This week I am in the process of moving my office from Athabasca University to home. It was a lot of work sorting, selecting and shifting. Most of the books that I THINK I still want are now on the bookshelves here at home. However, I have doubts as to their usefulness, as the texts (of course) are not searchable, except by very slow and pain-staking review. I’ve read them all once at least, but do I remember the juicy quotes?? I find increasingly that my references, original articles, illustrations etc. all come from the web – notably Google Scholar
In any case, I took the opportunity to put all the books (no duplicates) that I have authored, co-authored or written a chapter for on a single shelf. It came to 24 inches worth or roughly 2 inches a year, over my 20 year academic career. Of course some of the larger tombes (i.e. Handbooks at right) I only have a small chapter, so can’t honestly claim all 24 inches for myself!
It is fun to scan the titles. It makes me realize how narrow the academic focus of my work has been – almost all distance or online education stuff. Obviously my first great Canadian novel, has yet to be written!
Hi Terry,
Moving forward and up with all the courage and wisdom that you live and exemplify! Awesome 24 inches of books! It is a lot to digest — the work you did with students and other colleagues — and the work you will do in the future. The phrase I read in March Zoomer — 50- 64 — alpha boomers — are working much more than many people realize — on their own companies and into other aspirations that shift over time. All the best to you next chapter in your life. Thank you for all you dedication, perseverance, and scholarly contributions. Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers
Thanks Jo Ann- you are way to kind with your words and thoughts, but hey, everyone likes to be appreciated – and I appreciate your taking the time to comment!