I came across the following in the University of Adelaide's library and was wondering if anyone had read this before? Reid, R. H. (1959).American degree mills, a study of their operations and of existing and potential ways to control them. Washington, American Council on Education. I never came across it my prior research and am wondering if it is worth consulting. Cheers, George
FWIW, that book appears to be well stocked, for a book so old, in college libraries. And this looks to be a useful site: http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/ow/47560aabb311c077.html But that's quite a geography for the postal code I entered. 1959? Maybe this was the Mill Industry Complex Eisenhower warned of.
I've read it and included it in my dissertation's literature review. It started out as Reid's doctoral dissertation. It is a good read. Funny how the things Reid discusses haven't changed much. (The internet having made degree mills more insidious notwithstanding.)
One can still buy Reid's Columbia dissertation through University Microfilms for about $28. It has everything the published book has, and more, and takes a bit more firm stance in exposing things (although still has sad but understandable footnotes saying, in effect, "There is much more I can say about this, but choose not to, for fear of legal retribution). All of his research materials and originals are supposed to be sitting in two banker boxes on the library shelves at Columbia. One wonders what is still in there, after 45 years. Someday I'd love to have a look.
