What Cloud Computing Really Means
As the article says, cloud computing is really popular. I remember several Microsoft commercials that featured the "cloud." However these commercials also seemed to imply that Microsoft invented the cloud or users could only access it if they bought a Microsoft operating system. Not true.
Is Google Docs a version of cloud computing or does that fall into an entirely different category? Is promoting the cloud even profitable? Do users have to pay?
How can librarians take advantage of cloud computing? Would it help with any library-specific functions or just help to streamline day-to-day activities?
Examining Cloud Computing
Oh, so Google is part of the cloud computing network.
Also, it's interesting to note how many cloud computing alternatives there are to expensive software. For example, Pixlr can perform similar functions to Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. And it's a lot cheaper (i.e. FREE!).
The Future of Libraries
I think it's interesting that even though smartphones have really impacted the way people communicate, they don't make the list of communication systems. That list ends at 2004. A lot has happened since then. Although the smartphone is mentioned in trend #2, it's interesting that it's not mentioned by name. Also, what will replace smartphones. It's interesting to conjecture.
Trend #4 relates directly to my final project in Organizing and Retrieving Information. Right now, we search mostly by text. That project required us to take a text-based search and create a non-text-based search from it. Making the change was difficult, yet the author believes one day we'll be able to search by smell or taste. God help the people in charge of the metadata for that assignment.
I'm a little concerned by the prediction that literacy will be dead in 2050. If that's the case, the libraries we know now will be completely useless and probably nonexistent. Great job market prospects, there. However, transitioning from a print to verbal society seems almost like a retreat into the Dark Ages. You know, that time where people shunned printed materials and knowledge was lost forever. Somehow, I doubt that prediction.
The author's recommendations for libraries really don't seem too much different than what they already do. Libraries are supposed to function as community centers, and that's how they preserve memories. They are continually reevaluating their policies as patrons give feedback. Many libraries, too, are on the forefront of adapting new information technologies as well as creating spaces where teens, especially, can be creative. If this trend continues, then libraries have nothing to worry about.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Week 14 Notes
No Place to Hide
The implications of always being watched are scary. It's like 1984 all over again. However, many people don't realize what privacy they're giving up when they use technology. Who reads the terms of service anyway? I remember reading a statistic that claimed people would spend years of their lives if they actually read every word of every user agreement they encountered. So we don't do it, and we don't know what we're signing away.
There's no way to protect ourselves from this type of privacy invasion. Forbes and the New York Times published an article a few weeks ago about how Target was monitoring people's browsing on their website and were able to predict whether a person was pregnant based on that information. It scared people, but obviously not enough for them to do anything. After all, what can we do?
TIA and Data Mining
The same information that retailers use to track us can also be used to track terrorists. Many people agreed with this decision in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. However, once the government started announcing it could track data about anyone, people started complaining. It's a weird viewpoint to have.
The website doesn't include any links from after 2004. What has happened to this project since then? Has there been any follow up?
MyTurn: Protecting Privacy Rights in Libraries
It's definitely important for libraries to have a policy on patron records. I know there have been issues at the library where I intern about this. We had one employee who would talk to patrons' parents about their material history, which, while good intentioned, violates the library's policy. He was reprimanded several times for his behaviors.
I suppose it's also difficult if the library policy does not agree with the state policy. Which policy do you follow? It seems in the Brooke Bennett cases, the librarians followed the library policy and the police followed a policy they made up. Kudos librarians.
The implications of always being watched are scary. It's like 1984 all over again. However, many people don't realize what privacy they're giving up when they use technology. Who reads the terms of service anyway? I remember reading a statistic that claimed people would spend years of their lives if they actually read every word of every user agreement they encountered. So we don't do it, and we don't know what we're signing away.
There's no way to protect ourselves from this type of privacy invasion. Forbes and the New York Times published an article a few weeks ago about how Target was monitoring people's browsing on their website and were able to predict whether a person was pregnant based on that information. It scared people, but obviously not enough for them to do anything. After all, what can we do?
TIA and Data Mining
The same information that retailers use to track us can also be used to track terrorists. Many people agreed with this decision in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. However, once the government started announcing it could track data about anyone, people started complaining. It's a weird viewpoint to have.
The website doesn't include any links from after 2004. What has happened to this project since then? Has there been any follow up?
MyTurn: Protecting Privacy Rights in Libraries
It's definitely important for libraries to have a policy on patron records. I know there have been issues at the library where I intern about this. We had one employee who would talk to patrons' parents about their material history, which, while good intentioned, violates the library's policy. He was reprimanded several times for his behaviors.
I suppose it's also difficult if the library policy does not agree with the state policy. Which policy do you follow? It seems in the Brooke Bennett cases, the librarians followed the library policy and the police followed a policy they made up. Kudos librarians.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Week 13 Notes
What Makes Social Media Tick
Will not load
Using a Wiki to Manage a Library Instruction Program
Wikis seem a lot like Google Docs. Both are convenient. Which came first?
