Although the term ‘Reader’ was sometimes used in earlier centuries as a synonym for ‘Professor’, readers in the modern sense of the word were introduced under the Statutes of 1882. Readers since the Statutes of 1926 have been appointed ad hominem — for a single tenure — unless the University determines otherwise or is bound by the terms of a trust. The intention was to allow senior academics more time for research, lightening their load of routine teaching. Appointment was originally by the General Board on the recommendation of the Faculty Boards (themselves informed by meetings of professors), but, like ‘personal’ professorships, is now by grace, following consideration by a Promotions Committee. For a list of readers go to http://http://venn.lib.cam.ac.uk/Documents/acad/lists/index.html.
