Boone, E., Safrit, R. D. & Jones, J. (2002). Developing programs in adult education. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.
As a comprehensive guide for present and future adult learners, this book offers a wide variety of ins and outs in the field of program development in Adult Education. A great deal of focus is placed on all areas of the field within this book. These include planning, designing, implementing, evaluating and accounting for adult educational programs. This author also offers a program model that can be adopted within other programs. First, a review of major programming models is offered, followed by a theoretical approach. Next is a rather hefty but informative portion designated just for the planning component. Lastly, implementation, evaluation and accountability are discussed. This is a very interesting read with much to offer the common adult educator.

Brockett, R., & Hiemstra, R., (2004). Toward Ethical Practice. Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company.
This is a must read for anyone currently employed or planning employment within any professional field. More specifically, this is a very pertinent read for those within the field of adult education. This author starts by defining ethical practice in general and then takes a deeper look of ethical dilemmas and how to respond to those. This author also provides a phenomenal ethical decision making model that can be utilized by those practicing in the field. While much of the focus is on dealing with other ethical dilemmas, the author pushes the reader to self evaluate and come up with personal statements of philosophy to place some definition on ones self and where one comes from. Several possible ethical dilemmas are discussed as well as ways in responding to such. The author concludes by taking a look at some different ethical codes and standards as well as providing ideas on how to create an ethical environment.

Lindeman, E. C., (1989). The meaning of adult education. Canada: Harvest Housen. (Original work published in 1926)
It is difficult to explain this book with only words absent vocal tone and facial expression. This is a must read for anyone with any interest in higher learning, regardless of profession. Not only is it exciting to read something that the "father of adult education" has composed but the works within this book are great examples of sound philosophical beliefs backed by a social philosophical view. To put it very plainly, this book offers sound information, beautiful perspectives and meaningful quotes, all while stimulating the reader to apply the reading to themselves. This is a great book to use for any course having to do with post secondary education. This work is not affected by time and while it was first published in 1961, every bit of it can be applied to the modern time in which it is read.

Posavac, E., & Carey, R., (2007). Program evaluation, methods and case studies. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
This publication provides the ins and outs of all aspects of program evaluation. The authors cover program evaluation, planning and evaluation, selecting criteria and setting standards for evaluation, developing measures, ethics in program evaluation, the assessment of need, monitoring the operation of programs, qualitative evaluation methods, single group non- experimental outcome evaluations, quasi-experimental approaches to outcome evaluation, using experiments to evaluate programs, analysis of costs and outcomes, evaluation reports: interpreting and communicating findings and finally how to encourage utilization. It is apparent that this is a must read for anyone operating within the field of program planning, management or evaluation.

Rogers, E. M., (2003). Diffusion of Innovations. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
This is a classic work surrounding the concepts of diffusions of innovations. There are important insights and pure examples to draw upon for use in the field. All elements of diffusion are explained, while real life examples are provided. Both pros and cons of this area of research are also discussed. One of the most valuable sections in this book is on the innovation- decision process. Anyone attempting to bring change to social norms must read this book. Stages of the process, communication channels and rates of adoption are also included. The author concludes with some consequences of innovations, to complete the thorough run down of the diffusion of innovations.

Sylvia, R., & Sylvia, K., (2004). Program planning and evaluation for the public manager. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.

This is a very interesting read that surrounds several concepts involving the area of frameworks for organizations. These authors take the assumption that one needs a framework for examining organizations that is compatible with program evaluation. These authors touch on everything from systems concepts, planning, systems theory and planning technology, standard-based evaluation, monitoring and improving internal processes, research validity and evaluation designs, cost-benefit analysis and ends with a very savvy ten-point checklist for program evaluators to use in every day practice.

Vella, J., (2002). Learning to listen, learning to teach: The power of dialogue in educating adults (rev. ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
A phenomenal work by a very talented adult educator that has the gift of storytelling. Not only does Vella offer a twelve step process of "dialogue education" that includes focus on relationships, teamwork, and putting practice into action but she provides very interesting and sound stories to back up her perspectives. The greatest part of this read is that the reader comes away feeling empowered to look at both teaching and learning from a much broader viewpoint. Not only does Vella suggest focusing on the "whole person" when designing education but she paves the way on how the learners can guide the instructors in doing so.

Wilson, A., & Hayes, E., (2000). Handbook of adult and continuing education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
This publication is nothing more than exactly what the title suggests. This is an a to z handbook that offers insight into all facets in the field of adult education. This book covers the profession itself, the profession in practice, reflection on the profession and contents of past handbooks. Definitely good to keep around the office.