I just wanted to say thanks for a great class! I have truly learned a lot and, although still slightly scary, I find the topic of information technology far less intimidating now! Thanks to both of you!
Happy Holidays~
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Muddiest Point Week #14
Muddiest Point- After reading the DaVinci article, I wonder, what comes first: libraries reinventing themselves and its' users following or the library users demanding more and the libraries changing to meet their needs? It seems like it could go either way. Is it up to the library to keep up with every aspect of technology or should they focus on what their community needs most??
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Readings for week #13
Total "Terrorism" Information Act and No Place to Hide (website):
Honestly, kind of scary...it is interesting how technology that libraries get excited about (RFID tags) has such negative possibilities. After reading through the website, No Place to Hide, and reading the chapter (10) that was available I really found myself feeling pretty weirded out. All of these "conveniences" such as "free" wifi in Starbucks, Amazon "suggesting" titles you might enjoy and your car keeping tags on you have more implications to our privacy or lack of than we could ever imagine. Not sure the "personalization" is worth it.
Total Information Act: Scary project, although I do understand where the ugency came from after 9/11. The technology is amazing and could be used to gather all the information necessary in order to keep tags on whomever is in question- the problem is differing opinions on where to draw the line. I suspect, like all espionage movies, if the information falls into the wrong hands, massive invasion of privacy ensues.
You Tube: no longer posted
Honestly, kind of scary...it is interesting how technology that libraries get excited about (RFID tags) has such negative possibilities. After reading through the website, No Place to Hide, and reading the chapter (10) that was available I really found myself feeling pretty weirded out. All of these "conveniences" such as "free" wifi in Starbucks, Amazon "suggesting" titles you might enjoy and your car keeping tags on you have more implications to our privacy or lack of than we could ever imagine. Not sure the "personalization" is worth it.
Total Information Act: Scary project, although I do understand where the ugency came from after 9/11. The technology is amazing and could be used to gather all the information necessary in order to keep tags on whomever is in question- the problem is differing opinions on where to draw the line. I suspect, like all espionage movies, if the information falls into the wrong hands, massive invasion of privacy ensues.
You Tube: no longer posted
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Comments Week #12
I have commented on Rand's blog: Rand's Blog
Amanda's blog: http://amarti27.blogspot.com/
and Lori's blog: http://lhmorrow.blogspot.com/
Amanda's blog: http://amarti27.blogspot.com/
and Lori's blog: http://lhmorrow.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 21, 2008
Muddiest Point #12
I thought the lecture by J.Park was very informative but I need a little clarity on what "persistent identifier's " mean. Also, how are url's broken easily?
Readings for week #11 (unit 12)
Using a wiki to manage a library instruction program, Creating the academic library folksonomy and How a ragtag band created wikipedia (video):
I found the article on using a wiki to manage library instruction pretty interesting. I think that the applications for these free software tools are huge and we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I'm do not consider myself to be too technologically savvy but I think I understand the gist of what a wiki is and how it is created. I'm actually kind of excited to give this a try at my own workplace.
I was less impressed with the article on social tagging, honestly because I did not understand it very well. I get that while searching it would be nice to have a way to save important url's or bookmark information, but I'm not sure that this is something that is user-friendly - I think I need to learn more about it.
As for the wiki creation video, I loved it! I am not a wiki-snob- I take it for what it is, a noble effort that is not perfect to give everyone free access to a wealth of knowledge. Better still is the fact that it is not some huge, private company with its' own "product" to promote. For all you doubters- take it with a grain of salt, use it as a starting point and be grateful for people in the world who are trying to improve the lives of others at no cost to you or anyone else!
I found the article on using a wiki to manage library instruction pretty interesting. I think that the applications for these free software tools are huge and we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I'm do not consider myself to be too technologically savvy but I think I understand the gist of what a wiki is and how it is created. I'm actually kind of excited to give this a try at my own workplace.
