The article “Using a wiki to manage a library instruction program: Sharing knowledge to better serve patrons” gave a nice overview of why the author believed that using Wikis libraries was an important thing to do. It also discussed how to make a wiki as well as what you can do with one.
The article “Creating the academic library folksonomy: Put social tagging to work at your institution” discusses how social tagging can be useful in the library. By creating bookmarked lists of sources, one is not only better able find their information, but use it. Libraries such as the University of Pennsylvania are experimenting with tagging, and I am sure that Pitt, being an I-school, will attempt to harness this new technology as well.
Jimmy Wales: How a ragtag band created Wikipedia- I always think that it is interesting to listen to people discuss their views of Wikipedia. After reading some of the comments, it is evident that not everyone trusts this source. I find it interesting that no one seems to question other encyclopedias. Just because they are given an authoritarian name does not mean that they are at all accurate. For all you know, the same people making the Wikipedia pages are writing the encyclopedia pages.
“Weblogs: their use and application in science and technology libraries” also discusses ways that libraries are attempting to extend themselves as a resource to the public. The author suggests that weblogs can be extremely helpful, and a technology that libraries should adopt.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Muddiest Point Ten!
I always wondered how easy it would be to manipulate page rank systems to display only the results you want to be displayed.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Muddiest Point Nine
After we have completed all 10 of our blog posts, muddiest points, comments (which, if we have done one every week, all we need are 2 more comments and a muddiest point next week,) and the website assignment, is there anything else that we have to post, or do? Or are we, other than attending class, basically done? Is there anyway that our TA's can grade the week 10 work a bit quicker than normal so that we can be sure that there is no other work/posts that we need to do?
Reading X
The article that William H. Mischo wrote gave a nice overview of the hurdles that need to be jumped in order to have a successful digital library. I really liked the idea that there is a "difference between providing access to discrete sets of digital collections and providing digital library services." I do believe that there is a lot of confusion between the two, and because of that, potentially in some cases, patrons are not getting all of the services they need. I noticed that the author cited Michael Lesk. I do not consider him the most credible source. In the book that we read in 2000, I believe that he suggested that the Internet only takes up 10G's of data.
The article Dewey Meets Turing talked a bit about the relationship between librarians and information technology. It has been made very clear in our classes that this relationship is an incredibly vital one. I particularly liked the section Mutual (Mis?)Conceptions. I thought there were some really interesting ideas presented in this section.
The article by Clifford A. Lynch discussed institutional repositories and some of the challenges that they face. I thought one of the more valuable aspects of this article was the section regarding the cautions for institutional repositories. Institutional repositories can really provide a lot of scholarly communication if set up properly. Lynch lists several reasons why repositories can fail (such as incorrect policy, management failure or incompetence, or technical problems.) These maybe aspects of our future jobs that we will have to become well versed in, in order to be successful.
The article Dewey Meets Turing talked a bit about the relationship between librarians and information technology. It has been made very clear in our classes that this relationship is an incredibly vital one. I particularly liked the section Mutual (Mis?)Conceptions. I thought there were some really interesting ideas presented in this section.
The article by Clifford A. Lynch discussed institutional repositories and some of the challenges that they face. I thought one of the more valuable aspects of this article was the section regarding the cautions for institutional repositories. Institutional repositories can really provide a lot of scholarly communication if set up properly. Lynch lists several reasons why repositories can fail (such as incorrect policy, management failure or incompetence, or technical problems.) These maybe aspects of our future jobs that we will have to become well versed in, in order to be successful.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Comments for week 9
Readings IX
The Martin Bryan article “Introducing the Extensible Markup Language (XML)”gave a basic overview of what XML is, and why it is an important thing to know about. It was convenient that this article stated the significance right of the bat, instead of waiting until the very end like some of the other articles that we have read, so that overall, the technical terminology was easier to compute.
Uche Ogbuji’s articles offered a much more technical description of XML. It allowed for those who were not that familiar with the subject to become familiar, as well as for those who were more advanced, to learn more. Some of the links on that page were completely over my head, but from what I understood, between buzz words, this series of links complimented Bryan well.
