Errors in Published Textbooks: A Call for Debate, Research and Remedies

Abstract

This research letter aims to alert various stakeholders in the academic, education, publishing, and other related sectors in Africa to the growing media reports on errors in published books across the continent and the need to begin to address the growing challenge. Embarrassing reports of extensive errors in already distributed textbooks and scholarly books are now frequently reported in national newspapers and the social media, and no discipline is spared. This letter calls on the various stakeholders and actors (authors, content editors, copy editors, reviewers, publishers and approving authorities) and publishing firms to rise up to the discharge of their individual and collective expert, professional and social responsibilities to ensure quality control in book production and publishing processes. It also calls for debate and research to understand the problem and proffer remedies