"The Independent Scholar's Handbook" is Back

SAS member Brian Chapel of Victoria, BC, Canada, has sent good news about an important resource for citizen scientists.

Brian writes, "In his paper "Secrets of Guerrilla Scholarship" presented at the 2002 Citizen Science Conference, Sheldon Greaves spoke very enthusiastically about "The Independent Scholar's Handbook" by Ronald Gross. This gem has been reissued in digital form and can be downloaded from the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars and Simon Fraser University's Continuing Studies department. The URL is: http://www.sfu.ca/independentscholars/isbook.htm ."

Academia is not always receptive to independent scholars and citizen scientists. After all, colleges and universities are in the business of training scholars, not endorsing those who train themselves. That's why it is significant that Simon Fraser University has republished "The Independent Scholar's Handbook."

This 301-page book is a complete guide for anyone who wants to pursue independent scholarship. The book includes planning ideas, how to institutionalize yourself as a named organization, grants, business tips, tax considerations, and much, much more. Many examples are provided.

If you have a high-speed link to the web and a few minutes to spare, download this book if only to read its back cover. Chances are you'll be hooked.

Now that "The Independent Scholar's Handbook" is available free and online, comments and reviews of this classic book are welcome. For short comments, include "Backscatter" in the subject line. For reviews, place "Book Review" in the subject line. Send both comments and reviews under your first and last name here.

Thanks to Brian Chapel for notifying us about this new development.

Forrest M. Mims III