Books: A Passion, A Delight, A Necessity
Where would a librarian be without books?*
I came to librarianship in mid-life, although it was a high-school dream deferred. However, as far back as I can remember, books have been a central part of my life. Here are a few that have shaped me as a web designer, as a person, and as a reader of fiction.
Web Design
Many of these show up most designer's list of favorites, but therere's always a chance for surprises. If you find any surprising gaps, drop me a line!**
- Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition
- the web design book EVERYONE should read. Clearly shows the importance of straight forward navigation and consistent design.
- The Non-Designer's Web Book, 3rd Edition
I love all of Robin Williams' (different person!) design books. They've really helped me think more visually.
Fiction
- absolutely ANYTHING by Lois McMaster Bujold
- fast-moving, funny, moving, and sometimes deeply spiritual in a very unconventional fashion.
- Robert Heinlein
, Isaac Asimov
, and Arthur Clarke
are the grand old trio that I cut my Science Fiction teeth on, lo these many years ago. Still rollicking good reading.
*quite well off, in these days of electronic journal subscriptions, databases, and computer systems to manage. But still incomplete.
**Yes, I know this is not proper citation style - but I'll bet most folks think of book titles first, not authors.