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[faber]

One of my panelists in an upcoming conference is currently jobless and I am not certain how much information to include when I make my introduction.  I will mention the university from which he received his doctorate and some publications, but should I also mention some of the institutions where he has taught in the past?  I suppose it would be going too far to say that he is on the job market right now, but I'd like to help him out.

[peppergal]

Why not ask him what he would prefer?

[sugaree]

It is standard in my field (history), and I assume many other disciplines as well, to use the phrase "independent scholar" to refer to the unaffiliated (unaffiliated sometimes by choice, often not due to the miserable job market).

[larryc]

Ask him. I am also in history and have heard people introduced as "John Smith, an independent scholar who earned his PhD from the University of Box 2000 and has published in The Journal of Unreproducible Results and Tiger Beat."

[hungry_ghost]

Ask.
Scholars who are "jobless" may still have some kind of research affiliation. Some who are unaffiliated may prefer to avoid the "independent scholar" label. It's possible to introduce someone without reference to present affiliation and to focus instead on current research projects. For example, "This is Jane Smith, who received her PhD in ABC from the University of XYZ, and has published several articles concerning underwater basketweaving with colored reeds."

[bibliothecula]

I usually ask folks to send me a short bio beforehand and read that.

As a frequent independent scholar myself, I've done everything from give no affiliation to affiliate with journals I help edit to list my website. Usually I include some mention of a relevant book I've written or place I've published, so that the audience has some understanding of what I do.

"Bibliothecula specializes in harmonious basket-weaving techniques and has published in Blah Journal" is often enough.

[lizzy]

Just a chime to the suggestion that you ask for a bio and go from there.

[systeme_d_]

I suppose it would be going too far to say that he is on the job market right now, but I'd like to help him out.

You can mention this, but you have to do it jovially, with a light touch.

I did this with a panelist who I knew well.  Of course I got her permission beforehand.

"Her new book, Religion and Power in New Jersey, just issued by New Jersey University Press, is an innovative treatment of our panel's topic.  It's on display at their booth downstairs, isn't it, Dr. Smith?  And if your department is hiring this year, you could be fortunate enough to secure Dr. Dr. Smith as your new colleague, since she's on the market!  You'd better tender a very good offer, though!"

[faber]

Thank you for the suggestions, but I am still wondering whether it would be appropriate to mention some of the institutions where he has taught in the past.  His bio mentions some, and I don't want to offer to include these in the introduction if this would not be considered appropriate.

[tinyzombie]

Thank you for the suggestions, but I am still wondering whether it would be appropriate to mention some of the institutions where he has taught in the past.  His bio mentions some, and I don't want to offer to include these in the introduction if this would not be considered appropriate.

The bio he submitted to you? Anything in such a bio is fair game.