What cloud computing really means I've been hearing the phrase "cloud computing" a lot lately and was not sure what it meant. The article gives a lot of examples that I have never heard of so I'm still not sure what the different components are.
Explaining Cloud Computing
GoogleDocs was the only example he gave that I am familiar with. The comparison to the development of the electricity network where companies stopped producing their own power and instead plugged into a national grid makes the concept clearer.
The Future of Libraries
This was the best article all semester! It articulated several important points that librarians should keep in mind on how to prepare for the future, whatever it may be. Many of the issues he discussed have already begun, such as libraries becoming mainly a center of culture and the dominance of global systems. The most intriguing idea was the prediction that literacy will be dead by 2050. While it may be easier to dictate to your computer, I don't think people will completely abandon the keyboard and having things written down. For example, it's so much harder to find information on tape, say an oral history, than it is to find it on a transcript of the tape. But, it is a valid issue to discuss.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Unit 13
No place to hide
A website sponsored by the Center for Investigative Reporting. I read the interview with Senator Patrick Leahy and was surprised at his description of how information flowed at the FBI command center. Everything was written by hand rather than sent by email. I can understand the worry about hackers gaining access to classified information but in Leahy's words, it seems like an antiquated way of collecting information.
Total Information Awareness and data mining
It states that Congress closed the Pentagon's Information Awareness Office which supported the TIA project. I wonder if this was purely due to funding issues or if there were other reasons that government data mining was not effective enough to prove worthwhile to Congress.
A website sponsored by the Center for Investigative Reporting. I read the interview with Senator Patrick Leahy and was surprised at his description of how information flowed at the FBI command center. Everything was written by hand rather than sent by email. I can understand the worry about hackers gaining access to classified information but in Leahy's words, it seems like an antiquated way of collecting information.
Total Information Awareness and data mining
It states that Congress closed the Pentagon's Information Awareness Office which supported the TIA project. I wonder if this was purely due to funding issues or if there were other reasons that government data mining was not effective enough to prove worthwhile to Congress.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Unit 12
Weblogs: their use and application in science and technology libraries
I agree that the blog is a feasible alternative to listservs and email chains (because it can archive discussions), but I don't think it works as a project management tool. That use would best be served by a wiki so that every participant has equal access to contribute in an organized layout.
I agree that the blog is a feasible alternative to listservs and email chains (because it can archive discussions), but I don't think it works as a project management tool. That use would best be served by a wiki so that every participant has equal access to contribute in an organized layout.
Using a wiki to manage a library instruction program
As an intern with StoryCorps, I was able to utilize their wiki to learn about each department's responsibilities. They need a centralized space because the staff is spread out across the country; anyone is able to download forms and manuals directly from the wiki. The article points out the main advantage of wikis when it advises to "use everyone's specific experiences and valuable individual expertise."
Creating the academic library folksonomy
I wonder how much of a problem "spagging" is on library websites. Having subject specialists start the process is a good way to set a professional environment.
Jimmy Wales: “How a ragtag band created Wikipedia”
I'm surprised there was only one software developer maintaining Wikipedia in 2005. Have they added any more paid employees?
Friday, November 26, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Unit 11
Web Search Engines: Part 1 and Part 2
These short articles covered a lot of search engines' facets from how they find websites to how the websites are ranked. I know someone who gets paid $12 an hour to make webpages appear higher in the results list. I'm not sure how she does it, but it's an actual job.
Current developments and future trends for the OAI protocol for metadata harvesting
Since this was written five years ago, I am wondering how protocols have progressed. I looked at the website for OLAC and was impressed by the ease of the interface. Fifteen more data providers have joined the community since 2005, for a total of 42. This is a great resource, however, how are users supposed to find these websites? I don't know if I would have stumbled across this had it not been assigned for our reading.
The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value
There were too many disclaimers in this reading such as "little confidence in these results" to make me trust the statistics. I'm sure the general principles discussed (the deep web is larger than we imagine and relevant information is not being accessed) are true, but the accuracy of the data does not seem reliable.
These short articles covered a lot of search engines' facets from how they find websites to how the websites are ranked. I know someone who gets paid $12 an hour to make webpages appear higher in the results list. I'm not sure how she does it, but it's an actual job.