On a side note, the version of the article I'm reading (since the given link didn't work) is missing letters every so often. I have to play detective to read the article.
Wikis seem like a good idea; however, it's just one more piece of technology. Yes, they're simple and easy to use, but it's just one more thing to check. There's all those emails and now a wiki. I'm a member of several Google Docs for a class. I either forget to check the Doc or I'm so overwhelmed with everything else that I don't check. It's just another complication.
Creating the Academic Library Folksonomy
I've heard of most of the sites that the author mentions, and I've seen them used in library and academic settings.
This article was written in 2007. I wonder how the social tagging experiment that the University of Pennsylvania implemented has fared. Is it still being used today? Do students actually use it? Do the administrators of PennTags still use it?
I liked that the author brought up some concerns about social tagging. While the freedom and openness of the programs can be beneficial, they are also major concerns. Each library needs to evaluate its patrons before making a decision.
Jimmy Wales on the Birth of Wikipedia
Wikipedia really was a novel idea. It's definitely made an impact, as major encyclopedias are no longer publishing print versions of their product.
Wikipedia has shown how a small company with a lot of volunteers can create an accurate product. That's unusual. What about a library with few to no volunteers? I don't think the result will be the same.
Will not load
Using a Wiki to Manage a Library Instruction Program
Wikis seem a lot like Google Docs. Both are convenient. Which came first?
On a side note, the version of the article I'm reading (since the given link didn't work) is missing letters every so often. I have to play detective to read the article.
Wikis seem like a good idea; however, it's just one more piece of technology. Yes, they're simple and easy to use, but it's just one more thing to check. There's all those emails and now a wiki. I'm a member of several Google Docs for a class. I either forget to check the Doc or I'm so overwhelmed with everything else that I don't check. It's just another complication.
Creating the Academic Library Folksonomy
I've heard of most of the sites that the author mentions, and I've seen them used in library and academic settings.
This article was written in 2007. I wonder how the social tagging experiment that the University of Pennsylvania implemented has fared. Is it still being used today? Do students actually use it? Do the administrators of PennTags still use it?
I liked that the author brought up some concerns about social tagging. While the freedom and openness of the programs can be beneficial, they are also major concerns. Each library needs to evaluate its patrons before making a decision.
Jimmy Wales on the Birth of Wikipedia
Wikipedia really was a novel idea. It's definitely made an impact, as major encyclopedias are no longer publishing print versions of their product.
Wikipedia has shown how a small company with a lot of volunteers can create an accurate product. That's unusual. What about a library with few to no volunteers? I don't think the result will be the same.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Week 11 Lab
Google Scholar
I used the advanced search function. In the exact phrase box, I searched for digital libraries, and I searched for all of the words virtual reference. I also limited my search to the years 2008-2012. I restricted my search to the Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities and Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics sections.
World of Knowledge
I searched for Topic = "digital librar*" and virtual reference. I limited my scope to computer science and library information science. I also restricted the years to 2008-2012.
I used the advanced search function. In the exact phrase box, I searched for digital libraries, and I searched for all of the words virtual reference. I also limited my search to the years 2008-2012. I restricted my search to the Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities and Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics sections.
World of Knowledge
I searched for Topic = "digital librar*" and virtual reference. I limited my scope to computer science and library information science. I also restricted the years to 2008-2012.
Week 12 Notes
Web Search Engines: Part 1 and 2
I never realized how much space search engines needed to perform searches. Granted, I realize how many web sites they search, but the sheer amount of space needed is impressive, especially the 100 terabyte figure the articles mentions.
I'm a bit confused about how the hashing function works. How many computers are used in a major search engine? For example, how many computers does Google use for its search functions?
Even though the article was supposed to be about searching in common terms, but I still don't really understand web search engines. I don't think that understanding all the nuts and bolts behind web search engines is important, though. As long as I understand how to search using that web search engine, I'll be successful.
Current developments and future trends for the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting
Why does the e-print archives community care so much about the Open Archive Initiative? What sort of needs did the OAI meet?
I thought the idea of the Sheet Music Consortium was really neat. My husband plays two instruments, so he's always looking for new music. Their idea of creating a service provider that would allow users to search for sheet music is really useful.
White Paper: The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value
Like the first reading, this reading also contained information about how much data can be found online. It's amazing how many deep websites exist and how much information they contain.
I found this article to be slightly more understandable than the first article. However, it's very clearly an advertisement. I know the preface mentions the advertisementy nature of the of the article, but it should be better noticed.
I was also very interested in seeing what websites were part of the deep web. I was surprised that Amazon, UPS, eBay and MP3.com were on the list. I expected most of the websites on the list to be government websites. Those ones were a surprise.
I never realized how much space search engines needed to perform searches. Granted, I realize how many web sites they search, but the sheer amount of space needed is impressive, especially the 100 terabyte figure the articles mentions.
