The Book Scan Manoeuvre

A diversion of sorts - something to do with bookshelfs and callisthenics….

“The Book Scan Manoeuvre”

Phase 1	The Stand: Place yourself at about 1½ arms length to the bookshelf to be scrutinised. Flex the shoulder and neck muscles, take a moment or so to go in oneself to concentrate on the task at hand.
Phase 2a	The positioning: The eyes focus lightly on the target text - slow and with grace – one lowers the upper torso a little and bends to the right without turning on the axis, the head follows suit until an angle of 30 to 45 degrees is reached, the position is held (see note 1).
Phase 2b	Depending on the height of the shelf, the eyes are brought up to (or down to) the targeted shelf by a fine adjustment in the angle of the knees. A springy step is to be kept at all times in this phase (again Tai chi helps here), a slight swaying motion is also allowed - if not in excess (you don’t want any funny looks at this stage – they will come later).
Phase 3a	The scan direction: To be able to read the titles of the books on a bookshelf without optical aberration, the scan direction must be determined. If one is left handed the motion is to usually to the right or “upwards”, if right handed to the left or “downwards”. (see note 2)
Phase 3b	The re-scan: Only to be used when the first scan was uneventful. The motion is the opposite to that used in Phase 3a.
Phase 4	The glance: If one is in a public concentration of books (bookshop or library), then a side glance in the direction of motion (see Phase 3a,b) is advisable to see if a collision may occur with someone carrying out the same manoeuvre. If at home or visiting private collections, then the interior (chairs , walls etc) should be noted (see note 3).
Phase 5	The push forward: Move forward to the bookshelf (keeping eye contact with the target bookshelf), the distance can vary depending on the use of optional optical enhancement tools (glasses). Focus the inner eye and the outer eye will follow. Remember the direction of motion determined in Phase 3ab. The scan can begin! (see note 4).
Phase 6	The scan: Due to the eyes being 90 degrees to the line of motion (fixed on the bookshelf), this phase should not be carried out longer that 10 to 15 seconds or the equivalent of scanning 40 BTs, otherwise a contact of the 4th. kind is sure to happen (see note 5).
Phase 7	The pull back and close: Following the scan, move back to the position at the begin of Phase 5. If the scan was uneventful then repeat the scan (re-scan) from phase 3b. If a eventful scan was made, straighten the body to the normal upright position and advance on the book targeted in phase 6. On removal of the book from the shelf - the manoeuvre is completed!

Cautionary notes for beginners:

1.	It is advisable to learn some Tai Chi techniques as they can be beneficial for this part of the manoeuvre (e.g. Pushing books)
2.	The author have no idea if “upward” or “downward” scanning is linked to left/right handedness. There is a continental variation of the manoeuvre which allows for ambidexterity, but again this is for more advanced students of the art.
3.	It is advisable to practise at home before venturing out in to the pubic domain. Until now (date of publishing) accidents resulting in improper use of the manoeuvre are not covered by any public or private health insurance policies.
4.	Beginners are not encouraged to change vertically between shelf’s in the scan phase, even if an interesting Book Title (BT) is registered in the peripheral vision. Without advanced training the combination of vertical motion to the horizontal flow - if carried out excessively - could cause problems in the lower back. (Tip: Note the BT if possible and target it for the next scan).
5.	This type of contact follows the 3rd. kind (book reading aliens). The type of contact is rare and is made only in warped book space, where very high concentrations of words on printerable mediums are found. Beware! the accumulation with the inner eye of too many BT’s in one scan can be dangerous!