I was less impressed with the article on social tagging, honestly because I did not understand it very well. I get that while searching it would be nice to have a way to save important url's or bookmark information, but I'm not sure that this is something that is user-friendly - I think I need to learn more about it.
As for the wiki creation video, I loved it! I am not a wiki-snob- I take it for what it is, a noble effort that is not perfect to give everyone free access to a wealth of knowledge. Better still is the fact that it is not some huge, private company with its' own "product" to promote. For all you doubters- take it with a grain of salt, use it as a starting point and be grateful for people in the world who are trying to improve the lives of others at no cost to you or anyone else!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Readings for week #10 (unit 11)
Institutional Repositories: Essential Infrastructure for Scholarship in the Digital Age: Interesting article for me, due to the fact that I work in an academic library. I work at a small college and although we have a great library we do not have any type of institutional repository. I actually have never heard of this. I think that larger, research based institutions would greatly benefit but my question is would other people outside of the school have access to the repository? I do think that having a safe, preserved, free place to "store" one's work would be a great benefit.
Digital Libraries and Dewey Meets Turing: I thoroughly enjoyed both of these articles. Dewey Meets Turing was funny and so so true- It and librarians are, trdaitionally, very different types of people. It was nice to see evidence that they both care about the same outcome, maybe just not the way to get there. It was encouraging to read articles that speak freely about the conflicts, some real, some manufactured, between librarianship and information technology. I think that for a long time people thought that librarians would not be needed with the internet and the web. This, as we all know, has turned out to be false but I do think that libraries and their approach to gathering and filtering information has had to change and develop in order to keep up with the changing technology. I think that IT is just as important as good librarianship technique.
Digital Libraries and Dewey Meets Turing: I thoroughly enjoyed both of these articles. Dewey Meets Turing was funny and so so true- It and librarians are, trdaitionally, very different types of people. It was nice to see evidence that they both care about the same outcome, maybe just not the way to get there. It was encouraging to read articles that speak freely about the conflicts, some real, some manufactured, between librarianship and information technology. I think that for a long time people thought that librarians would not be needed with the internet and the web. This, as we all know, has turned out to be false but I do think that libraries and their approach to gathering and filtering information has had to change and develop in order to keep up with the changing technology. I think that IT is just as important as good librarianship technique.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Comments Week #9
I have commented on Jabari's blog:http://jay292-librariantalk.blogspot.com/
I have commented on Alesha's blog:http://hesheroes.blogspot.com/
I have commented on Joan's blog:http://joansfolly.blogspot.com
I have commented on Alesha's blog:http://hesheroes.blogspot.com/
I have commented on Joan's blog:http://joansfolly.blogspot.com
Friday, November 7, 2008
Readings for week #9
How Things Work (part 1 and part 2)-
Actually, not a bad article considering that it was all in computer lingo. I really am impressed/fascinated with the entire notion of a computer program/algorithm that “crawls” through the content on the web. Of particular interest were the passages that explained how the search engine reject low-value content and save time by employing a number of techniques: skipping, early termination, etc. Also, I now understand what “caching” means!
Current Developments and Future Trends for the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting-
A few months ago the above title may as well have been in a foreign language but I actually know what it means. I found the reading to be both interesting and informative. I found the three examples Open Language Archives Community (OLAC), the Sheet Music Consortium and the National Science Digital Library to be very impressive. I think trying to organize, not only the information, but information about the information to be a worthwhile project that will help provide some structure to the massive complexity of the web.
Through the OAI protocol projects, metadata will have a “standard” form that will make searching/browsing much easier. My only question- the article referred to “unqualified Dublin Core” a number of times-I know what Dublin Core is, but what does “unqualified” mean in this context?
The Deep Web-Interesting article about the unseen and unknown depths of the web. The article actually seemed to be an advertisement for Bright Planet, a company who is developing a multi-layered search technology just for the "Deep Web". Good job explaining the depth and complexity of the web.
