http://laine05.blogspot.com/2009/09/reading-notes-for-week-five.html?showComment=1253928340429#c3228274316717589613
http://lis2600sj.blogspot.com/2009/09/readings-week-5.html?showComment=1253927447034#c6600934859103160097
Friday, September 25, 2009
Week 5 Readings
We had four readings for this week, two of which dealt with data compression while the other two addressed issues of putting library content on the web.
The website for the data compression basics was a good place to start, as there was a more informal tone to the reading. It was also apparent that the author wanted to make the information as understandable as possible - something I appreciated greatly. I was pretty much ignorant in the ways of data compression before now, as I've never had to deal with it in any great capacity before. This reading helped me to recognize the differences between lossless data compression and lossy data compression. I didn't get as much information about the lossy compression, though, because I couldn't click over to Link 2. The minute logistics of how it works is still lost to me, but I feel I now have a basic understanding of the different compression types and how they work.
I tackled the data compression wikipedia page next, and it offered me an opportunity to learn more about which data compression techniques are used in which circumstances. For example, you would want to use lossless compression when dealing with spreadsheets where information needs to stay exactly as it was. You can use lossy data compression with visual and audio files because there are certain variances in color or sound that the human eye or ear can't pick up. This enables the compression to change certain aspects of the data to better compress the file.
The next article I looked at was Youtube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship - by Paula L. Webb. She had a good idea in my opinion, which was to utilize the wide scope of Youtube in library services. She gave some examples of what this could be used for:
-Informing patrons of different library services
-Video of how to find the reference desk
-Teaching students how to use certain databases in the library system
She ended the article with the encouragement to think about using this service as it will help with "keeping up with the 21st century".
The final (and I must admit, favorite) article of the group was Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region, by Edward A. Galloway. I really enjoyed learning how this collection evolved and the challenges that were involved. I appreciated that the author freely admitted the problems they faced, and those that were unexpected. It helped me to understand the difficulty that comes from working with different institutions to put their images online. These difficulties come in the form of communication problems, selecting controlled vocabulary, and even examining the different metadata that institutions use. This was a good article that helped me to realize that there is much more to think about when it comes to digitizing records that simply what database to use and how to present the metadata.
The website for the data compression basics was a good place to start, as there was a more informal tone to the reading. It was also apparent that the author wanted to make the information as understandable as possible - something I appreciated greatly. I was pretty much ignorant in the ways of data compression before now, as I've never had to deal with it in any great capacity before. This reading helped me to recognize the differences between lossless data compression and lossy data compression. I didn't get as much information about the lossy compression, though, because I couldn't click over to Link 2. The minute logistics of how it works is still lost to me, but I feel I now have a basic understanding of the different compression types and how they work.
I tackled the data compression wikipedia page next, and it offered me an opportunity to learn more about which data compression techniques are used in which circumstances. For example, you would want to use lossless compression when dealing with spreadsheets where information needs to stay exactly as it was. You can use lossy data compression with visual and audio files because there are certain variances in color or sound that the human eye or ear can't pick up. This enables the compression to change certain aspects of the data to better compress the file.
The next article I looked at was Youtube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship - by Paula L. Webb. She had a good idea in my opinion, which was to utilize the wide scope of Youtube in library services. She gave some examples of what this could be used for:
-Informing patrons of different library services
-Video of how to find the reference desk
-Teaching students how to use certain databases in the library system
She ended the article with the encouragement to think about using this service as it will help with "keeping up with the 21st century".
The final (and I must admit, favorite) article of the group was Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region, by Edward A. Galloway. I really enjoyed learning how this collection evolved and the challenges that were involved. I appreciated that the author freely admitted the problems they faced, and those that were unexpected. It helped me to understand the difficulty that comes from working with different institutions to put their images online. These difficulties come in the form of communication problems, selecting controlled vocabulary, and even examining the different metadata that institutions use. This was a good article that helped me to realize that there is much more to think about when it comes to digitizing records that simply what database to use and how to present the metadata.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Week 4 readings
So this weeks readings were all new and a bit confusing at times for me. I am more of a visual or hands on learner, so reading articles about databases and metadata would be better if they had some real time examples. They were still informative nonetheless.
Databases
This wikipedia article was helpful in that I had never considered the different types of databases that there are. I do wish they had given more real life examples of what situations these databases are used in. For example, the in-memory databases are used for 9-1-1 emergency systems, which makes sense.
Intro to Metadata - Setting the Stage by Anne J. Gilliland
The biggest thing I took away from this article was that metadata doesn't have to be digital. I had always thought of it in digital terms and honestly the concept was a bit abstract until she mentioned file labels and card catalogs. Now I understand it a bit better.
I also hadn't considered user created metadata. So if I post a message on facebook about a Youtube video, is that creating metadata or is it just copying it? I'm a little confused on that point.
Dublin Core Data Model
This article helped bring home the fact that I need to become more versed in the different programs for metadata, whether that be this one or MARC. I have come to this program with no library experience and I'm afraid that is going to hurt me when I graduate. I hope that I can find a field placement in the summer that will involve one of these types of models.