I am, in general, a big fan of tutorials. I liked the two tutorials because they allowed for an application of the information from the previous two links. They are a good way of seeing if you actually absorbed any of the material from the articles.
Once again, these are handy resources to know about. I doubt, other than in this class, that I am going to be using/talking about any hardcore XML anytime soon, but if I did, I would at least now have something to say about it.
Uche Ogbuji’s articles offered a much more technical description of XML. It allowed for those who were not that familiar with the subject to become familiar, as well as for those who were more advanced, to learn more. Some of the links on that page were completely over my head, but from what I understood, between buzz words, this series of links complimented Bryan well.
I am, in general, a big fan of tutorials. I liked the two tutorials because they allowed for an application of the information from the previous two links. They are a good way of seeing if you actually absorbed any of the material from the articles.
Once again, these are handy resources to know about. I doubt, other than in this class, that I am going to be using/talking about any hardcore XML anytime soon, but if I did, I would at least now have something to say about it.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Comments for week 8
Friday, October 10, 2008
Reading VIII
HTML & Cheat Sheet & CSS
I was kinda glad that we were forced to read something about html. It is something that I one attempted to figure out, but did not put much time and effort in it. I think that it is beneficial to know about this tutorial because it gives all of the basic codes that one would need to make a basic page. I have noticed that on other html pages they tell you what to type without telling you why the code is like that. I am a big fan of explanation, so I even appreciated the really obvious explanations in the tutorial. The cheat sheet is an even more concise user friendly list. I actually think that a time will come where I use this list. The CSS tutorial was pretty nice as well. I can not stand it when tutorials or other instructions about computers just use millions of buzz words and don’t actually explain anything that a non-computer scientists can understand. This tutorial, as one student in out 2000 class so eloquently put it, explains it for the lay. Most importantly, now no one in this class has any excuse for why they do not have a fabulous myspace page.
Html article
This was one of those articles that is so filled with buzz words that I believe half of the meaning is lost to anyone who does not sleep with their computer. From what I understood, this article described some of the difficulties with html and the problems library’s have with it. The learning gap regarding library’s and current computer technology is a problem, but maybe not as big of a problem as sometimes described. I mean think about it, libraries have existed for thousands of years, and computers have not.
I was kinda glad that we were forced to read something about html. It is something that I one attempted to figure out, but did not put much time and effort in it. I think that it is beneficial to know about this tutorial because it gives all of the basic codes that one would need to make a basic page. I have noticed that on other html pages they tell you what to type without telling you why the code is like that. I am a big fan of explanation, so I even appreciated the really obvious explanations in the tutorial. The cheat sheet is an even more concise user friendly list. I actually think that a time will come where I use this list. The CSS tutorial was pretty nice as well. I can not stand it when tutorials or other instructions about computers just use millions of buzz words and don’t actually explain anything that a non-computer scientists can understand. This tutorial, as one student in out 2000 class so eloquently put it, explains it for the lay. Most importantly, now no one in this class has any excuse for why they do not have a fabulous myspace page.
Html article
This was one of those articles that is so filled with buzz words that I believe half of the meaning is lost to anyone who does not sleep with their computer. From what I understood, this article described some of the difficulties with html and the problems library’s have with it. The learning gap regarding library’s and current computer technology is a problem, but maybe not as big of a problem as sometimes described. I mean think about it, libraries have existed for thousands of years, and computers have not.
Muddiest Point Seven
I do not really understand why libraries are using the IM feature on their websites. Two hours a week, it is my job to be the person that replies to the library IM’s where I work. I recieve maybe 2 a week at that. From my experience, the questions that come in are either something that is clearly written on the front page of the website, or something that is way to complex to explain in an IM conversation. I just do not understand the point of using the IM feature when the majority of questions are so easily located on the website. It kind of is promoting laziness on the part of the library patron. But then again, maybe I am just ranting.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Assignment Four
This is my Jing Thing. Enjoy.