Actually, not a bad article considering that it was all in computer lingo. I really am impressed/fascinated with the entire notion of a computer program/algorithm that “crawls” through the content on the web. Of particular interest were the passages that explained how the search engine reject low-value content and save time by employing a number of techniques: skipping, early termination, etc. Also, I now understand what “caching” means!
Current Developments and Future Trends for the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting-
A few months ago the above title may as well have been in a foreign language but I actually know what it means. I found the reading to be both interesting and informative. I found the three examples Open Language Archives Community (OLAC), the Sheet Music Consortium and the National Science Digital Library to be very impressive. I think trying to organize, not only the information, but information about the information to be a worthwhile project that will help provide some structure to the massive complexity of the web.
Through the OAI protocol projects, metadata will have a “standard” form that will make searching/browsing much easier. My only question- the article referred to “unqualified Dublin Core” a number of times-I know what Dublin Core is, but what does “unqualified” mean in this context?
The Deep Web-Interesting article about the unseen and unknown depths of the web. The article actually seemed to be an advertisement for Bright Planet, a company who is developing a multi-layered search technology just for the "Deep Web". Good job explaining the depth and complexity of the web.
Muddiest Point #8
My muddiest point for the previous lecture (on campus) is HTML, etc. as a whole. I feel like I have just barely touched the surface and when I start to understand a little bit of it, a new concept, direction, code, etc. is added and I have to start all over again. Definitely something that I need more practice at!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Koha assignment
Please visit http://pitt5.kohawc.liblime.com/cgi-bin/koha/bookshelves/shelves.pl?viewshelf=41 to view my virtual bookshelf entitled Red Sox Baseball. Maybe next year...go Sox!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Jing/Flickr URL's
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/sets/72157607757545004/comments/#comment72157607757921938
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915683448/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915686616/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915688688/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915691302/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2914859317/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915705856/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2914866657/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915683448/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915686616/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915688688/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915691302/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2914859317/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2915705856/in/set-72157607757545004/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29928686@N03/2914866657/in/set-72157607757545004/
Muddiest Point #6
My muddiest point this week: The huge push to make things easier and faster has definetely helped develop some technology that has truly benefited libraries and librarians. When is it enough? While the RFID tags hold some value, it really bothers me to hear one of the advantages of this technology would eliminate "having to open each book up in order to check them out". What? If you can't handle that, as a librarian, you may want to consider another line of work. Put the technology to better use...
Comments Week #7
I have commented on :
Rian's blog: http://rians-thoughts.blogspot.com
Laura's blog: http://laurenmenges.blogspot.com
Rian's blog: http://rians-thoughts.blogspot.com
Kerri's blog: http://kerricimineralis.blogspot.com
Laura's blog: http://laurenmenges.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Readings for week #7
How Stuff Works
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems
Google video
My first impression after these readings/viewing is the incredible amount of activity that is going on at any one time. Besides all the technical advancements, the size and scope of the Internet and the World Wide Web as an industry in and of itself is mind boggling. Watching the Google video was very interesting and impressive. Seems like a cool company to work at...it always seems that the most successful companies treat their employees not as commodities but as contributors. I'm not sure whether Google is as employee friendly as they seem but they obviously treat their employee's creativity as welcome and necessary asset.
I found Dismantling Integrated Library Systems annoying, jargon filled and slightly whiny. Not a good combination. I think I understand the issues but it seems to me that it is very difficult to combine the amount of information available on the Internet and "integrate" all of that into a library system that still accomplishes all of the tasks central to a library database. Maybe trying to force the two together is not something that is supposed to happen, the Internet and WWW were not created by librarians or information specialists. I completely support the efforts but wonder if starting from the ground up may be the answer.
As usual, I found the How Stuff Works article very informative- wish I had known all of this a lot earlier!
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems
Google video
My first impression after these readings/viewing is the incredible amount of activity that is going on at any one time. Besides all the technical advancements, the size and scope of the Internet and the World Wide Web as an industry in and of itself is mind boggling. Watching the Google video was very interesting and impressive. Seems like a cool company to work at...it always seems that the most successful companies treat their employees not as commodities but as contributors. I'm not sure whether Google is as employee friendly as they seem but they obviously treat their employee's creativity as welcome and necessary asset.