Databases
This wikipedia article was helpful in that I had never considered the different types of databases that there are. I do wish they had given more real life examples of what situations these databases are used in. For example, the in-memory databases are used for 9-1-1 emergency systems, which makes sense.
Intro to Metadata - Setting the Stage by Anne J. Gilliland
The biggest thing I took away from this article was that metadata doesn't have to be digital. I had always thought of it in digital terms and honestly the concept was a bit abstract until she mentioned file labels and card catalogs. Now I understand it a bit better.
I also hadn't considered user created metadata. So if I post a message on facebook about a Youtube video, is that creating metadata or is it just copying it? I'm a little confused on that point.
Dublin Core Data Model
This article helped bring home the fact that I need to become more versed in the different programs for metadata, whether that be this one or MARC. I have come to this program with no library experience and I'm afraid that is going to hurt me when I graduate. I hope that I can find a field placement in the summer that will involve one of these types of models.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Week 3 Muddiest Points
I am still confused as to what command line user interface is. We went over graphical user interface in depth, but not command line.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Comments
I left comments on Veronica's blog at:
http://infinitetechnology.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-3-reading-response.html?showComment=1252778280194#c3789551620539893499
and Stephanie's blog at:
http://lis2600sj.blogspot.com/2009/09/readings-week-3.html
http://infinitetechnology.blogspot.com/2009/09/week-3-reading-response.html?showComment=1252778280194#c3789551620539893499
and Stephanie's blog at:
http://lis2600sj.blogspot.com/2009/09/readings-week-3.html
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Muddiest Point - Week 2
I'm afraid there weren't any muddy points for me from this week's lecture. I have a basic knowledge of computers that this lecture complimented so there was no point where I was lost.
Week 3 Readings
You know, I don't have a whole lot to say about this week's readings as I was already familiar with the Mac and Microsoft operating systems. I did, however, learn a lot with the reading on Linux because before now I have been completely ignorant about the system. Gathering from what I read, it seems that Linux is a good system that will soon be competing with Macs in popularity. I'm wondering how much the "con" of the system being confusing to beginners will cost the system. I don't know about other users, but I can become easily intimidated and/or discouraged if a new system is hard to grasp. Basically, when it comes to computers I am lazy and I fear change :) I like to stick with what I know and I am not very adventurous, and I can guess that there are a few others out there that share my condition. Is that the reason that Microsoft remains the most popular of systems - because people likely started with that system and don't want to change? I know that's part of the reason I'm still a Windows user.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Assignment 2
Here is the URL for the flikr sight with the Assignment 2 pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nataliespics/?saved=1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nataliespics/?saved=1
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Week 2 Readings
Personal Computer Hardware
This was helpful in understanding the inner workings of the computer. I learned all of this back in junior high, but it has faded since then.
Moore's Law
Now this was something I had never heard of before. I found it interesting that the law became a self fulfilling prophesy as manufacturers strove to fulfill the expectations of increase in processing power. I wonder if we would have made the same amount of progress without this law - would manufacturers have worked so hard and been so competitive otherwise? And the predictions for how long it's going to last are so varied - will we have a decade longer to grow or will it be hundreds of years? It will be fun to find out.
Computer History Museum
I wasn't sure what I was supposed to read as the link took me to the general website so I just poked around a bit and read about some of the different exhibits on computer history. I particularly like the "This Day in History" for today - in 1980 the last STRETCH supercomputer was shut down. I also liked the section on the advances in computer chess from 1945 to 1997 when Deep Blue defeated the World Champion Chess Player.
This was helpful in understanding the inner workings of the computer. I learned all of this back in junior high, but it has faded since then.
Moore's Law
Now this was something I had never heard of before. I found it interesting that the law became a self fulfilling prophesy as manufacturers strove to fulfill the expectations of increase in processing power. I wonder if we would have made the same amount of progress without this law - would manufacturers have worked so hard and been so competitive otherwise? And the predictions for how long it's going to last are so varied - will we have a decade longer to grow or will it be hundreds of years? It will be fun to find out.
Computer History Museum
I wasn't sure what I was supposed to read as the link took me to the general website so I just poked around a bit and read about some of the different exhibits on computer history. I particularly like the "This Day in History" for today - in 1980 the last STRETCH supercomputer was shut down. I also liked the section on the advances in computer chess from 1945 to 1997 when Deep Blue defeated the World Champion Chess Player.
Muddiest Point - Week 1
The only thing that confused me about the lecture this week were the graphs that measured the size of the Internet. I don't really understand what a terabyte is and I suppose the term is a bit abstract for me. I think I could understand it more if there were some real world comparisons to it. I also had the same problem with the Internet Domain Host Size graph.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Week 1 Readings
Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture - Clifford Lynch
This was the first reading I tackled for this week, and I have to admit that I found it to be the most obscure for me. Maybe it's just me, but I found I had to fight through the technical language to get to the gist of what the author was trying to say. What I think he was trying to assert was that Information Literacy was about the information itself that people come searching for when they visit a library or get on the Internet. Its the actual content present in the bound books or the web pages or e-journals. The information could even be the content of emails sent or the comments on a blog.