1- http://www.screencast.com/t/H2Ijow3Tbf
2- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2915944157_00f61e8c43_o.png
3- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2916789194_222270592a_o.png
4- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2915944337_4ea22487ee_o.png
5- http://www.flickr.com/photos/30510631@N06/2915944413/sizes/o/
6- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2916789396_d18024ac6a_o.png
1- http://www.screencast.com/t/H2Ijow3Tbf
2- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2915944157_00f61e8c43_o.png
3- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2916789194_222270592a_o.png
4- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2915944337_4ea22487ee_o.png
5- http://www.flickr.com/photos/30510631@N06/2915944413/sizes/o/
6- http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2916789396_d18024ac6a_o.png
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Reading VII
Internet Infrastructure Works-
I thought that this article did a good job in describing how the internet worked, and how everyone was connected though the internet. I have noticed that when I have attempted to read articles similar to this in the past, I was not able to understand it completely due to the incredible amount of buzz words use. I thought that this article offered very accessible concise statements about the internet infrastructure. The only part that was a little bit confusing was when the author discussed binary. Binary is really not that hard to read once you figure it out. It takes me a while, but I can for the most part do it. I don't know what it is about binary, but when ever anyone talks about how to read it or use it, I have not idea what they are talking about. I think the more random examples they use trying to clarify what they have said, the worse it is.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems-
I was thinking about what the author suggested "Some of the best ideas in online library services have come not from vendors but from librarians themselves." This makes complete sense. I was curious to know if libraries are ever polled about their thoughts on library services, and if these polls are taken seriously at all. I know that CMU is redoing some of their system because it simply does not function easily. All of the information is there, it just is not user friendly.
Google Video
I thought the map that was shown showing all of the people using Google was really interesting. It made me think of John Willinsky’s book when he talked about how important it is to extend scholarly communication to third world locations. I also liked the idea of 20/80 concept. Even though it would be more efficient to do the 20/80 I prefer the 80/20.
I thought that this article did a good job in describing how the internet worked, and how everyone was connected though the internet. I have noticed that when I have attempted to read articles similar to this in the past, I was not able to understand it completely due to the incredible amount of buzz words use. I thought that this article offered very accessible concise statements about the internet infrastructure. The only part that was a little bit confusing was when the author discussed binary. Binary is really not that hard to read once you figure it out. It takes me a while, but I can for the most part do it. I don't know what it is about binary, but when ever anyone talks about how to read it or use it, I have not idea what they are talking about. I think the more random examples they use trying to clarify what they have said, the worse it is.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems-
I was thinking about what the author suggested "Some of the best ideas in online library services have come not from vendors but from librarians themselves." This makes complete sense. I was curious to know if libraries are ever polled about their thoughts on library services, and if these polls are taken seriously at all. I know that CMU is redoing some of their system because it simply does not function easily. All of the information is there, it just is not user friendly.
Google Video
I thought the map that was shown showing all of the people using Google was really interesting. It made me think of John Willinsky’s book when he talked about how important it is to extend scholarly communication to third world locations. I also liked the idea of 20/80 concept. Even though it would be more efficient to do the 20/80 I prefer the 80/20.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Muddiest Point Six
I would have really liked to have seen an example of the next assignment. I am not really sure what it should look like.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week Six Comments
1- https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8599774071021712765&postID=5870066501645722289&page=1
2- I commented on a thread about YouTube on the discussion board. https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D
2- I commented on a thread about YouTube on the discussion board. https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Muddiest Point Five
What is the main difference between saving something as a BibTex or RIF format file?
Reading VI
Local Area Connection and Network Computers
These are one of those things that I know I have and have used but I do not know much about. I found the Wikipedia entries a bit lacking compared to other Wikipedia articles that we have read for this class. I found that clicking the many links on the pages was important in fully understanding what was going on.
Common types of computer networks
I thought that this video was a nice little companion to the two Wikipedia entries. It was presented in incredibly easy brief terms. Although I already knew much of the information, I would imagine that for someone very new to the subject, this video would be useful.
RFID
I am not that familiar with RFID, but from what I have read, it would make mass inventories run much smoother and be much easier to complete. This would of course only be if the range of the sensor could be toned down a bit. After having a job where the manual input of barcodes was necessary for an inventory of thousands of CD’s, I would welcome the opportunity for RFID to do it for me. I also though it was kind of interesting that this article noted how to cheat the RFID reader with a gum wrapper. This is something that I might keep in mind for later….
