Excitement swirled around the publication of the fall 2011 International Reading Association (IRA) publications catalog, but the collection of literacy resources wasn’t the only draw. This catalog is the first IRA catalog to feature an interactive shopping cart that allows readers to purchase items while browsing the digital version.
The IRA publications catalog was released as an interactive digital version as well as in print for the first time in spring 2011. The fall issue brings the addition of red “buy” buttons next to each publication description in the online catalog. Clicking “buy” adds the item to a shopping cart, which you can check by clicking on a red cart icon at the top of each page. This digital interaction replaces the paper order form in the print edition. IRA member and bulk order discounts are automatically applied during the checkout process.
Another new feature to the fall 2011 catalog is the addition of icons that highlight books on Common Core and Response to Intervention. Two pages of the catalog recommend books that are helpful with these topics, and “CC” and “RTI” symbols appear next to appropriate book listings throughout the catalog. New books and bestsellers are also called out with red “NEW!” and “BESTSELLER!” tags.
While all IRA resources couldn’t fit into the catalog, such as the popular $6.95 sale bookstore, IRA Books Marketing Associate Nicola Wedderburn says there’s more online. “The selection is always changing. You can find books, e-books, DVDs, lots of other resources on the website.” By visiting /books, you can view the books by title, by author, and many other ways.
This fall’s catalog is just the beginning of IRA’s efforts to make professional development easier for IRA members and all literacy professionals. To view the digital catalog, go to
/fall2011.