LIS2600 Assignment 5 Koha

http://pitt5.opacwc.liblime.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?viewshelf=36

I really liked this assignment :) It was great using the Library of Congress catalog.

Reading Notes for Unit 7

Most of what we read this week was review for me. I understand the concepts surroundings IP addresses and DNS servers. However, I was interested to learn that the IP address for my personal computer at home changes. I thought it was static as well as other computers. Having read about it, it makes sense that the DNS assigns an IP address directly to the modem which is handling the request at the moment, freeing up addresses for those in use. Also, I found it interesting to learn how TCP/IP works. I was familiar with the term, but learned from the video how it actually works. That would explain why many websites are offering streaming videos, so the user is not waiting for the entire file to be downloaded.

In the article, Dismantling Integrated Library Systems, Andrew Page does not seem to support one solution over another. From all the arguments presented, the one option that stands out from the rest is "redefining the ILS as an applications platform". Libraries have so many more options today so they cannot be complacent. They need to spend more to obtain the long-term value of the product purchased. What I also found interesting was the innovation used by librarians themselves, such as Mark Ludwig. I don't believe there is a one-size-fits-all magic potion for all libraries. Each individual institution or network of libraries must determine the best solution for their systems. Funding varies so that clearly influences their decision as well. If librarians are not swooned by the glam of trade shows and product demos and seek advice from one another, solutions will present themselves. Isn't that what librarians represent? A way to share information, so why not amongst themselves as well?

The Google video was interesting as well. I knew Page and Brin had a good working environment for their employees, but I enjoyed hearing about the 20% clause. I found an interesting article about their advertising, which was at the heart of their presentation. Specifically, that their searches are free due to advertising dollars. The article I referenced tell us about a deal in the works between Yahoo! and Google. Very interestingly, both parties feel it will not create a monopoly on ad searches. Naturally, Microsoft is not happy about it!
http://legalpad.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/10/google-and-yahoo-fight-with-the-feds/

Muddiest Point & Reading Points on Unit 7

Where are the DNS servers housed? Who maintains them?

Assignment 4: Working with Jing

Screencast/Jing video: http://www.screencast.com/users/dmhannah/folders/Jing/media/0d4823e3-0aa0-4ffa-94da-12025e083b60

Annotated Images from Flickr:
1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30711421@N06/2922030169/
2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30711421@N06/2922123935/
3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30711421@N06/2923025004/
4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30711421@N06/2922184871/
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/30711421@N06/2922220901/

Screencast/Jing video

Screencast/Jing video for assignment 4 - LIS2600 Part I

http://www.screencast.com/users/dmhannah/folders/Jing/media/0d4823e3-0aa0-4ffa-94da-12025e083b60

Cover art for Brisingr

2008-10-07_1820
Originally uploaded by pabirder2522

Fifth annotated image for assignment 4 - LIS2600

Pittsburgh 250 Fireworks

Pittsburgh 250 Fireworks
Originally uploaded by pabirder2522

Fourth annotated image for assignment 4 - LIS2600

Lucca, Italy

Lucca, Italy
Originally uploaded by pabirder2522

Third annotated image for assignment 4 LIS 2600

Sidney Crosby after winning 2008 Winter Classic

Sidney Crosby after winning 2008 Winter Classic
Originally uploaded by pabirder2522

Second annotated image for Assignment 4, LIS2600

Screen capture, Astronomy Picture of the Day

2008-10-07_1700
Originally uploaded by pabirder2522

First of five annotated images for LIS2600, Assignment 4

Muddiest Point & Reading Points on Unit 6: Computer Networks, Wireless Networks (9/30)

Muddiest point: Catherine Albrecht of C.A.S.P.I.A.N. cited apprehension about the future of “tagging” babies, much like the microchips we can have placed in our pets today. Although caution should be used, I don’t think we need to panic just yet. After all, we are an intelligent race. We have the capability of keeping ourselves informed, especially with news sources and the WWW. Isn’t it our individual civil right and responsibility to remain informed and to guard ourselves?

Is RFID really useful in libraries? Yes, if the purchase of the technology can be funded and shared or discounted across a library network. RFID can be an EZPass for books. Don’t we all enjoy zooming through the EZPass lane? The reduction in staff time alone would be an argument for integrating the system in libraries. As one article mentioned, this technology would be around for a long time, thus placing high value on such an investment.

Is privacy concerns about RFID in library a real concern? From all that we read this week, it is not a concern for libraries. The tags do not contain any patron information, just a barcode and check out/in status and can encrypted. It would be like anything else; if you disclose the uses of RFID in the library and educate the patrons, there is no need for concern. Remember when shampoo bottles did not proclaim, “this product was not tested on animals”? It can be the same with RFID. There can be an association or disclaimer of sorts for authenticating the system and the policies to which the library will be adhere.