These are one of those things that I know I have and have used but I do not know much about. I found the Wikipedia entries a bit lacking compared to other Wikipedia articles that we have read for this class. I found that clicking the many links on the pages was important in fully understanding what was going on.
Common types of computer networks
I thought that this video was a nice little companion to the two Wikipedia entries. It was presented in incredibly easy brief terms. Although I already knew much of the information, I would imagine that for someone very new to the subject, this video would be useful.
RFID
I am not that familiar with RFID, but from what I have read, it would make mass inventories run much smoother and be much easier to complete. This would of course only be if the range of the sensor could be toned down a bit. After having a job where the manual input of barcodes was necessary for an inventory of thousands of CD’s, I would welcome the opportunity for RFID to do it for me. I also though it was kind of interesting that this article noted how to cheat the RFID reader with a gum wrapper. This is something that I might keep in mind for later….
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Muddiest Point Three
We mentioned in class the topic of data redundancy. How does one eliminate it other than manually going through the information? Does the database management system do it for you? If so how?
Reading V
Data Compression Wikipedia
The first article of data compression was very helpful in terms of giving links and explanations of the buzz words used. There were a lot of random words and concepts that I had never heard before such as "lossless versus lossy compression." It was beneficial to read this entry before reading the very long article, "Data Compression Basics" because it allowed me to have a brief understanding of the terminology used in this field. This was especially important because "Data Compression Basics" was written in a rather casual manner, making some of the concepts confusing for those who are not very familiar with the subject.
Data Compression Basics
"Data Compression Basics" was a nice companion to the Wikipedia entry. I was able to use it as reinforcement of the concepts that I had just read on data compression. I thought that it also gave pretty good descriptions of the difference between data and information, two terms which I see getting mixed up a lot. This is the kind of article that is good to read/scan over once so that in the future you will know where to find detailed information on this subject. I can see it being a valuable resource to know about although I am not sure if I will be needing to know this much information on data compression anytime soon. Note to Self: The best part of this article would the example used regarding the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I must confess that it is by far one of my favorite religions.
Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region"
I did not really get a lot out of this article. I realized that it mentioned the steps involved in compiling and compressing data onto one site so that several organization's photographs could be placed online, but over all I did not really see the applicability of this article compared to the previous two.
YouTube
I do not really see how using YouTube alongside the library is really that great of an idea. It does not really seem that convenient. Sure you can have a video of someone clicking all over a website in order to show how to use an online catalogue or database, but you could do something just as easily by using a PowerPoint or text and screenshots. PowerPoint is not the best thing to use on the web always, but plain text is actually sometimes easier to follow than videos. At least in text based instructions and power points you can add hyperlinks. To be quite frank, most people at the library I work at cannot even log onto their computer let alone fathom trying to understand directions on a video. YouTube does have its benefits of having some obscure old videos on it that could be beneficial for a library to know about, but I am not sure that it could practically function in all of the ways this article suggest it could better than old fashion text instructions.
The first article of data compression was very helpful in terms of giving links and explanations of the buzz words used. There were a lot of random words and concepts that I had never heard before such as "lossless versus lossy compression." It was beneficial to read this entry before reading the very long article, "Data Compression Basics" because it allowed me to have a brief understanding of the terminology used in this field. This was especially important because "Data Compression Basics" was written in a rather casual manner, making some of the concepts confusing for those who are not very familiar with the subject.
Data Compression Basics
"Data Compression Basics" was a nice companion to the Wikipedia entry. I was able to use it as reinforcement of the concepts that I had just read on data compression. I thought that it also gave pretty good descriptions of the difference between data and information, two terms which I see getting mixed up a lot. This is the kind of article that is good to read/scan over once so that in the future you will know where to find detailed information on this subject. I can see it being a valuable resource to know about although I am not sure if I will be needing to know this much information on data compression anytime soon. Note to Self: The best part of this article would the example used regarding the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I must confess that it is by far one of my favorite religions.
Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region"
I did not really get a lot out of this article. I realized that it mentioned the steps involved in compiling and compressing data onto one site so that several organization's photographs could be placed online, but over all I did not really see the applicability of this article compared to the previous two.
YouTube
I do not really see how using YouTube alongside the library is really that great of an idea. It does not really seem that convenient. Sure you can have a video of someone clicking all over a website in order to show how to use an online catalogue or database, but you could do something just as easily by using a PowerPoint or text and screenshots. PowerPoint is not the best thing to use on the web always, but plain text is actually sometimes easier to follow than videos. At least in text based instructions and power points you can add hyperlinks. To be quite frank, most people at the library I work at cannot even log onto their computer let alone fathom trying to understand directions on a video. YouTube does have its benefits of having some obscure old videos on it that could be beneficial for a library to know about, but I am not sure that it could practically function in all of the ways this article suggest it could better than old fashion text instructions.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Muddiest Point Three
I do not really have a Muddiest Point this week. I think that what was explained in class on Tuesday was clear and to the point. I would like to note though that I really appreciated how Dr. He repeatedly linked the subjects at hand to libraries very clearly and directly. This really helps link the subjects we are discussing into this class to my other classes. I also really liked our professor's explanation of defragmenting. No one has ever really explained defragging to me in a way that seems logical.
Reading IV
Databases
The entry on Databases had lots of useful information pertaining to the background of databases as well as information on the components included in them. I found this particularly interesting because I use databases at work and for school everyday. After reading about them I realized how much I never knew (I am very sure that sounds completely cliché. I am also very sure that sentences very similar to this will be popping up in peoples blogs when they have nothing of particular interest to say about a subject). Databases, like so many things revolving around computers, are simply just one of those things that I use daily and have never taken the time to learn about. Note to self: towards the end of this entry, the word paradigm appears. I (and probably every single person in LIS 2000) am so tired of reading about paradigms it is not even funny.
Metadata
I really like this idea of Metadata. I am not just referring to the concept of information about information, but rather compilations of stored information. The ability to gather tons of information from different sources by means of one main source really does promote the accessibility and dispersion of information. I am sure that I have used all kinds of things that are considered to be linked with Metadata, but recently, because my job at the Hunt Library I have started to use MetaLib. It is pretty neat, although somewhat confusing at times. It easily allows one to gather all kinds of information from a variety of sources quickly and, when it works, efficiently.
One thing that I guess I did not think about was that Metadata does not need to be digital. For some reason while I was reading the document I was only thinking in terms of digital sources. Once thinking in broader terms, it is quite clear that of course it does not have to be digital. Unfortunately, because this is an IT class when ever I begin to read things all I think about is computers instead of other outlets of information organization. Note to self- IT does not always really mean computers. Duh….
DCDM
The idea of standardizations that DCMI presents is rather important. With the expansion of specializations, it becomes essential to create logical ways of recording information as well as presenting it. In terms of Metadata, if the idea of it is to be a searching tools that is cross disciplinary, without a clear set of standards it would be difficult to find what one is looking for efficiently.
The entry on Databases had lots of useful information pertaining to the background of databases as well as information on the components included in them. I found this particularly interesting because I use databases at work and for school everyday. After reading about them I realized how much I never knew (I am very sure that sounds completely cliché. I am also very sure that sentences very similar to this will be popping up in peoples blogs when they have nothing of particular interest to say about a subject). Databases, like so many things revolving around computers, are simply just one of those things that I use daily and have never taken the time to learn about. Note to self: towards the end of this entry, the word paradigm appears. I (and probably every single person in LIS 2000) am so tired of reading about paradigms it is not even funny.
Metadata
I really like this idea of Metadata. I am not just referring to the concept of information about information, but rather compilations of stored information. The ability to gather tons of information from different sources by means of one main source really does promote the accessibility and dispersion of information. I am sure that I have used all kinds of things that are considered to be linked with Metadata, but recently, because my job at the Hunt Library I have started to use MetaLib. It is pretty neat, although somewhat confusing at times. It easily allows one to gather all kinds of information from a variety of sources quickly and, when it works, efficiently.
