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?