Technology and the Disruption of Higher Education - Saving

In this review of Technology and the Disruption of Higher Education: Saving the American University, the reviewer finds a deeply researched, scholarly examination of how digital change affects college and university missions. Written by Henry C. Lucas Jr., the book is recommended for readers seeking an authoritative, academic treatment of education policy and institutional strategy. The single biggest reason to read it is its combination of meticulous scholarship and accessible organization that frames the national dialogue on higher education in a digital age.

Key Features

• Authoritative scholarship: The book presents a seminal, carefully researched study grounded in the author's academic experience and institutional knowledge.
• Clear organization: Material is presented in an accessibly organized manner that helps readers follow complex policy and technological arguments.
• Broad relevance: The analysis connects technology trends to the core educational missions of colleges and universities, making it useful across sectors.
• Library value: Recommended for academic, governmental, and professional collections as a reference on higher education and technology.
• Policy-focused insight: The work contributes to national dialogue and is practical for those studying or shaping higher education policy.

Who It's For

The book is best for higher education administrators, policy makers, faculty in education and information systems, and academic librarians who need a rigorous, research-based resource on how technology disrupts institutional missions. Graduate students and researchers seeking a scholarly treatment of digital change in universities will also find the material valuable.

Readers looking for a short, light overview or a how-to manual for implementing specific technology tools should look elsewhere; this is a deep, academic study focused on institutional effects and policy rather than step-by-step technical guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Impressively researched and well written, offering a strong scholarly foundation for further study.
• Accessibly organized presentation makes complex arguments easier to follow for informed readers.
• Valuable as a reference for academic and governmental collections addressing higher education policy.

Cons

• Not intended as a practical implementation guide, so readers seeking hands-on technology instructions may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	Technology and the Disruption of Higher Education: Saving the American University
Author	Henry C. Lucas Jr.
Perspective	Academic analysis of technology's impact on higher education
Recommended for	Personal, professional, governmental, and academic libraries
Content style	Scholarly, well researched, accessibly organized
Main focus	National dialogue on college and university educational missions

Our Verdict

Technology and the Disruption of Higher Education is a substantial, well-documented study that anyone involved in higher education policy or administration should consider. Its scholarly depth and clear organization make it good value for libraries and serious readers who want a foundational, research-driven perspective on how digital change reshapes university missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote this book?
Henry C. Lucas Jr., a professor and department chair with expertise in information systems and higher education.

Is this book practical for IT staff?
It is primarily an academic policy analysis rather than a technical how-to guide, so IT staff seeking implementation details may need supplemental resources.

Should libraries include this title?
Yes; the Midwest Book Review recommends it for academic, governmental, and professional higher education collections.