I'm a bit confused about how the hashing function works. How many computers are used in a major search engine? For example, how many computers does Google use for its search functions?
Even though the article was supposed to be about searching in common terms, but I still don't really understand web search engines. I don't think that understanding all the nuts and bolts behind web search engines is important, though. As long as I understand how to search using that web search engine, I'll be successful.
Current developments and future trends for the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting
Why does the e-print archives community care so much about the Open Archive Initiative? What sort of needs did the OAI meet?
I thought the idea of the Sheet Music Consortium was really neat. My husband plays two instruments, so he's always looking for new music. Their idea of creating a service provider that would allow users to search for sheet music is really useful.
White Paper: The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value
Like the first reading, this reading also contained information about how much data can be found online. It's amazing how many deep websites exist and how much information they contain.
I found this article to be slightly more understandable than the first article. However, it's very clearly an advertisement. I know the preface mentions the advertisementy nature of the of the article, but it should be better noticed.
I was also very interested in seeing what websites were part of the deep web. I was surprised that Amazon, UPS, eBay and MP3.com were on the list. I expected most of the websites on the list to be government websites. Those ones were a surprise.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Week 11 Notes
Digital Libraries: challenges and influential work by William H. Mischo
What is federated search? How is it better than non-federated search?
I think it's interesting that government agencies began looking at the idea of the digital library before the idea of the Internet even really caught on with the general public. Most importantly, they started by involving the community, most of whom probably had no idea what the government meant.
I also found it interesting that Google was a result of the early project, as were many other developments. The creators wanted to create one thing but ended up creating a lot more. We can't imagine a world without Google and these programs helped make it possible.
Dewey meets Turing: librarians, computer scientists and the digital libraries initiative
I like the idea that librarians had to work with computer scientists. This partnership is bound to create new ideas (like Google). However, the article makes it seem like the two groups did not have much respect for each other or even bother to explain the basics of their jobs. Perhaps the partnership would have worked better then.
How much of a disruption did the Internet cause in the partnership? Why could the computer scientists explained the more technical concepts to the librarians? What advances have been made since that time?
Institutional Repositories: Essential Infrastructure for Scholarship in the Digital Age
Does Pitt have a digital repository? Who created it? Who maintains it? Do librarians play any part in the upkeep or organization of the digital repository?
I like the idea of a digital repository because you can keep a lot of useful information in one place. However, what happens if the system crashes? Is there a backup? Where is the information stored? How do you convince technology-reluctant faculty members and staff to use the repository?
I also appreciated that the author included some of his concerns about repositories.
What is federated search? How is it better than non-federated search?
I think it's interesting that government agencies began looking at the idea of the digital library before the idea of the Internet even really caught on with the general public. Most importantly, they started by involving the community, most of whom probably had no idea what the government meant.
I also found it interesting that Google was a result of the early project, as were many other developments. The creators wanted to create one thing but ended up creating a lot more. We can't imagine a world without Google and these programs helped make it possible.
Dewey meets Turing: librarians, computer scientists and the digital libraries initiative
I like the idea that librarians had to work with computer scientists. This partnership is bound to create new ideas (like Google). However, the article makes it seem like the two groups did not have much respect for each other or even bother to explain the basics of their jobs. Perhaps the partnership would have worked better then.
How much of a disruption did the Internet cause in the partnership? Why could the computer scientists explained the more technical concepts to the librarians? What advances have been made since that time?
Institutional Repositories: Essential Infrastructure for Scholarship in the Digital Age
Does Pitt have a digital repository? Who created it? Who maintains it? Do librarians play any part in the upkeep or organization of the digital repository?
I like the idea of a digital repository because you can keep a lot of useful information in one place. However, what happens if the system crashes? Is there a backup? Where is the information stored? How do you convince technology-reluctant faculty members and staff to use the repository?
I also appreciated that the author included some of his concerns about repositories.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Week 10 Notes
Introduction to XML by Doug Tidwell
Why is it so important that computers/machines know what type of information is post? What can they do with that information?
XML seems to make coding more complex and confusing. The code looks cluttered.
The author gives an example of code, in which the author is trying to make text bold and italics. He explains that you have to end an element before you start a new one. If this is the case, how do you make something both bold and italic? There's not many reasons to make something bold and italic, but how do you do it in XML?
I'm beginning to think I like HMTL better than XML. HTML seems more forgiving than XML, so it's nicer for beginners.
A Survey of XML Standards, Part 1 by Uche Ogbuji
Computer programming is really just alphabet soup. Don't forget about HMTL, XML, SGML, DTD, ISO, URI, URL, URN, and OASIS. It's so very complicated. Remembering what all the abbreviations stand for is also rather difficult. I need a cheat sheet.
This article really confused me. It seemed rather technical and all the abbreviations didn't help. The article also assumes you have a slightly more than basic understanding of XML and HTML. If you only have a slight grasp on XML (like me), you're in trouble.