I found Dismantling Integrated Library Systems annoying, jargon filled and slightly whiny. Not a good combination. I think I understand the issues but it seems to me that it is very difficult to combine the amount of information available on the Internet and "integrate" all of that into a library system that still accomplishes all of the tasks central to a library database. Maybe trying to force the two together is not something that is supposed to happen, the Internet and WWW were not created by librarians or information specialists. I completely support the efforts but wonder if starting from the ground up may be the answer.
As usual, I found the How Stuff Works article very informative- wish I had known all of this a lot earlier!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Comments Week #6
I have commented on:
Liz's blog: http://wwwedpblog.blogspot.com
Elaina's blog: My blog
Susan's blog: http://susangeiss.blogspot.com/
Liz's blog: http://wwwedpblog.blogspot.com
Elaina's blog: My blog
Susan's blog: http://susangeiss.blogspot.com/
Muddiest Point #5
I found this week's lecture very interesting and packed with information. I followed everything, but could use a review of MPEG encoding.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Readings for week #6
Computer Network
Local Area Network
Management of RFID in Libraries
YouTube: Common Types of Computer Networks
I'm not sure if the readings are getting more clear or I'm really starting to get all of this, but I got a lot out of what we read this week. I have heard all of the terms mentioned before and now have a better understanding of what they mean and how they are all connected. I found it very interesting to learn about how the early networks came about and how, when they grew, they needed to develop broader based systems.
The YouTube video seemed to be superfluous after reading the articles.
I was enthralled with the RFID article. I have worked in libraries for 16 years and have no experience with this. We have always had barcode systems that have worked and have not looked elsewhere. I'm not sure how I feel about spending so much money on an unproven entity but the possibilities are interesting.
Local Area Network
Management of RFID in Libraries
YouTube: Common Types of Computer Networks
I'm not sure if the readings are getting more clear or I'm really starting to get all of this, but I got a lot out of what we read this week. I have heard all of the terms mentioned before and now have a better understanding of what they mean and how they are all connected. I found it very interesting to learn about how the early networks came about and how, when they grew, they needed to develop broader based systems.
The YouTube video seemed to be superfluous after reading the articles.
I was enthralled with the RFID article. I have worked in libraries for 16 years and have no experience with this. We have always had barcode systems that have worked and have not looked elsewhere. I'm not sure how I feel about spending so much money on an unproven entity but the possibilities are interesting.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Comments Week #5
I have commented on:
Evelyn's blog: http://emc2-technologychat.blogspot.com
Alesha's blog: http://hesheroes.blogspot.com/
Corrine's blog: http://corrinewxly.blogspot.com
Evelyn's blog: http://emc2-technologychat.blogspot.com
Alesha's blog: http://hesheroes.blogspot.com/
Corrine's blog: http://corrinewxly.blogspot.com
Friday, September 19, 2008
Muddiest Point #4
My muddiest point this week: due to the fact that the lecture was not posted until this past Thursday, I have not had a chance to watch it yet (Friday).
I have watched the lecture and my question is about the assignment- do the topics we need to find articles on need to be about library science/informaion technology?
I have watched the lecture and my question is about the assignment- do the topics we need to find articles on need to be about library science/informaion technology?
Readings for week #5
Data compression
Imaging Pittsburgh
You Tube
This weeks' readings gave insight into some of the cababilities of digital technology developments and how they apply to library science. I was particulary impressed with the First Monday article Imaging Pittsburgh about the collaboration between three institutions, University of Pittsburgh Archives Servies Center, Carnegie Musuem of Art and the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and their photograph collections. I found this to be a perfect example of what the benefits of digital improvements in technology are to libraries and patrons alike. This collaboration represents all that is good about digital advances; the sharing of information on a new and expanded platform, reaching a larger audience and the obvious increase in communication between participating agencies.