One thing that I guess I did not think about was that Metadata does not need to be digital. For some reason while I was reading the document I was only thinking in terms of digital sources. Once thinking in broader terms, it is quite clear that of course it does not have to be digital. Unfortunately, because this is an IT class when ever I begin to read things all I think about is computers instead of other outlets of information organization. Note to self- IT does not always really mean computers. Duh….
DCDM
The idea of standardizations that DCMI presents is rather important. With the expansion of specializations, it becomes essential to create logical ways of recording information as well as presenting it. In terms of Metadata, if the idea of it is to be a searching tools that is cross disciplinary, without a clear set of standards it would be difficult to find what one is looking for efficiently.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Week III
Linux-
I have never used Linux before, or rather, I do not think that I have ever used Linux before, but after reading about it, I am rather intrigued. I guess I am always secretly drawn to things that are free. When I was debating about buying my new computer, and whether I should bother buying Vista, I had several people note that I should just use Linux. When I mentioned this to those who suggested that I spend the cash and go for Vista, they all noted how crappy and unsafe Linux is. Based on this article, although I am sure the author is rather biased, it does not sound like that bad of an idea. It did say that there was a bit of a learning curve involved. At this point in my life I really do not want to take the time to learn about a new operating system, so I guess in the end, Linux is not really for me. In the end, Vista magically appeared on my computer at no expense to me, so it did not really matter what anyone suggested. Note to self: I thought it was rather funny that the author noted that people that are exceptionally proficient in Linux have a feeling of superiority over those who are not as well versed. I always found this concept of nerddom extremely amusing. It just never really clicked with me that being a Linux superstar was something to feel exceptional about, but than again I have never been one, and maybe it offers something that I will just never understand. Also, the article mentioned Gimp. It should be known that Gimp is the coolest program ever!
Mac OS X-
I have also never used Mac OS X and found the article, although confusing at some points, very interesting and informative. There were, however, an incredibly large amount of buzz words included in that article. For this reason, I was glad that the link to Wikipedia was included. Even though I have seen in other peoples blogs lots of complaining about the use of Wikipedia, I (and I will freely admit that Wikipedia and I have a very open and public relationship) feel that it can be very useful because of the links that it provides (even though not everything is always accurate). Although the author makes Mac OS X sound like an okay system, this system is not something that I think I want to change to anytime soon. Note to self: I thought it was really funny that he called the debate over which operating system to use a religious riot. Like feeling superior because you are really good at using computers, fighting about operating systems just does not seem like a worth while use of ones time. I guess I should not really make fun because I know, deep down inside, that I act this way about makeup, hair dye, and shoes.
Windows-
This article did not really offer me too much new information regarding Windows other than the fact that I did not know the exact date that XP was going to stop being sold. I do feel that this, as with most articles advocating a particular operating system is a bit biased. Of course being that Bill is the Senior Vice President an extremely optimistic tone in regards to Vista’s future is going to be offered. I can not say that I really completely believe him that everything is going to work smoothly when it comes to Vista. I am lucky enough to have several friends that are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to computers and computer systems, and from what I have been told by those who know what they are talking about, Vista sucks, and will continue to suck for a very long time.
I have never used Linux before, or rather, I do not think that I have ever used Linux before, but after reading about it, I am rather intrigued. I guess I am always secretly drawn to things that are free. When I was debating about buying my new computer, and whether I should bother buying Vista, I had several people note that I should just use Linux. When I mentioned this to those who suggested that I spend the cash and go for Vista, they all noted how crappy and unsafe Linux is. Based on this article, although I am sure the author is rather biased, it does not sound like that bad of an idea. It did say that there was a bit of a learning curve involved. At this point in my life I really do not want to take the time to learn about a new operating system, so I guess in the end, Linux is not really for me. In the end, Vista magically appeared on my computer at no expense to me, so it did not really matter what anyone suggested. Note to self: I thought it was rather funny that the author noted that people that are exceptionally proficient in Linux have a feeling of superiority over those who are not as well versed. I always found this concept of nerddom extremely amusing. It just never really clicked with me that being a Linux superstar was something to feel exceptional about, but than again I have never been one, and maybe it offers something that I will just never understand. Also, the article mentioned Gimp. It should be known that Gimp is the coolest program ever!