Current developments and future trends for the OAI protocol for metadata harvesting
Since this was written five years ago, I am wondering how protocols have progressed. I looked at the website for OLAC and was impressed by the ease of the interface. Fifteen more data providers have joined the community since 2005, for a total of 42. This is a great resource, however, how are users supposed to find these websites? I don't know if I would have stumbled across this had it not been assigned for our reading.
The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value
There were too many disclaimers in this reading such as "little confidence in these results" to make me trust the statistics. I'm sure the general principles discussed (the deep web is larger than we imagine and relevant information is not being accessed) are true, but the accuracy of the data does not seem reliable.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Unit 10 Muddiest Point
Does the average system manager have a computer science or library science background? Is there a trend toward either program?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Unit 10
Digital Libraries
Dewey meets Turing
Institutional Repositories
The author raises good points on digital repositories about how they should be managed and what their impact can be on scholarship. I will be interested to see what kind of partnerships are formed between universities and other institutions to document the community they share. The one topic I wish he could have explained more was how access to online archives collections would be administered.
I wonder why the Library of Congress was not involved in the first Digital Libraries Initiative. Were/are librarians overlooked when it comes to information technology?
Dewey meets Turing
This article answers my previous question about librarians’ role in the development of information technology. It paints a static picture of the profession slow to adapt to new developments.
Institutional Repositories
The author raises good points on digital repositories about how they should be managed and what their impact can be on scholarship. I will be interested to see what kind of partnerships are formed between universities and other institutions to document the community they share. The one topic I wish he could have explained more was how access to online archives collections would be administered.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Unit 9 Muddiest Point
Can you tell just by looking at a web site whether the underlying tags are HTML or XML?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Unit 9
Introducing the Extensible Markup Language (XML)
The article was written simply, but I still didn't understand what XML was after reading it.
A survey of XML standards: Part 1
Covers XML namespace, base, inclusions, information set, canonical form, path language, pointer framework, and different languages. These mini introductions were not enough to help me understand what they are, though I admit I didn't bother clicking on the suggested resources.
Extending your Markup: a XML tutorial
Better explanation than the first two readings. Compares and contrasts XML with HTML.
XML Schema Tutorial
While going through the above readings, I kept thinking everything will make sense once I get to the W3 School tutorial--I was wrong. It teaches you how to write specific elements but does not show what the result looks like. I wish they would've added a similar editor feature like the one in the HTML and CSS tutorials to let us experiment with XML.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Assignment 5
My username is ELH52 and my bookshelf is called "Sedaris."
http://upitt01-staff.kwc.kohalibrary.com/cgi-bin/koha/virtualshelves/shelves.pl?viewshelf=58
http://upitt01-staff.kwc.kohalibrary.com/cgi-bin/koha/virtualshelves/shelves.pl?viewshelf=58
Unit 8
W3schools HTML Tutorial
I can now read (basic) html codes! It seems so intuitive. I never noticed the "View Source" option when right-clicking; now I'm checking all the web sites I normally visit. It's interesting, but I still wouldn't want to do this for a living.
HTML Cheatsheet
Useful resource if I ever decide to create a webpage.
W3 School Cascading Style Sheet Tutorial
This tutorial was actually fun to try out and it makes me want to take a web publishing class. I'm wondering how entirely new values are created. For example, how is a new font incorporated?
Beyond HTML
This article makes me feel better about not being an expert in a specific program. Technology and software are subject to constant updating as new ideas arise. Wherever I end up working, I will require training in the procedures the particular institution utilizes. I would volunteer to be a liaison if the opportunity came up just so I could see the process up close and get a better understanding of how my job is changing.
I can now read (basic) html codes! It seems so intuitive. I never noticed the "View Source" option when right-clicking; now I'm checking all the web sites I normally visit. It's interesting, but I still wouldn't want to do this for a living.
HTML Cheatsheet
Useful resource if I ever decide to create a webpage.
W3 School Cascading Style Sheet Tutorial
This tutorial was actually fun to try out and it makes me want to take a web publishing class. I'm wondering how entirely new values are created. For example, how is a new font incorporated?
Beyond HTML
This article makes me feel better about not being an expert in a specific program. Technology and software are subject to constant updating as new ideas arise. Wherever I end up working, I will require training in the procedures the particular institution utilizes. I would volunteer to be a liaison if the opportunity came up just so I could see the process up close and get a better understanding of how my job is changing.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Unit 7
How Internet Infrastructure Works
Well-written article with illustrations. Explains parts of the Internet network from routers to browsers with clarity.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems
I wonder how many libraries are experimenting with their software systems and how many are waiting for others to take the lead. It doesn't seem necessary for every single library system to test new products.