Information Technology Literacy, on the other hand, is understanding the vehicle by which this information is disseminated. That understanding could be general, such as how to make a spreadsheet or how to craft a blog. It could also be complex, and include how to deal with debugging a program.
Mr. Lynch seems to advocate a thorough education in both of these areas for the modern technology user to be up to date. Maybe the fact that I had trouble understanding his article is good supporting evidence.
OCLC: 2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers
This provided interesting reading, and raised just one issue with me. This report states that if libraries want to stay current with the consumer of today, then they need to reconsider how they package their information. This asserts that consumers don't care how their information is presented, whether it be in digital or physical format. Web services are not a consideration, but are rather "imperative" for libraries. I agree that there is a demand for libraries to offer web services, but I take issue with the assertion that consumers don't care how they read - simply that it be presented to them. As a book lover myself, I much prefer the physical act of holding a book while reading than to reading a book off of a computer screen.
Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still - Jason Vaughan
This article offers an interesting inside view of how major academic libraries work and the issues that are dealt with in the struggle to stay at the forefront of technology. This article would be a good model for anyone wanting a basic overview of some of the issues libraries have to deal with: replacing computers, space maintenance, glitches, theft and viruses, and balancing computer use between different types of patrons. One subject of interest to me was the issue of computer access to both students and community patrons, as I have experienced this from both perspectives. They obviously viewed the students time as more valuable since the students were most likely researching for papers or studying for finals. I agree that during the finals week or when a paper deadline is looming up, not having access to a computer can be frustrating. I disagreed with one of their tactics that they plan on using, however, which was to restrict the access of certain Internet sites to community users. This would, in their estimation limit the amount of time community patrons could spend playing games, checking email, etc. I have been a community user as well and have been frustrated by the inability to access my email when there was an important email I was looking forward to viewing. There were times when my boss preferred to message me on Facebook rather than sending me an email. I couldn't check it, however, because that was one of the restricted sites we weren't allowed to use. I think there are better ways to balance time between users than to restrict the community users access. The Carnegie Library, for example, has a base time of 30 minutes for computer use. If there are still terminals open when you near the end of your time then they will add another 15 minutes. This way everyone has an opportunity to use this resource - a resource that shouldn't be solely for one type of patron.
This was the first reading I tackled for this week, and I have to admit that I found it to be the most obscure for me. Maybe it's just me, but I found I had to fight through the technical language to get to the gist of what the author was trying to say. What I think he was trying to assert was that Information Literacy was about the information itself that people come searching for when they visit a library or get on the Internet. Its the actual content present in the bound books or the web pages or e-journals. The information could even be the content of emails sent or the comments on a blog.
Information Technology Literacy, on the other hand, is understanding the vehicle by which this information is disseminated. That understanding could be general, such as how to make a spreadsheet or how to craft a blog. It could also be complex, and include how to deal with debugging a program.
Mr. Lynch seems to advocate a thorough education in both of these areas for the modern technology user to be up to date. Maybe the fact that I had trouble understanding his article is good supporting evidence.
OCLC: 2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers
This provided interesting reading, and raised just one issue with me. This report states that if libraries want to stay current with the consumer of today, then they need to reconsider how they package their information. This asserts that consumers don't care how their information is presented, whether it be in digital or physical format. Web services are not a consideration, but are rather "imperative" for libraries. I agree that there is a demand for libraries to offer web services, but I take issue with the assertion that consumers don't care how they read - simply that it be presented to them. As a book lover myself, I much prefer the physical act of holding a book while reading than to reading a book off of a computer screen.
Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still - Jason Vaughan
This article offers an interesting inside view of how major academic libraries work and the issues that are dealt with in the struggle to stay at the forefront of technology. This article would be a good model for anyone wanting a basic overview of some of the issues libraries have to deal with: replacing computers, space maintenance, glitches, theft and viruses, and balancing computer use between different types of patrons. One subject of interest to me was the issue of computer access to both students and community patrons, as I have experienced this from both perspectives. They obviously viewed the students time as more valuable since the students were most likely researching for papers or studying for finals. I agree that during the finals week or when a paper deadline is looming up, not having access to a computer can be frustrating. I disagreed with one of their tactics that they plan on using, however, which was to restrict the access of certain Internet sites to community users. This would, in their estimation limit the amount of time community patrons could spend playing games, checking email, etc. I have been a community user as well and have been frustrated by the inability to access my email when there was an important email I was looking forward to viewing. There were times when my boss preferred to message me on Facebook rather than sending me an email. I couldn't check it, however, because that was one of the restricted sites we weren't allowed to use. I think there are better ways to balance time between users than to restrict the community users access. The Carnegie Library, for example, has a base time of 30 minutes for computer use. If there are still terminals open when you near the end of your time then they will add another 15 minutes. This way everyone has an opportunity to use this resource - a resource that shouldn't be solely for one type of patron.
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