Generation Open: Mason Takes a Closer Look at the Effects of Access for All - Mason News - George Mason University

"Many students at George Mason University are part of the generation that’s accustomed to getting the information it needs instantly—anytime, anywhere. This month, the global issue over whether Generation Open’s increasing access to free, online resources will change traditional teaching practices, comes to the forefront at George Mason University. At the new Gateway Library on the Fairfax Campus, Mason’s nationally ranked Forensics Team, under the guidance of Professor Peter Pober, presented a roundtable discussion on 'The Future of Textbooks in an Open Access World.' The event, hosted by the University Libraries, was part of George Mason’s seventh annual observance of International Open Access Week Oct. 20- Oct. 26. Open Access to information is defined by supporters as free, immediate, online access to the results of scholarly research, and the right to use and re-use results as needed. The undergraduate student roundtable tackled questions about open access and open education resources. Forensics Team members included Nathan Leys, government and international politics major; Samuel Abney, communication major; Ian Birdwell, government and international politics major; and AK Komanduri, government and international politics major ..."