FORMER FACULTY MEMBER IN PITT'S SCHOOL OF INFORMATION SCIENCES HONORED FOR TEXTBOOK

August 24, 2001

PITTSBURGH—The textbook, Understanding Operating Systems, by former University of Pittsburgh professor Ida Flynn, and Ann McIver McHoes, was awarded the 2001 Textbook Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA) during the association's recent awards banquet in San Antonio. Understanding Operating Systems is published by Brooks/Cole Thompson Learning.

Ida Flynn completed a 20-year career at the University of Pittsburgh in 2000, when she retired from the Department of Information Science and Telecommunications in the School of Information Sciences (SIS). Since 1991, she had served as director of SIS' undergraduate program. Flynn earned the bachelor's degree in mathematics from Adelphi University, the master's degree in computer science from Illinois Institute of Technology, and both the master's degree in business administration and the Ph.D. degree in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh.

TAA created the Textbook Excellence Award, known as the "Texty," in 1992 to recognize current textbooks and learning materials. To be nominated, a work must carry a copyright date for the previous or current year. Entries are not limited to books and may include learning materials of all mediums.

Commenting on Flynn's book, one judge said, "Overall the text was very well organized and easy to read. The layout is conducive to the learning style of our present generation of students. The text has many strengths which enhance its usability."

Toni Carbo, dean of SIS said, "We are delighted that Dr. Flynn has received this well-deserved award for this book, which resulted from her 20 years of experience in teaching and in communicating about complex information technology to undergraduate students."

The Text and Academic Authors Association was established in 1987 for people interested in developing and publishing various types of educational materials, including textbooks, software, videos, monographs, reference books, newsletters, multimedia CD-ROM disks, and others. TAA represents text and academic authors in matters that include taxes, copyright, and better appreciation of their work within academe. The association also is committed to improving the quality of educational materials.

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