XML Schema Tutorial on w3schools.com
This tutorial clears up a few questions. It's technical because of the coding, but I like that w3schools actually gives you space to try out the code.
w3schools.com is a really helpful website because it also compiles lists of information that come in handy when coding.
Why is it so important that computers/machines know what type of information is post? What can they do with that information?
XML seems to make coding more complex and confusing. The code looks cluttered.
The author gives an example of code, in which the author is trying to make text bold and italics. He explains that you have to end an element before you start a new one. If this is the case, how do you make something both bold and italic? There's not many reasons to make something bold and italic, but how do you do it in XML?
I'm beginning to think I like HMTL better than XML. HTML seems more forgiving than XML, so it's nicer for beginners.
A Survey of XML Standards, Part 1 by Uche Ogbuji
Computer programming is really just alphabet soup. Don't forget about HMTL, XML, SGML, DTD, ISO, URI, URL, URN, and OASIS. It's so very complicated. Remembering what all the abbreviations stand for is also rather difficult. I need a cheat sheet.
This article really confused me. It seemed rather technical and all the abbreviations didn't help. The article also assumes you have a slightly more than basic understanding of XML and HTML. If you only have a slight grasp on XML (like me), you're in trouble.
XML Schema Tutorial on w3schools.com
This tutorial clears up a few questions. It's technical because of the coding, but I like that w3schools actually gives you space to try out the code.
w3schools.com is a really helpful website because it also compiles lists of information that come in handy when coding.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Week 9 Notes
W3schools HTML5 Tutorial
Why did it take so long for HTML5 to be introduced and named a standard? I think it's great that the programmers are finally taking steps to bring the behind-the-scenes of the Internet up to date. Who is responsible for updating the programming language?
When will HTML5 be officially named a standard?
Wikipedia: HTML5
I like the logo for HTML5. Although, it's amusing that the logo gets a section that is the same size as more important parts of the page (like Markup). How different is HTML5 after all?
If HTML5 is still in development, how relevant will it be when it's named a standard? Won't parts of it be obsolete already? The video and audio parts of the language seem like a nice improvement.
Will HTML5 still work with the other programming languages like CSS? How exactly do you implement a new programming language? How are the old webpages affected?
W3schools XHTML Tutorial
The main difference between HTML and XHTML is that XHTML is a cleaner version of HTML. It's more strict. Isn't this just making a mountain out of a molehill? It seems like the programming world is just making things complicated for no reason. Why is XHTML necessary? I guess XHTML could be similar to proper grammar. You're taught the correct way to write and speak, yet we develop slang and conversational grammar. We say kinda instead of kind of, and some people say they're going to red the room, which evidently means clean up the room. In a way, I guess that's similar. XHTML is proper grammar, while HTML is conversational grammar.
Why did it take so long for HTML5 to be introduced and named a standard? I think it's great that the programmers are finally taking steps to bring the behind-the-scenes of the Internet up to date. Who is responsible for updating the programming language?
When will HTML5 be officially named a standard?
Wikipedia: HTML5
I like the logo for HTML5. Although, it's amusing that the logo gets a section that is the same size as more important parts of the page (like Markup). How different is HTML5 after all?
If HTML5 is still in development, how relevant will it be when it's named a standard? Won't parts of it be obsolete already? The video and audio parts of the language seem like a nice improvement.
Will HTML5 still work with the other programming languages like CSS? How exactly do you implement a new programming language? How are the old webpages affected?
W3schools XHTML Tutorial
The main difference between HTML and XHTML is that XHTML is a cleaner version of HTML. It's more strict. Isn't this just making a mountain out of a molehill? It seems like the programming world is just making things complicated for no reason. Why is XHTML necessary? I guess XHTML could be similar to proper grammar. You're taught the correct way to write and speak, yet we develop slang and conversational grammar. We say kinda instead of kind of, and some people say they're going to red the room, which evidently means clean up the room. In a way, I guess that's similar. XHTML is proper grammar, while HTML is conversational grammar.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Week 8 Notes
W3 School Cascading Style Sheet
w3schools.com has a lot of helpful tutorials. I can definitely see how this site would be useful for anyone who wants to learn programming languages.
The tutorial says that CSS is used to solve a problem. What problem? It never specifies.
CSS Tutorial Starting with HTML + CSS
This site is really helpful in that it gives a practical example of using HTML and CSS. The tutorial was very helpful.
If I understand this correctly, HTML and CSS work together to create interesting web pages, with colors, styles, navigation bars, etc. Can you create a web page only using CSS? Or do you need to use them together?
Chapter 2 of Cascading Style Sheets: Designing for the Web y Hakon Wium Lie and Bert Bos
This chapter answered my previous question. I definitely think in future classes that this reading should come before the tutorials. It helps explain how HTML and CSS work together to create a formatted web page.
Why do the curly braces appear on separate lines from the declaration?
