The National Academies Press (NAP) was created by the National Academies to publish the reports issued by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council, all operating under a charter granted by the Congress of the United States. The NAP publishes more than 200 books a year on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and health, capturing the most authoritative views on important issues in science and health policy. The institutions represented by the NAP are unique in that they attract the nation’s leading experts in every field to serve on their award-winning panels and committees. This is the right place for definitive information on everything from space science to animal nutrition.

It looks like there could be some quality stuff here. Lifehack.org pointed to this book (How People Learn) which I’m looking forward to digging into. Let me know if you find any other note-worthy reads. Enjoy!

SPEED : Reading Techniques

This brief overview of how to acquire a “speed-readers” mentality provides solid footing for all of us budding speed readers out there. Speed reading, it turns out, is nothing more than a matter of mental discipline. Here is the articles “TOC”:

I. Reading Myths

1. Reading is linear.2. True reading is word-for-word.

3. Reading is a laborious task which takes a long time.

4. All parts of a book are of equal value.

5. Reading faster will reduce retention.

II. Getting Ready to Read

FIRST: ELIMINATE ALL DISTRACTIONS:SECOND: Ask: What is my purpose?

THIRD: Do a 10 minute PRE-READ.

FOURTH: Read the KEY CHAPTER.

III. Rapid Reading Techniques

1. Raise your speed- comfort level.2. See the book as a mine full of ORE not GOLD.

3. Quit Subvocalizing.

4. Use your finger.

5. Break the Back-skip habit.

6. Use your peripheral vision.

7. Learn to read KEY WORDS.

8. Eliminate “Bus Stops” (Eye rests).

10. Set a time goal.

IV. Retention Techniques

1. Underline, circle, make margin notes.2. Dog-ear important pages.

3. Transfer key notes to front of book.

4. When finished, re-read dog-eared pages.

5. Now write an “abstract” in the back or front.

6. Consider drawing a “MindMap” of the contents.

7. But if you borrowed the book,

Enjoy!

[UPDATE 03.02.2006]

Here’s another article on efficient reading, by now, I’m sure you’ll be reading it in a jiffy.