Based on research by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, these two classic books, published in 1990 and 1997 respectively, lay out the case for expanding scholarship beyond pure research.

These works had an important impact on the "University Teacher Scholar" program at Kansas State (see the A-HEC article), and probably countless others. In our recommended books we typically focus on more recent works. However, we find these references as perhaps being even more relevant today than when they were published.

"Scholarship Reconsidered" by Ernest L. Boyer begins with a historical perspective on scholarship. Then the arguments are made for four classifications of scholarship: discovery, integration, application, and teaching. Discovery is the pure research that was at the time of writing, and still is, considered equal to the scholarship label. Integration is working across fields, while the terms application and teaching are self-explanatory.

Through the Carnegie Foundation research data on faculty perspectives, the book makes a compelling argument for recognizing the wide breadth of talents and interests among an institution's key asset. While still defining post-secondary faculty as those who have demonstrated the ability to engage in original research in their chosen field, from that common foundation each faculty member sets their professional goals through a "creativity contract" to align their purpose with the purpose of the institution. The book is to be applauded in tying the institution's unique mission and purpose in creating and nurturing these varied definitions of scholarship.

"Scholarship Assessed," written after Boyer's death, is the natural follow-on dealing with the issues of standards, evaluation, and qualities of scholarship. These books are an obvious pair to be read in tandem and are both highly recommended.