Similarly, the You Tube article gave another good example of how libraries can harness the digital age to their benefit. Having made a simple, online tutorial about basic library information, the university was able to reach a much larger number of students in a much more exciting medium than having students read the information.
Data compression was more of the same computer information that is remarkable but not easy for me to follow. I understand, I think, that data compression ,is useful because it "helps reduce the consumption of exspensive resources,such as hard disk space..."
This is great and must explain why we are able to do so much within limited size files, etc.
I found the readings this week to be much more palitable due to the fact that I could apply them directly to library science, not just computer science.
Imaging Pittsburgh
You Tube
This weeks' readings gave insight into some of the cababilities of digital technology developments and how they apply to library science. I was particulary impressed with the First Monday article Imaging Pittsburgh about the collaboration between three institutions, University of Pittsburgh Archives Servies Center, Carnegie Musuem of Art and the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and their photograph collections. I found this to be a perfect example of what the benefits of digital improvements in technology are to libraries and patrons alike. This collaboration represents all that is good about digital advances; the sharing of information on a new and expanded platform, reaching a larger audience and the obvious increase in communication between participating agencies.
Similarly, the You Tube article gave another good example of how libraries can harness the digital age to their benefit. Having made a simple, online tutorial about basic library information, the university was able to reach a much larger number of students in a much more exciting medium than having students read the information.
Data compression was more of the same computer information that is remarkable but not easy for me to follow. I understand, I think, that data compression ,is useful because it "helps reduce the consumption of exspensive resources,such as hard disk space..."
This is great and must explain why we are able to do so much within limited size files, etc.
I found the readings this week to be much more palitable due to the fact that I could apply them directly to library science, not just computer science.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Comments Week #4
I have commented on
Nate's blog: http://ngrey666.blogspot.com/
Ashley's blog: http://amucha.blogspot.com/
Susan's blog: http://susangeiss.blogspot.com/
Nate's blog: http://ngrey666.blogspot.com/
Ashley's blog: http://amucha.blogspot.com/
Susan's blog: http://susangeiss.blogspot.com/
Muddiest Point #3
Muddiest point for me is more of a thought/question: With all of the new technologies/improvements within the computer industry and the obvious benefits of the digital world and all that it can offer,
where do books fit in? I realize that data storage/cost are issues, but as these are figured out, will there be a real use for books or will they just be an outdated vehicle for information? I hope not...
where do books fit in? I realize that data storage/cost are issues, but as these are figured out, will there be a real use for books or will they just be an outdated vehicle for information? I hope not...
Readings for week #4
Database
Introduction to Metadata
An overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
I would be lying if I said that I did not struggle through these readings. My basic understanding of metadata is that it is a way of collecting data about data. This data is then used to evaluate, describe, or otherwise manipulate whatever information the user is trying to figure out thus creating even more data. This "cycle" then repeats itself and we end up with a constantly updating and enlarging data field that can be used to cull a multitude of information from. Not entirely sure...The Dublin Core Data Model is an "international effort" in the process of trying to take this data and "translate" it all into a database that is cross-disciplinary, cross cultural and able to define same concepts in many different languages. Through "semantic refinement" and specialized encoding schemes, this effort is attempting to harness massive amounts of information and make it usable within areas/disciplines that it may not have orginated from.
It is amazing how it all ties together- Moore's law taught us about exponential growth within the processer industry and metadata, to me, represents a similiar growth within the information industry.
Not sure how I feel about such massive amounts of growth so quickly-hope it does not overtake us.
Please feel free to correct/comment on the above. Although, not my area of expertise I have learned so much in this class already- mostly how grateful I am for IT departments everywhere!
