A Scholar’s Academic Manifesto

(Regula Richardsoni)

Dr. John V. Richardson Jr.

December 2006

1. Think about building your reputation by giving a local talk or presenting a paper at a national meeting. Better yet, make a presentation internationally. As William H. “Bill” Melody says, though “universities expect scholars to earn international reputations by staying home”.
2. Bibliographical citations are foundational to our field. Take the time to master a single bibliographical style (such as APA, CMS, Harvard Bluebook, or MLA, for example).
3. A theory of citation: write what others want to read, not what you think is interesting or useful.
4. Be language blind, seeking the best work on a subject. Translate it, if necessary.
5. Respect accents, of both kinds.
6. Collaboration is great, especially when co-authorship is mutually understood a priori.
7. Acknowledge others; respect their assistance, whenever appropriate.
8. Forces certain, at the highest levels, prefer you to be distracted, entertained, and ignorant.
9. Learn how to learn for yourself; take responsibility for your own education.
10. Show that you know, so that others may learn from you.

NOTE: My list is inspired by numerous trips abroad, having read with interest various ancient “Library Rules of Conduct” or for Religious Orders concerning life in monasteries as well as reading UCLA’s and other universities' laboratory rules.