How it Works
We have created two virtual book clubs for Cleveland State University alumni covering lifelong learning topics and topics related to business. The book clubs will connect through a private forum where alumni can discuss the current book and network with each other. Joining the book clubs is completely free. You just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy. The group will read one book every two months so that you'll have plenty of time for each book. You do not have to commit to read every book.
There are three main reasons we hope you'll be excited to participate in one of our alumni book clubs:
1. Connect with Fellow Cleveland State University Alumni: Want another way to connect with alumni? Joining one of our book clubs will introduce you to fellow Vikings across industries, generations and geographies to help you improve your network.
2. Advance Your Career: A professional book club can enhance your career on two fronts. First, the books you read may make you more effective in areas critical to success like leadership, communication and productivity. Second, the network you'll be building may help you with career advice, introduce you to new people and find your next job.
3. Reading is Good for You: Did you know business people who read at least seven business books per year earn over 230% more than people who read just one book per
year?1 Reading improves your intelligence, reasoning ability, and has been linked to reducing the chance of Alzheimer's.2 Joining one of our book clubs gives you the opportunity to read more and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
Lifelong Learning
This group will focus on self improvement through lifelong learning. We'll read books focused on the social sciences, current affairs, interpersonal skills, creativity, building effective habits as well as important texts and fiction.
We Are Voting for the Jan. 1 to Jan. 1 Selection Between:
Business and Professional Development
This group will focus business topics and professional development. Members of this group will read a range of informative business books on topics such as motivation, leadership, innovation, productivity and personal growth.
We Are Voting for the Jan. 1 to Jan. 1 Selection Between:
How often will books be read, what is the time commitment and what are the expectations?
We plan to start by reading one book every two months. The texts selected will be popular business and non-fiction books and take an average of six hours to read cover to cover. If you have between 15 and 30 minutes a week to read you should be fine. There are no strict expectations on members for this virtual community; if you are particularly busy with work, family or other obligations and can't read one of the books, that's okay. If you can only read part of a book and contribute a little to the online discussion then that's okay too. The goal of this program is to connect Cleveland State University alumni together through reading, so participate as much as makes sense for you.
Will there be any in-person meetings of the book clubs?
No, the book clubs will be entirely online. You can participate anywhere you have Internet access and on days and times that are convenient to you.
Can I join either book club?
Yes, each book club is open to all alumni. You can participate in both if you like. If you wish to sign up for both book clubs, complete your sign up for one of them and contact us at info@pbc.guru to get signed up for the second one.
Is there any cost to participate?
Participation is free for Cleveland State University alumni! You are responsible only for obtaining a copy of the book.
How do I get the books?
Participants can get books for free at their local library or purchase them.
How do book club discussions work?
The book clubs will have a moderator from PBC Guru who manages the forum where discussions occur online. The moderator will pose questions to the group, share relevant articles and facilitate conversation about topics in the book. Members will be encouraged to post and share as well. This format allows for ongoing conversation and makes it easy for alumni to connect with each other through forum.
How do I make a forum profile?
We're using a private forum to host each book club. After you complete the sign up, we'll send you a link to the forum and you can begin to post right away!
What exactly is PBC Guru and what do they have to do with the Cleveland State University book clubs?
Professional Book Club (PBC) Guru is a book club management company that works with businesses, alumni associations and professional societies. Cleveland State University is teaming up with PBC to put this program in place for alumni and friends. You can check out their website at www.pbc.guru if you want to see more of what they do.
What if my question isn't answered?
Feel free to send an email to info@pbc.guru and we'll be happy to help.
1 Tuesday Morning Coaching by David Cottrell, pg 134.
2 Harvard Business Review, 2012, https://hbr.org/2012/08/for-those-who-want-to-lead-rea/