“Anyone who has been involved in academic job interviews and selection – especially for early career posts – knows how important the references are. The candidates in question probably have very few publications that you can read; you need a supportive but honest assessment of strengths and weaknesses from someone who knows them. Anyone who has recently been involved will also know how difficult it is to get a supportive but honest assessment …” (more)
[Mary Beard, A don’s life, 20 July]