Introduction to Metadata
An overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
I would be lying if I said that I did not struggle through these readings. My basic understanding of metadata is that it is a way of collecting data about data. This data is then used to evaluate, describe, or otherwise manipulate whatever information the user is trying to figure out thus creating even more data. This "cycle" then repeats itself and we end up with a constantly updating and enlarging data field that can be used to cull a multitude of information from. Not entirely sure...The Dublin Core Data Model is an "international effort" in the process of trying to take this data and "translate" it all into a database that is cross-disciplinary, cross cultural and able to define same concepts in many different languages. Through "semantic refinement" and specialized encoding schemes, this effort is attempting to harness massive amounts of information and make it usable within areas/disciplines that it may not have orginated from.
It is amazing how it all ties together- Moore's law taught us about exponential growth within the processer industry and metadata, to me, represents a similiar growth within the information industry.
Not sure how I feel about such massive amounts of growth so quickly-hope it does not overtake us.
Please feel free to correct/comment on the above. Although, not my area of expertise I have learned so much in this class already- mostly how grateful I am for IT departments everywhere!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Week #3 Comments
I have commented on:
Ashley's blog: http://amucha.blogspot.com/
Jennifer's blog: http://pittlibrarian.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Nate's blog: http://ngrey666.blogspot.com/feeds/post/default
Jean's blog: http://2600ReasonsToBeALibrarian.blogspot.com/
I have commented on Susan Geiss's digitalizaton post.
Ashley's blog: http://amucha.blogspot.com/
Jennifer's blog: http://pittlibrarian.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Nate's blog: http://ngrey666.blogspot.com/feeds/post/default
Jean's blog: http://2600ReasonsToBeALibrarian.blogspot.com/
I have commented on Susan Geiss's digitalizaton post.
Readings for week #3
Linux, Mac OS X and Windows Vista: My overall impression of the readings was that while informative they were incredibly dry and tedious to read. In general, I felt the information given would have been more helpful to person already knowledgeable in the area of computer operating systems and software. Interestingly, the main idea I got from the readings was the continued effort from the three companies to constantly improve and update. Much in tune with Moore's Law, these platforms are able to "double" their capabilities and keep up with the hardware advances. My point is that even though I may not understand every aspect of what each platform offers, it's ok because I will be informed of updates and improvements at every turn. Linux, Mac and Windows all are trying to achieve the same thing: an operating system that does everything that every person could want that is user-friendly and constantly updating itself. Sounds impossible to me but a noble effort just the same. We all benefit from the competition of these companies who strive for our positive opinion, feedback and money. It does not matter which system you choose, the capabilities of all are both astounding and limiting depending on your reasons for use and personal preferences. It is hard to be all things to all people.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Muddiest Point #2
I realize this may not make me sound brilliant but here goes- my muddiest point was just trying to get my head around binary code. The fact that "numbers" represent letters is not something that I make sense of easily. I am in awe of the speed at which computers are able to translate this code into what I am doing this second. Anyone else? (Obviously, I'm not a math person)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy
My first thought after reading this article was disbelief that it was written 10 years ago...I thought that much, if not all, of what Lynch had to say about Info. literacy and Info.Tech. literacy directly relates to what libraries and librarians face today. Knowing how to "retrieve" information in a digital age is not enough. We must also know what the technology has to offer, how it will support and enhance the information we find. Lynch's statement about technology literacy "and I believe it is a mistake to scope this too narrowly to information technology (i.e. computers); it needs to encompass a rather broad view of the technology infastructures that support our society, including computing, telecommunications, broadcasting, publishing..." means, to me, that there are a lot of information sources available and we need to be knowledgable about not only what they are but how they work. Slightly daunting...
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Week #1 Readings
I think that this is actually "late" (see Muddiest Point") but I did do the assigned work and hope that "better late than never" is true here.
I must admit that I truly got a lot out of the OCLC article. While dry and longwinded, it seemed to describe what is the current situation where I work. Our small college library is a well-used information center. We strive to be the place on campus that students can come to for just about any kind of information they need. We struggle with container issues, though. I find that the students we see are so accustomed to "instant gratification" that the thought of not being able to use a few keystrokes to find the answer to a question or to do research is almost more than they can fathom. I mean no disrespect, just a comment on how modern technology has affected patience levels. Faster is not always better. Although digital storage has forever changed libraries for the better, in terms of what they can offer and how much, we need to be careful not to replace the "container" without replacing or at least modifying the instruction for their use.