This tutorial seems rather old, mentioning IE4 and Netscape. Netscape is long gone, and Mac no longer supports IE. Is the theory still the same despite the changes in browsers?
The chapter includes a lot of details that the other tutorials didn't, which makes it extremely helpful. I like all the details because it can act as a troubleshooting guide when I use HTML and CSS.
w3schools.com has a lot of helpful tutorials. I can definitely see how this site would be useful for anyone who wants to learn programming languages.
The tutorial says that CSS is used to solve a problem. What problem? It never specifies.
CSS Tutorial Starting with HTML + CSS
This site is really helpful in that it gives a practical example of using HTML and CSS. The tutorial was very helpful.
If I understand this correctly, HTML and CSS work together to create interesting web pages, with colors, styles, navigation bars, etc. Can you create a web page only using CSS? Or do you need to use them together?
Chapter 2 of Cascading Style Sheets: Designing for the Web y Hakon Wium Lie and Bert Bos
This chapter answered my previous question. I definitely think in future classes that this reading should come before the tutorials. It helps explain how HTML and CSS work together to create a formatted web page.
Why do the curly braces appear on separate lines from the declaration?
This tutorial seems rather old, mentioning IE4 and Netscape. Netscape is long gone, and Mac no longer supports IE. Is the theory still the same despite the changes in browsers?
The chapter includes a lot of details that the other tutorials didn't, which makes it extremely helpful. I like all the details because it can act as a troubleshooting guide when I use HTML and CSS.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Week 7 Notes
HTML Tutorial:
This seems like a very helpful site. I will definitely bookmark it to use in the future.
I really like the box that lets you try different HTML tags and then see the results. It's fun to play with and rather helpful to learn the language.
HTML Cheat Sheet:
Yay! Another helpful HTML guide. Combined with the first site, this cheat sheet will make HTML tagging a lot easier. The monkey logo is cool, too.
I'll definitely use this in the future.
Beyond HTML: Developing and re-imagining library web guides in a content management system
by Doug Goans, Guy Leach, and Terri M. Vogel
What is the role of a web development librarian? Is this person solely responsible for the developing the online presence of the library? If so, does the title "librarian" really apply here?
It's nice to see a practical application of what we're learning in class. We've seen how individual pieces can work separately, but this article shows how a number of the topics we've discussed can work together to create a cohesive, useful product.
I like how librarians are resourceful, as shown by the web development librarian reusing parts of projects for his/her new project. The fact the librarian was able to lessen the complexity of the product from the users' and creators' ends was also a nice touch. This fact shows the importance of organization and the necessity for all librarians to have a better understanding of technology. The disorganization highlights the importance of communication between professionals in the workplace. Sometimes in order to streamline a process, it really is necessary to eliminate some jobs.
What other libraries (and not just academic ones) use this type of system? How could public libraries benefit from this as well?
This seems like a very helpful site. I will definitely bookmark it to use in the future.
I really like the box that lets you try different HTML tags and then see the results. It's fun to play with and rather helpful to learn the language.
HTML Cheat Sheet:
Yay! Another helpful HTML guide. Combined with the first site, this cheat sheet will make HTML tagging a lot easier. The monkey logo is cool, too.
I'll definitely use this in the future.
Beyond HTML: Developing and re-imagining library web guides in a content management system
by Doug Goans, Guy Leach, and Terri M. Vogel
What is the role of a web development librarian? Is this person solely responsible for the developing the online presence of the library? If so, does the title "librarian" really apply here?
It's nice to see a practical application of what we're learning in class. We've seen how individual pieces can work separately, but this article shows how a number of the topics we've discussed can work together to create a cohesive, useful product.
I like how librarians are resourceful, as shown by the web development librarian reusing parts of projects for his/her new project. The fact the librarian was able to lessen the complexity of the product from the users' and creators' ends was also a nice touch. This fact shows the importance of organization and the necessity for all librarians to have a better understanding of technology. The disorganization highlights the importance of communication between professionals in the workplace. Sometimes in order to streamline a process, it really is necessary to eliminate some jobs.
What other libraries (and not just academic ones) use this type of system? How could public libraries benefit from this as well?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Week 6 Notes
How Stuff Works: Computer Infrastructure by Jeff Tyson
It's nice to know how a resource I use every day, like the Internet, works. The Internet has always been this big, abstract thing that does what I tell it to do. Routers were the same way for me. When a page wouldn't load, I knew I had to check my Internet connection and/or restart my router. I didn't really know what I was doing except that the Internet would then start to work. It's nice to know what exactly I was doing and how it connects to the rest of the world.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems by Andrew K. Pace
I didn't really understand this article from the very beginning. I don't know what an Integrated Library System is, but thanks to some Googling, that was resolved. I also don't have much experience working with ILS, so I didn't understand some of the terms or even potential problems that the author identified.
Inside the Google Machine
Larry Page and Sergey Brin talk a lot about the importance of innovation and how it can revolutionize a company. While that's not directly related to this week's lesson, it's an important point. You can't be afraid to take risks and try new things. If you don't, you become stagnant, and frankly, somewhat boring. Google's success is partly based on their innovations.
