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.