1 Designing the front and back matter
Chapter contents
- Acknowledgment of country
- Author introduction and dedication
- About this book
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Appendix/appendices
- Glossary
- Versioning history
Front matter
Pressbooks allows you to separate Front Matter elements using the “Front Matter Type” drop down box on the right-hand-side of the screen. However, for ease of reading and access, it is recommended to include all front matter elements in one page.
Create an introduction and acknowledgments page by navigating the left-hand-side menu to Organise> Add Front Matter. Alternatively, you can add a new front matter chapter in the organise page. Consider including these elements in the front matter.
Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners of Western Sydney University land
Include an acknowledgement of the traditional owners of Western Sydney University land in the first chapter of the front matter.
Include any additional acknowledgements that seem appropriate for your text.
With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Tharawal (also historically referred to as Dharawal), Gandangarra and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond)[1].
Author introduction and dedication
Introduce the author, subject matter, or supporting research in the second chapter of the front matter. Provide acknowledgement of supporting author/s and links to any contact pages or professional profiles.
Include a dedication to a person or people if appropriate.
Include photos of the author/s where possible. Use a medium-sized image ( 300mm X 200mm) and align the text to the left or right of the picture.
Do not include chapter contents in the front matter pages.
About this book
Write a short section that describes the book and includes the recognition of any funding institutions, public bodies, or other organisations. Include any unique features of the book, Sustainable Development Goals, or noteworthy elements of the book.
Foreword (optional)
A foreword is typically written by an outside expert in the field at the request of the primary author.
Back matter
Create separate back matter elements by navigating the left-hand-side menu to Organise> Add Back Matter. Choose the order and name of your back matter elements by using the “Back Matter Type” drop-down box on the right-hand-side of the screen.
Consider adding these backmatter elements:
Appendix
Create a separate back matter element and title it Appendix/Appendices. Provide the supplementary materials to information found in the main work. In cases where there are more than one appendices they can be numbered and described for easier reference
Glossary
Pressbooks can automatically create a glossary. Consider using this if the book’s audience is would benefit from an explanation of key terms.To insert a glossary term, use the glossary button and describe the term.
This button will generate html code and the Glossary will build separately.
Versioning history
Library can add information on how to report an error in the textbook. Authors can also use this section to record updates and changes made in the textbook and the date of those changes. This information about maintaining the book may also be of interest.
Front and back matter checklist
Check the following:
- All front matter content is in one page
- All back matter elements are separated into Appendix, Glossary etc.
- Acknowledgment of country and author acknowledgments are included and link to contact details.
Media Attributions
- Glossary screenshot © Karen Sheehy is licensed under a CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike) license
- Western Sydney University, Acknowledgement of traditional owners, n.d. ↵