Book of Experts provides quick online access to Ontario college expertise

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Reporters seeking to find college experts on everything from the skills mismatch and youth unemployment to biotechnology and acute-care nursing can find a full range of sources thanks to an online tool produced by Ontario's 24 public colleges.

The College Book of Experts - www.collegebookofexperts.org - provides users with the names of faculty experts from across Ontario. The site is searchable by college name, area of expertise, or by using an individual's name.

"With today's deadlines being tighter than ever, there is a need to access a wide range of expertise quickly," said Linda Franklin, the president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. "With just a couple of clicks, journalists can find commentary, insight and information within seconds."

Ontario's public college system has more than 120 campuses and satellite locations across the province serving every size of community. There are about 7,000 full-time and 12,000 part-time faculty members at the colleges.

Ontario's colleges offer courses in more than 600 program areas. A wide range of degrees, diploma and certificate programs are available to students. Colleges also provide 87 per cent of in-class training for apprentices. The scope of subjects offered at campuses across the province has expanded dramatically since the college system was established more than 45 years ago.

College programs evolve to meet the changing demands of the new economy. In everything from eco-adventure tourism to broadcast engineering technology to supply chain management, programs are constantly being added and updated to meet industry demands.

There is growing awareness of the importance of college education in the new economy. Full-time enrolment in first-year college programs hit its highest level ever this year. As well, the number of university graduates applying to college has increased more than 40 per cent from five years ago.

"We knew there was a need for this site because of the outstanding expertise that exists in the college system and the many stories that unfold on a daily basis," Franklin said. "The College Book of Experts will provide a valuable resource to media throughout the province."

SOURCE: Colleges Ontario

Karen Horsman Manager, Media Relations and Communications Colleges Ontario 647-258-7686 [email protected]