Wow! eBook
A Dam in the River: Releasing the Flow of University Ideas
Author(s): Jeff Camhi (Author)
- Publisher: Algora Publishing
- Publication Date: May 1, 2013
- Language: English
- Print length: 246 pages
- ISBN-10: 0875869874
- ISBN-13: 9780875869872
Book Description
A Dam in the River: Releasing the Flow of University Ideas by Jeff Camhi is a thought-provoking exploration into the disconnect between the general public and the wealth of knowledge produced by America’s universities. With a mix of insight, research, and a touch of humor, Camhi presents a compelling argument that university ideas, essential to innovation, societal progress, and personal growth, are often trapped within academic circles, inaccessible to the broader public. This book is an inspiration for people interested in public education, continuing education, and community building, offering strategies to break down barriers between “town” and “gown”, making university-generated ideas available to all, at little to no cost.
The Gap Between Academia and the Public
Camhi begins by addressing the growing divide between academia and everyday life. Despite universities being hubs of innovation and discovery, the ideas they generate often remain confined to campuses and scholarly journals. The general public, who could greatly benefit from these ideas, remains largely out of the loop. Camhi highlights how ideas emerging from universities can change minds, lives, and even the world. By making these ideas accessible, society could tap into an immense resource of knowledge and creativity.
Why Public Access to University Ideas is Limited
Through extensive research, including interviews with 155 university leaders and academic figures, Camhi reveals several reasons why university ideas remain inaccessible. Institutional barriers, such as the focus on research for academic prestige over public engagement, complex academic jargon, paywalled journals, and limited outreach initiatives, contribute to this problem. As a result, only a small percentage of the population engages with these ideas, leaving most people disconnected from potentially life-changing concepts.
Unlocking the Flow of Ideas
Camhi proposes a comprehensive strategy to “open the sluice gates” and release university ideas to the public. From free online platforms to fostering public lectures and workshops, he suggests practical, cost-effective solutions. Camhi emphasizes that this is not just the responsibility of universities but also of individuals and organizations off-campus.
The Benefits of Shared Knowledge
Camhi explores the benefits of making university ideas accessible, arguing that shared knowledge can spark innovation, enhance critical thinking, and empower people to make informed decisions. The book provides examples of transformative university-generated ideas and shows how they could help tackle major challenges like climate change and healthcare reform.
Readable and Useful
Camhi’s accessible writing, humor, and real-world examples make complex topics engaging for all readers. This book is a critique but also a practical guide to connecting academia and society for mutual benefit. Jeff Camhi’s work is designed for those committed to bridging the gap between higher education and the general public, unlocking the transformative power of shared knowledge for a more informed and innovative society.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Dudley Herschbach, Nobel Laureate, Harvard Professor of Chemistry, former Chairman of Society for Science and the Public.
I found Dam in the River fascinating, particularly the use of the museum metaphor and the author s role as anthropologist, to suggest ways in which universities might open their work and their ideas to the public. There is a lot to learn here a great approach.
Donald Kennedy, President Emeritus, Stanford University; Past Editor-in-Chief of Science
Jeff Camhi provides a unique and insightful perspective on the still fragmented and often marginal role civic engagement and public service play in America’s leading Research Universities and distinguished Liberal Arts Colleges.
Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor, Dean and Director of University Extension, University of California, San Diego
A Dam in the River, a book about conveying ideas, is itself a good idea conveyed well. Professor Camhi not only clearly and persuasively makes the case for why it is essential to let loose the vast reservoirs of ideas trapped within today’s universities but offers up a range of straight-forward, readily implementable suggestions for how to deliver those ideas to the nation. –John H. Falk, Director, Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning, Oregon State University
Are ideas important? This book gives a resounding yes, not just in classrooms but also to the public in general. Then the author delves into all the activities in which we at higher educational institutions can do better in communicating to the public, with little additional resources and financial output. All academics concerned with teaching and effective engagement with the public will resonate with these ideas.
Alice S. Huang, Cal Tech biologist, former dean of Faculty of Science at NYU, past President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
I agree with Camhi s thesis that universities should be more accessible to the public. I like the style of the manuscript, written in an engaging tone and a warm and friendly conversational manner.
Frank Rhodes, President Emeritus, Cornell University
Quite an accomplishment, Dam in the River covers quite a range of topics, with good detail. A thoughtful and detailed study of the contemporary American university, its wealth of ideas, and the challenges it faces in making those ideas available to the public. –Russell A. Berman, Professor of Humanities, Stanford University; Past President, Modern Language Association