Their algorithm is also being constantly updated in order to get the most relevant results. Page and Brin also have worldwide appeal in Google, as people all over the world are connected to the Internet via Google.
A Few Thoughts on the Google Books Library Project
I like that the author believes the project will not make books obsolete, just more accessible. I've found with my own experiences that I can view snippets of relevant books and use them for a project. Local libraries (even Pitt) don't always have the books I'm looking for, but-voila-Google does.
However, I also agree with his assertion that people are relying on the Internet way too much. If it's not online, it might as well not exist. This way of thinking causes a problem for librarians. What happens when you provide too much access? Does such a thing exist? Can librarians make themselves obsolete?
It's nice to know how a resource I use every day, like the Internet, works. The Internet has always been this big, abstract thing that does what I tell it to do. Routers were the same way for me. When a page wouldn't load, I knew I had to check my Internet connection and/or restart my router. I didn't really know what I was doing except that the Internet would then start to work. It's nice to know what exactly I was doing and how it connects to the rest of the world.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems by Andrew K. Pace
I didn't really understand this article from the very beginning. I don't know what an Integrated Library System is, but thanks to some Googling, that was resolved. I also don't have much experience working with ILS, so I didn't understand some of the terms or even potential problems that the author identified.
Inside the Google Machine
Larry Page and Sergey Brin talk a lot about the importance of innovation and how it can revolutionize a company. While that's not directly related to this week's lesson, it's an important point. You can't be afraid to take risks and try new things. If you don't, you become stagnant, and frankly, somewhat boring. Google's success is partly based on their innovations.
Their algorithm is also being constantly updated in order to get the most relevant results. Page and Brin also have worldwide appeal in Google, as people all over the world are connected to the Internet via Google.
A Few Thoughts on the Google Books Library Project
I like that the author believes the project will not make books obsolete, just more accessible. I've found with my own experiences that I can view snippets of relevant books and use them for a project. Local libraries (even Pitt) don't always have the books I'm looking for, but-voila-Google does.
However, I also agree with his assertion that people are relying on the Internet way too much. If it's not online, it might as well not exist. This way of thinking causes a problem for librarians. What happens when you provide too much access? Does such a thing exist? Can librarians make themselves obsolete?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Week 4 Lab
Task 1:
SELECT * FROM isi_jcr_report_isls
WHERE j_abbr='ANNU REV INFORM SCI'
AND jcr_year=2007
Screenshot of Task 1
Task 2:
SELECT j_abbr, j_if
FROM isi_jcr_report_isls
WHERE jcr_year=2007
AND j_if<1
Screenshot of Task 2
SELECT * FROM isi_jcr_report_isls
WHERE j_abbr='ANNU REV INFORM SCI'
AND jcr_year=2007
Screenshot of Task 1
Task 2:
SELECT j_abbr, j_if
FROM isi_jcr_report_isls
WHERE jcr_year=2007
AND j_if<1
Screenshot of Task 2
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Week 5 Notes
Wikipedia: Local Area Network
Local Area Networks allow computers in a small, contained space to connect to each other. These networks allow computers to connect to the Internet. How do Ethernet cables work? What is ARCNET?
What is the benefit of using a LAN rather than a WAN?
I've heard my gaming friends talk about LAN parties. What are they doing, and how does that work?
What sort of security risks are involved in connecting to a LAN? How do prevent hacking?
Wikipedia: Computer Network
How would life be different if we different have computer networks? I imagine life would be completely different. Even in the past few years, we have made tremendous progress with technology. Studies show that we're using technology and consuming media on technological devices more often than ever before. Without the invention of computer networks, we would be more sociable and personable. We would spend less time in front of screens and more time interacting with families and friends. Of course, it would be harder to stay in touch with people spread out across the globe, but it would also mean that people would have smaller, tighter, more local groups of friends.
How are MAC addresses assigned? How do they ensure there will be no repeats? What happens to a MAC address once the device no longer works? Can the numbers be reused?
Management of RFID in Libraries
How expensive would it be to implement RFID in libraries?
How receptive would the public be to the change from barcode to RFID?
Coyle talks about ways to bypass the RFID system. Do libraries really need to be concerned with people intentionally stealing books? Sure, libraries don't have a lot of money to spend and a limited number of materials. However, libraries are based on a lending principle that requires people to be honest. There will always be people who return books late or misplace a book. But do enough people intentionally steal books to make thwarting security a huge issue?
Coyle also talks about the ROI for librarians. However, the procedures that she claims will save time and money actually cost money. Installing automated checkout booths costs money and a lot of it. It also involves space. Small libraries won't have the space. What about jobs, too? If we help usher in automated services, are we willingly eliminating our own jobs? I'd like to have and keep a job in libraries, no matter how technologically developed we get.
