art Hobson as its main selection for May 1999.

More than 80 colleges and universities across the United States use the text, in which Hobson offers a social and philosophical context from which to teach physics to nonscientists. A Chinese translation of the book is in the works as well.

"The book provides an alternative by presenting physics as a human endeavor," said Hobson. "The target audience is nonscientists who need a non-mathematical and non-technical science course that is relevant to their lives."

Hobson believes there is a vital need for science courses and texts that help people understand the myriad science issues that affect their lives daily. In his book, he has attempted to integrate the principles of physics with cultural issues.

"I address not only scientific methodology, pseudoscience, and extraterrestrial intelligence, but also global warming, nuclear weapons, and energy resources," said Hobson. Being designated as a main selection means Hobson's text will be available to a much wider audience. Generally, college texts don't make it into the trade, or general readership, market.

"The Library of Science will advertise the book to a diverse audience. In fact, a representative told me that this is an experiment for them, since it's the first time they have used a textbook as a main selection," said Hobson.

The Library of Science is the oldest science book club in the U.S., its membership consisting of about equal numbers of working scientists and people who simply like to read about science.

More information about "Physics: Concepts and Connections" published in June 1998 by Prentice Hall, can be found on the Prentice Hall website.

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