How to make RFID a better technology for libraries? As stated in the BiblioTech online magazine article by Dorothy Hemmo, as long as policies and standards are developed within the library network using RFID and the patrons are educated on the uses, libraries can move toward implementing the system. Encryption is key so that third party access can be blocked. Like software updates, the libraries will need to keep abreast of new technology with regards to encryption.

http://lsobibliotech.blogspot.com/2005/11/library-rfid-and-patron-privacy.html

Assignment 3: Personal Bibliographic Management Systems

http://www.citeulike.org/user/dmhannah

Flickr assignment

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30711421@N06/

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Screen display photo set

Content from Flickr assignment
Display photos
http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photoset.gne?set=72157607399550588&nsid=307...

Thumbnails from Flickr

Content from Flickr assignment 2
Thumbnail version
http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photoset.gne?set=72157607399579864&nsid=307...

Jason Vaughn's Lied Library theme article analysis

In this theme article, “Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still”, Mr. Vaughan chronicles the soup-to-nuts journey of a new library to its established reputation. Written in 2004, his article achieves its goal of relating the challenges faced from inception to reality. I agree that this would be a very useful case study for a new library.

Mr. Vaughan does not omit any detail, from the per-page printing charge remaining static to the issue of air-conditioning in the server room. His descriptions were often clever, i.e., referring to the library’s software images as being everything but “plain vanilla” or simple. The writing was fluid, albeit descriptively heavy at times, and the timeline was documented with knowledge and pride.

Mr. Vaughan addressed an important point towards the end of the article. He speaks of the challenges faced in order to keep up with the maintenance of aging equipment and systems. The challenge of finding ways to fund long-term plans for upgrading software, hardware, etc., is not unique to libraries. It would have been a good argument to place in the article at that juncture.

As Mr. Vaughan’s article was clear and easy to absorb, I look forward to reading more about UNLV’s Lied Library and its plans to collaborate digitally with other institutions and integrate a content management system.

Clifford Lynch position paper analysis

The position paper, “Information Literary and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture” written in 1998 by Clifford Lynch, was very insightful. The author begins his introduction with a humble approach, yet leaves the reader with much food for thought.

I believe Mr. Lynch’s paper centers around the argument of specialization versus generalization when referring to information technology literacy. While educating the masses on the intricacies of an internet 2 access grid, DLA, or rack-mount environment would be advantageous, it is my opinion that most of us can be categorized as specialists or generalists. Specifically, training to that degree is best offered to the specialists; those with daily application of that information.

When Mr. Lynch refers to including “fluency with current tools”, most students would not have the interest to support separate dedicated information literacy training. Although intriguing, the practical application of such a program does not seem feasible.

Mr. Lynch achieves his goal of presenting his arguments for incorporating new components into curriculum for the general student population. He supports his argument citing inadequacies in IT curricula as it pertains to broad spectrum subjects. However, he also counters with an admission of the time needed to impart the complexities of IT and information literacy. His argument concludes with a question of the importance of a “bank” of skills which would aid those in all facets of our society, i.e., commerce or science or other.

With regard to information technology, Mr. Lynch goes so far as to touch on the issue of creating maps of information, such as the context models hypothesized in the previous article. But he also refers to the limitations of digital resources, stating that “much material will not be available in digital form for the foreseeable future” (1998, Lynch, Clifford: Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture). This statement is incongruous to his prior arguments. His closing statements indicate a desire to explore more, as he lists the issues related to information literacy. I look forward to reading more of his work.

Analysis of "Content, Not Containers" report

In the follow-up report, “2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers”, the OCLC Marketing Staff achieves its goals of updating its predictions of format trends. It continues to build upon predictions made in the 2003 report, Five-Year Information Format Trends. The staff dedicates much of the report to “format agnostic” nature of consumers seeking contextual and non-contextual information.

With regard to increased content communication, the staff refers to the “disruptive technology in the content world” (2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers, OCLC Marketing Staff).

According to the bar graph on page 4, email and text message traffic increases exponentially, but the decline in ILL and USPS is relatively small. This is a clear indication of the need to embrace the technology around us; a view not prevalent in the report. The staff introduces a good argument for creating contextual guides, for which it included two excellent models on pages 14 and 15. However, the writing becomes hindered by an overtone of disdain for things of a “techie” nature, i.e., smartphones. The reader is left with a feeling of fear rather than courage to face “the most disruptive changes…taking place outside of the arena of traditional information management” (2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers, OCLC Marketing Staff).

When referring to wikis and blogs, the staff’s opinion seems to shift to excitement for the possibilities available to librarians. The authors touch briefly on the social nature of information sharing today. The real-world quotes selected to support this argument were appropriate.

However, the writers then delve deeper into micropublishing and microcontent and away from their main argument of contextual guides. Specifically, the CEO of Blogads is quoted as saying, “…users want granular pieces of information and data, at the moment of need, in the right format…’Everything, everywhere, when I want it, the way I want it.” This does not seem to support the main force of the report, which stated that content consumers were “format agnostic”.

At the end, the staff contradicts itself again by claiming that consumers demand “more personalization and dynamism” from their content. In the next paragraph, it is stated that “content with personalization features” will be attractive to “an ever more demanding, format agnostic information producer and consumer” (2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers, OCLC Marketing Staff). I feel the report was well-researched but ambiguous at times. I would be interested in reading a subsequent follow-up report.

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