Local Area Networks allow computers in a small, contained space to connect to each other. These networks allow computers to connect to the Internet. How do Ethernet cables work? What is ARCNET?
What is the benefit of using a LAN rather than a WAN?
I've heard my gaming friends talk about LAN parties. What are they doing, and how does that work?
What sort of security risks are involved in connecting to a LAN? How do prevent hacking?
Wikipedia: Computer Network
How would life be different if we different have computer networks? I imagine life would be completely different. Even in the past few years, we have made tremendous progress with technology. Studies show that we're using technology and consuming media on technological devices more often than ever before. Without the invention of computer networks, we would be more sociable and personable. We would spend less time in front of screens and more time interacting with families and friends. Of course, it would be harder to stay in touch with people spread out across the globe, but it would also mean that people would have smaller, tighter, more local groups of friends.
How are MAC addresses assigned? How do they ensure there will be no repeats? What happens to a MAC address once the device no longer works? Can the numbers be reused?
Management of RFID in Libraries
How expensive would it be to implement RFID in libraries?
How receptive would the public be to the change from barcode to RFID?
Coyle talks about ways to bypass the RFID system. Do libraries really need to be concerned with people intentionally stealing books? Sure, libraries don't have a lot of money to spend and a limited number of materials. However, libraries are based on a lending principle that requires people to be honest. There will always be people who return books late or misplace a book. But do enough people intentionally steal books to make thwarting security a huge issue?
Coyle also talks about the ROI for librarians. However, the procedures that she claims will save time and money actually cost money. Installing automated checkout booths costs money and a lot of it. It also involves space. Small libraries won't have the space. What about jobs, too? If we help usher in automated services, are we willingly eliminating our own jobs? I'd like to have and keep a job in libraries, no matter how technologically developed we get.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Week 4 Notes
Wikipedia: Databases
Just as an offhand comment, the fact that data is plural is rather off putting.
Databases are really big, but the definition is rather general. I've always considered databases to be those resources you use when you want to access a journal article. What is a database in more specific terms? What other roles of databases are there? Also, what does SQL mean? I assume it has some importance because a lot of database management systems include it in their name.
I'm trying to understand the different models of database systems. The navigational models sound like someone is just clicking on links to get to another page. Is this similar to going to a Wikipedia page and clicking on the different links that appear on the page? The relational model sounds like an Excel spreadsheet, in which the data is saved in rows and columns and the user can search for a term using the Find command.
The cloud database intrigued me, especially because of the computer industry's current focus on it. Microsoft started airing commercials about "the cloud," and Apple introduced a feature called iCloud. Are these examples of what the article is talking about? How do they work?
How secure are databases? Do different type of databases require different types of security measures? Are databases able to be hacked? How?
Wikipedia: Entity-Relationship Model
At first, the entity-relationship model seems really confusing. I had to read the the section on the building blocks several times. However, the model seems similar to communication models I've studied in the past as well as sentence diagrams.
How complicated can the diagrams for these models get? Do programs and designers map out the relationships on paper before trying to create such a database? How large and complicated do those get?
Phlonx
I've used Microsoft Access in undergrad to keep track of appointments at the University's Writing Center. I wasn't really sure how to use the program or how it was different from Excel. This tutorial helped me to understand how useful it can be. With that being said, why isn't this program offered for the Mac operating system? Is there an equivalent for that OS?
Just as an offhand comment, the fact that data is plural is rather off putting.
Databases are really big, but the definition is rather general. I've always considered databases to be those resources you use when you want to access a journal article. What is a database in more specific terms? What other roles of databases are there? Also, what does SQL mean? I assume it has some importance because a lot of database management systems include it in their name.
I'm trying to understand the different models of database systems. The navigational models sound like someone is just clicking on links to get to another page. Is this similar to going to a Wikipedia page and clicking on the different links that appear on the page? The relational model sounds like an Excel spreadsheet, in which the data is saved in rows and columns and the user can search for a term using the Find command.
The cloud database intrigued me, especially because of the computer industry's current focus on it. Microsoft started airing commercials about "the cloud," and Apple introduced a feature called iCloud. Are these examples of what the article is talking about? How do they work?
How secure are databases? Do different type of databases require different types of security measures? Are databases able to be hacked? How?
Wikipedia: Entity-Relationship Model
At first, the entity-relationship model seems really confusing. I had to read the the section on the building blocks several times. However, the model seems similar to communication models I've studied in the past as well as sentence diagrams.
How complicated can the diagrams for these models get? Do programs and designers map out the relationships on paper before trying to create such a database? How large and complicated do those get?