Mac OS X-
I have also never used Mac OS X and found the article, although confusing at some points, very interesting and informative. There were, however, an incredibly large amount of buzz words included in that article. For this reason, I was glad that the link to Wikipedia was included. Even though I have seen in other peoples blogs lots of complaining about the use of Wikipedia, I (and I will freely admit that Wikipedia and I have a very open and public relationship) feel that it can be very useful because of the links that it provides (even though not everything is always accurate). Although the author makes Mac OS X sound like an okay system, this system is not something that I think I want to change to anytime soon. Note to self: I thought it was really funny that he called the debate over which operating system to use a religious riot. Like feeling superior because you are really good at using computers, fighting about operating systems just does not seem like a worth while use of ones time. I guess I should not really make fun because I know, deep down inside, that I act this way about makeup, hair dye, and shoes.
Windows-
This article did not really offer me too much new information regarding Windows other than the fact that I did not know the exact date that XP was going to stop being sold. I do feel that this, as with most articles advocating a particular operating system is a bit biased. Of course being that Bill is the Senior Vice President an extremely optimistic tone in regards to Vista’s future is going to be offered. I can not say that I really completely believe him that everything is going to work smoothly when it comes to Vista. I am lucky enough to have several friends that are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to computers and computer systems, and from what I have been told by those who know what they are talking about, Vista sucks, and will continue to suck for a very long time.
Muddiest Point Two
The thing that I really wanted to know more about during this class was digitization. I think out of everything that we learned on Tuesday, digitization was the most important subject for future librarians/archivists. To be quite frank, I really was not very interested in the first half of the class, it simply just is not my thing. I really would have preferred to have taken the time used to explain basic computer usage/parts and focused instead more on digitization. I know that we are encouraged to discuss this topic on the discussion board, but I would have liked to have heard it in class rather than from several students who might not actually know what they are talking about. The discussion would have been more focused in class, and information could have been provided that would be important for our future careers. Maybe I am asking for too much, and maybe we will talk about this more later on in the semester, or in another class.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Comments made on other blogs and etcetera
1.- http://lma32.blogspot.com/2008/08/muddiest-point.html
2- https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D
3-https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=6895988701727063602&page=1
4- https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8599774071021712765&postID=5872964639793959682
2- https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D
3-https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=6895988701727063602&page=1
4- https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8599774071021712765&postID=5872964639793959682
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Readings II
Computer Hardware-
This Wikipedia site did not really offer any new information to me. The terms on the site were things that I have been expected to know and at least have a basic understanding of for many years. If anything, it was a concise refresher that assured me that I was not completely technologically incompetent.
Moore’s Law-
Moore’s Law is an interesting concept that I actually had not heard of before. To clarify that last sentence further, I do understand the concept; I just never knew the title of it. In fact I actually did not think it would have really been a concept for some reason. It just seems like something everyone already knows. As we advance, so does technology (well for things that concern this class at least). Moore’s Law is sort of disconcerting because if trends keep up, computers will actually be competing against humans instead of working with them.
Computer Museum-
This site has a couple of links that go well with Moore’s law and explain the entire Wikipedia article in a series of several pictures. It was helpful in that it gave some very detailed timelines and had lots information about computers, conveniently located on one page. I could see it potentially being a helpful source to know about one day, but it is not a museum that I would voluntarily travel to.
This Wikipedia site did not really offer any new information to me. The terms on the site were things that I have been expected to know and at least have a basic understanding of for many years. If anything, it was a concise refresher that assured me that I was not completely technologically incompetent.
Moore’s Law-
Moore’s Law is an interesting concept that I actually had not heard of before. To clarify that last sentence further, I do understand the concept; I just never knew the title of it. In fact I actually did not think it would have really been a concept for some reason. It just seems like something everyone already knows. As we advance, so does technology (well for things that concern this class at least). Moore’s Law is sort of disconcerting because if trends keep up, computers will actually be competing against humans instead of working with them.