I read with glee (not really, but I was excited) the Lied Library article. As I mentioned before, I work in a small college (2000 students) library. I am happy to say that although we are no UNLV library, we have just about all of the tech that they have. I realize that the Lied Library was completed in 2001 but it has been continually updated, as ours has been. Having the tech without the support and training is pointless, though. The Lied Library impressed me greatly with the resources (not just $) that they put toward their improvement and how to stay current. Having regular schedules for computer replacement is simple idea but shows an obvious commitment to all things current.
I must admit that I truly got a lot out of the OCLC article. While dry and longwinded, it seemed to describe what is the current situation where I work. Our small college library is a well-used information center. We strive to be the place on campus that students can come to for just about any kind of information they need. We struggle with container issues, though. I find that the students we see are so accustomed to "instant gratification" that the thought of not being able to use a few keystrokes to find the answer to a question or to do research is almost more than they can fathom. I mean no disrespect, just a comment on how modern technology has affected patience levels. Faster is not always better. Although digital storage has forever changed libraries for the better, in terms of what they can offer and how much, we need to be careful not to replace the "container" without replacing or at least modifying the instruction for their use.
I read with glee (not really, but I was excited) the Lied Library article. As I mentioned before, I work in a small college (2000 students) library. I am happy to say that although we are no UNLV library, we have just about all of the tech that they have. I realize that the Lied Library was completed in 2001 but it has been continually updated, as ours has been. Having the tech without the support and training is pointless, though. The Lied Library impressed me greatly with the resources (not just $) that they put toward their improvement and how to stay current. Having regular schedules for computer replacement is simple idea but shows an obvious commitment to all things current.
I have commented on:
Caitlin Beery's blog: http://lis2600chb.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Cari Shepard's blog:
http://bookslingers.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Oliver Batchelor's blog: http://oliverlis2600.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Elisabeth Griswold's blog: http://egriswoldlis2600.blogspot.com/
Caitlin Beery's blog: http://lis2600chb.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Cari Shepard's blog:
http://bookslingers.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Oliver Batchelor's blog: http://oliverlis2600.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Elisabeth Griswold's blog: http://egriswoldlis2600.blogspot.com/
Computer History Museum
I really enjoyed this site. I viewed the background video and was impressed with the concept of capturing history as it is happening. I like the museum's effort to recognize and honor people who make contributions to the computer industry. Not everyone can be Paris Hilton. My my favorite exhibit was "visible storage". After reading Moore's Law, I could directly apply that trend to the obvious "shrinkage" of personal computers, etc.
Moore's Law
At first glance, I have to admit, I did a mental eye roll. Scientific reading is not usually on my list but I was pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of the law. Simple but impressive and true. I look back at the cell phones and computers of the 80's and 90's and think they seem huge and bumbling. I appreciate the fact that Moore's law (trend) actually is happening. The video was a great piece and I thought it was well done. Good to know...
Friday, August 29, 2008
By far, the muddiest point...
For me, the muddiest point was the actual duedate of readings/assignments. I understand that they mean different things for grading purposes but am not sure as to the schedule for week 1. I thought that, just for this week, everything was due on Tuesday (Sept. 2) and thereafter, readings/comments posted by Fridays and assignments done/posted by Tuesdays (3:00). Did anyone else get that?
Computer Hardware
I found the computer hardware article/entry very informative. How many of us sit at a computer to work or play everyday, without really understanding how it operates. Having graduated undergrad in 1990, I was still using a typewriter to write papers! I have always needed to use a computer in my work (library), but, honestly, know enough to do my job and not much more. It has always seemed rather mysterious to me and this entry explained the actual components and how they work together in order to make computers operate.
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