Phlonx
I've used Microsoft Access in undergrad to keep track of appointments at the University's Writing Center. I wasn't really sure how to use the program or how it was different from Excel. This tutorial helped me to understand how useful it can be. With that being said, why isn't this program offered for the Mac operating system? Is there an equivalent for that OS?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Week 3 Notes
Introduction to Metadata: Setting the Stage
by Anne J. Gilliland
Ever since I
heard the term, metadata has confused me. I was given the
definition—“information about information”—and not much else. The term is just
so vague. Even Gilliland’s “big picture” way of thinking about metadata doesn’t
make much sense to me. The term itself also encompasses so much that it’s
difficult to grasp, at least in my opinion. The table near the middle of the
chapter cleared things up a little, though.
From what I
gather, metadata allows people to easily locate other information; it helps
with the search. How do people create the standards so that people can
seamlessly switch between programs? Do they create committees?
Why do
museums and archives seem to resist creating a uniform standard? Wouldn’t such
a standard only help them? What could the cons to this decision be?
I like the
idea of user-created metadata, which seems to give the users more freedom. If
they control the metadata, they should, in theory, be able to find what they’re
looking for faster. What happens though when something is tagged
inappropriately? Who is responsible for policing the results?
An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
by Eric J. Miller
This
resource dates back to 1999. Has anything happened with the DCMI since then?
Was it implemented? If so, how successful was it?
Creating a
universal model seems like a good idea, but as the previous reading mentioned,
language does create a problem. How does this international model offer
allowances for different languages? Is it only for English-speaking countries?
Also, I’m
lost every time I see a tan box with code in it.
Working with Endnote
Endnote and
Refworks seem remarkably similar (and are very similar, according to the
website). However, the main benefit of Refworks is that it’s free. Why would I
want to pay $79 for a comparable service that won’t charge anything?
Also, the
website even admits that Refworks is easier to use and is able to be accessed
anywhere. The only benefit seems to be that Endnote has more output styles and
reference types. It can also save images.
I think I’ll
stick with Refworks. It’s free, and I know how to use it.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Week 2 Notes
Wikipedia: Computer Hardware
Computer hardware seems pretty straightforward. After all, there's only a sentence.
Wikipedia: Software
Software on the other hand is a lot more confusing. I really got lost in the middle of the article after it started discussing libraries. I didn't really understand the Supreme Court decision that dealt with software either.
I thought it was interesting that prototypes of computers had existed for a while before the idea of software was mentioned. Even then, the term wasn't used for another 20 years. What happened in those 20 years?
Throughout the article, I found it helpful to draw a connection between the terms discussed and my personal computer. Every time a type of software was mentioned, I thought of a corresponding piece of software within my computer, which helped me visualize the topic and understand it just a little better.
Digitizing: Is it Worth it? by Stuart D. Lee
I liked that Lee discussed the hidden costs of digitizing. Far too often, the long-term costs of a project are ignored in favor of what seems to be a low-cost project. Managing a digital collection or determining what happens to the now-digitized source are both topics that need to be addressed before any project begins.
I do wish he had given a breakdown of these hidden costs rather than a generic description of three to four times. However, I do agree with him in that each scenario must be examined separately. The decision will not be the same in every situation.
European Libraries Face Problems in Digitalizing by Doreen Carvajal
I was intrigued that European libraries are worried about digital libraries becoming too American because of Google's efforts. I did not realize that digital libraries would vary based upon the ethnicity of the creator. Google has always used a clean, simplified look; it does not seem to be based on culture. What is the difference between European and American design?
The fundraising efforts of the European also seemed to be lackluster in results. How do you convince anyone that digitization is worthwhile? Also, how is digitization profitable and marketable?
Computer hardware seems pretty straightforward. After all, there's only a sentence.
Wikipedia: Software
Software on the other hand is a lot more confusing. I really got lost in the middle of the article after it started discussing libraries. I didn't really understand the Supreme Court decision that dealt with software either.
I thought it was interesting that prototypes of computers had existed for a while before the idea of software was mentioned. Even then, the term wasn't used for another 20 years. What happened in those 20 years?
Throughout the article, I found it helpful to draw a connection between the terms discussed and my personal computer. Every time a type of software was mentioned, I thought of a corresponding piece of software within my computer, which helped me visualize the topic and understand it just a little better.
Digitizing: Is it Worth it? by Stuart D. Lee
I liked that Lee discussed the hidden costs of digitizing. Far too often, the long-term costs of a project are ignored in favor of what seems to be a low-cost project. Managing a digital collection or determining what happens to the now-digitized source are both topics that need to be addressed before any project begins.
I do wish he had given a breakdown of these hidden costs rather than a generic description of three to four times. However, I do agree with him in that each scenario must be examined separately. The decision will not be the same in every situation.
European Libraries Face Problems in Digitalizing by Doreen Carvajal
I was intrigued that European libraries are worried about digital libraries becoming too American because of Google's efforts. I did not realize that digital libraries would vary based upon the ethnicity of the creator. Google has always used a clean, simplified look; it does not seem to be based on culture. What is the difference between European and American design?
The fundraising efforts of the European also seemed to be lackluster in results. How do you convince anyone that digitization is worthwhile? Also, how is digitization profitable and marketable?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)