RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROFESSORS LAUNCH BOOKS

       
BRANDON, MB — Two new tomes have been added this fall to the Rural
Development Institute’s publishing arm. Dr. Doug Ramsey was one of the
editors of Geographical Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change, while
Dr. Kenneth Beesley edited The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict &
Controversy. 
        
"As publisher of these two publications, the Rural Development
Institute helps to illustrate the important role of research in
deepening our understanding of rural place and rural development.  By
examining examples, practices and challenges not just across Canada, but
also in North America, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia,
practitioners, decision-makers, politicians, policy analysts, along with
seasoned and new scholars, all gain new (insights) and confirmation of
existing initiatives,” said Dr. William Ashton, the director of RDI.
“These two volumes are examples of the Institute's on-going
commitment to transfer timely and essential knowledge in Manitoba,
across Canada, and around the world.”

Farms and farming, the remaking of rural communities and rural spaces,
and policy and action in rural development in North America, the United
Kingdom and Ireland, and Australia were examined in Geographical
Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Change. Also on the editorial team
with Dr. Ramsey were Dr. Dick Winchell of Eastern Washington University,
Dr. Rhonda Koster of Lakehead University, and Dr. Guy Robinson of the
University of South Australia.  
       
“I was very pleased to be a part of this project. Since 1991, and based

upon invitation, rural geographers from Canada, the United States, and
the United Kingdom have met every four years. The purpose is to share
research on the latest theory and practice in the field of rural
studies. Brandon University was asked to take over the publication of
this volume due to cutbacks at Eastern Washington University that
included the closure of their press,” said Dr. Ramsey. “The book
includes preeminent rural geographers from each region as well as
emerging scholars and graduate students. Our sharing of ideas has been
central to the new paradigms adopted in our field.”
                                        
With a focus on Canada, The Rural-Urban Fringe in Canada: Conflict &
Controversy brings together the findings and ideas of established and
young scholars from across the country. There are contributions from
various disciplines — sociology, geography, planning, recreation,
tourism and rural development — each offering a different perspective on
the rural-urban fringe zones in Canada. 
        

“I am thrilled to see this collection of research papers in print. Over
many years I have had extraordinary opportunities to work with, and
become friends with, some of the finest scholars in Canada. Most of
these people have a special interest in rural spaces and places, and
many have contributed to this volume on the rural-urban fringe,” said
Dr. Beesley. “I am very grateful for the support I have received from
the Rural Development Institute, the Department of Rural Development and
Brandon University generally for helping me see this project through to
fruition.”
        
The two books will be officially launched at 7 p.m., on December 9, at
Pennywise Books, a shop owned and operated by a former student of both
professors. Admission is free and refreshments will be served following
the presentation. Pennywise Books is located at 1031 Rosser Avenue.