Computer Museum-
This site has a couple of links that go well with Moore’s law and explain the entire Wikipedia article in a series of several pictures. It was helpful in that it gave some very detailed timelines and had lots information about computers, conveniently located on one page. I could see it potentially being a helpful source to know about one day, but it is not a museum that I would voluntarily travel to.
Readings I
Content, Not Container-
In this article the author notes that “Libraries need to find ways to deliver quality content to mobile devices.” Furthermore it is mentioned that libraries need to be able to move forward with the times in regards to how they communicate with patrons and the information that they provide. I currently work at the Hunt Library, and I can confirm that this library is attempting to do just that. Our print collection is decreasing and our electronic collection is growing. Librarians here are also using Instant Messaging programs to communicate with patrons electronically. This communication can be done much more quickly that discussion through email. One now never actually has to come face-to-face with a librarian if so inclined.
Lynch-
Whereas I believe that an “advanced” understanding of current technologies is important in working in fields where technology is prevalent, I disagree with Lynch’s argument that that EVERYONE needs to learn more. I do not believe that more than basic understandings of technology are required for most people (that is, those who do not use sophisticated technology daily). Lynch of course is very biased, for this subject, IT, is something that he is very passionate about, as well as very dated in terms of his assumptions. This article was written in 1998, and suffice it to say that the masses know much more, and are taught more thoroughly in the twenty first century than they were in the late 90’s.
Lied Library-
This article does a good job in explaining the price and work that goes into the major points of the other two articles (Content, Not Container and Lynch): the need to increase technology. In this article a very in depth description of how exactly a library becomes technologically modern is discussed. One point that I do not believe was hit on hard enough revolved around library staff. Maintaining technology is important for staying current, but coupled with this point should be the maintenance of library staff’s education. There is no point in having new technologies if the staff is not knowledgeable enough to use them. This is a problem that I expect many libraries have. Like technology, one can become obsolete very quickly.
In this article the author notes that “Libraries need to find ways to deliver quality content to mobile devices.” Furthermore it is mentioned that libraries need to be able to move forward with the times in regards to how they communicate with patrons and the information that they provide. I currently work at the Hunt Library, and I can confirm that this library is attempting to do just that. Our print collection is decreasing and our electronic collection is growing. Librarians here are also using Instant Messaging programs to communicate with patrons electronically. This communication can be done much more quickly that discussion through email. One now never actually has to come face-to-face with a librarian if so inclined.
Lynch-
Whereas I believe that an “advanced” understanding of current technologies is important in working in fields where technology is prevalent, I disagree with Lynch’s argument that that EVERYONE needs to learn more. I do not believe that more than basic understandings of technology are required for most people (that is, those who do not use sophisticated technology daily). Lynch of course is very biased, for this subject, IT, is something that he is very passionate about, as well as very dated in terms of his assumptions. This article was written in 1998, and suffice it to say that the masses know much more, and are taught more thoroughly in the twenty first century than they were in the late 90’s.
Lied Library-
This article does a good job in explaining the price and work that goes into the major points of the other two articles (Content, Not Container and Lynch): the need to increase technology. In this article a very in depth description of how exactly a library becomes technologically modern is discussed. One point that I do not believe was hit on hard enough revolved around library staff. Maintaining technology is important for staying current, but coupled with this point should be the maintenance of library staff’s education. There is no point in having new technologies if the staff is not knowledgeable enough to use them. This is a problem that I expect many libraries have. Like technology, one can become obsolete very quickly.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Muddiest Point 1
I am pretty confused about these blogs. Are we just going to have to click on everyone’s links every time we want to look at someone else’s blog, or are we going to have a clearer, more organized list? Furthermore, are we to predominately use the blogs or the discussion board? If it is the blogs, how can people really discuss things topically and coherently so that it could be beneficial for others? Also, in the second week's reading list, what are we supposed to do with the museum website? I would really appreciate more explicit information regarding what exactly we are to do/get out of some of the more abstract reading, namely, the museum one.
^V^
^V^
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