I must apologise to all readers of my Blog for my relative blogging inactivity over the past year. The principal reason for this inactivity has been my role as acting Head of Queen's Management School. I've just signed up to do another year so my blogging activity won't improve any time soon!
The best part of the job has been working with my colleagues to develop the School's unique research, education and engagement agenda. The chief downside to the job is that I have less direct contact with students in the classroom. In addition, my research and blogging have taken a huge hit. I've been attempting to remedy the former over the past couple of weeks by working at Harvard University. I've met up with old friends, a PhD student, and a co-author, but most of my time has been spent in the fantastic Widener Library, which is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Today is my last day in the library before my summer holiday.
There is a very close connection between the Widener Library and Belfast. Harry Elkins Widener was a US businessmen, bibliophile and Harvard graduate who died when the built-in-Belfast Titanic sank on its maiden voyage. Shortly after Widener's death, his mother donated the library in his memory.
