I believe only British universities award the senior academic status of 'Reader' – Professors-in-waiting, as it were. Strange appellation, isn't it? As though most senior academics didn't have enough reading to do in the first place. Rather like seeing 'pedal faster' flash up on the exercise bike at the gym. 'Read faster, read at least 4 volumes a day, you intellectual slacker – otherwise we can't retain you at this health centre known as a university, let alone consider you for that Chair (no sitting allowed) you've been after all these years!!'