Inside the Google Machine
I had no idea Google was working on so many projects. I'm not interested in exploring any of them on my own, but I might be if I hear about it from someone firsthand.
Well-written article with illustrations. Explains parts of the Internet network from routers to browsers with clarity.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems
I wonder how many libraries are experimenting with their software systems and how many are waiting for others to take the lead. It doesn't seem necessary for every single library system to test new products.
Inside the Google Machine
I had no idea Google was working on so many projects. I'm not interested in exploring any of them on my own, but I might be if I hear about it from someone firsthand.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Muddiest Point (from 10/15)
Can routers ever send packets to the wrong destination? In other words, will a packet ever end up on my computer accidentally?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Assignment 3
Video
http://www.screencast.com/t/IoDvnGeMwuZ
Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5073377714/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5073376848/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5073377038/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5072778169/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5072778283/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.screencast.com/t/IoDvnGeMwuZ
Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5073377714/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5073376848/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5073377038/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5072778169/in/set-72157625019627689/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisaho/5072778283/in/set-72157625019627689/
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Week 6 Readings
Local Area Network
The last sentence states that LANs can be classified as WANs. Does that mean the difference between local and wide is based solely on the size of the network? (update: nevermind, this is answered in the next reading)
Computer Network
This was an interesting read since I've heard many of these terms but never looked them up, such as the types of wired and wireless technologies. It would have been better if it included the disadvantages of each type or an explanation of why users would choose each one.
Common Types of Computer Networks
This just seems like someone reading the Wikipedia entry. He didn't add any new information.
Management of RFID in Libraries
I am pro-RFID in libraries, although I believe it should not be 100% seeing as many patrons do prefer the "human touch." It is a shame that some circulation employees will lose their jobs, but it does save the patrons' time and most likely diverts the library's budget to other areas. Is there an article that explains the real costs of implementing RFID?
The last sentence states that LANs can be classified as WANs. Does that mean the difference between local and wide is based solely on the size of the network? (update: nevermind, this is answered in the next reading)
Computer Network
This was an interesting read since I've heard many of these terms but never looked them up, such as the types of wired and wireless technologies. It would have been better if it included the disadvantages of each type or an explanation of why users would choose each one.
Common Types of Computer Networks
This just seems like someone reading the Wikipedia entry. He didn't add any new information.
Management of RFID in Libraries
I am pro-RFID in libraries, although I believe it should not be 100% seeing as many patrons do prefer the "human touch." It is a shame that some circulation employees will lose their jobs, but it does save the patrons' time and most likely diverts the library's budget to other areas. Is there an article that explains the real costs of implementing RFID?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Week 6 Muddiest Point(s)
- How do libraries decide between metadata standards?
- Do any use more than one simultaneously?
- Does it just depend on the software being used?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Week 5
Database
I wish there were more examples of the different types of databases that we could explore. Just reading about them doesn't make it as clear as actually seeing them in action. I didn't realize there were different forms of storage (ISAM, heaps, hash buckets, etc.) and I'm not sure I understand how they are created and managed.
Introduction to Metadata
I have some experience with MARC cataloging so I'm familiar with many of these standards. LCSH, AAT, and TGN have been extremely helpful in working with museum databases to figure out the exact terms to use when it comes to spelling and form. Sometimes it can seem as if the amount of metadata exceeds the size of the actual object it is describing like the example of run-length encoding for compressing sentences. It'd be quicker to just read the data rather than go through all the "data about data."
An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
The concept of Dublin Core and the need for a universal metadata standard is plain to see, but I get lost in the underlying architecture. I guess other people do as well which is why the need exists.
I wish there were more examples of the different types of databases that we could explore. Just reading about them doesn't make it as clear as actually seeing them in action. I didn't realize there were different forms of storage (ISAM, heaps, hash buckets, etc.) and I'm not sure I understand how they are created and managed.
Introduction to Metadata
I have some experience with MARC cataloging so I'm familiar with many of these standards. LCSH, AAT, and TGN have been extremely helpful in working with museum databases to figure out the exact terms to use when it comes to spelling and form. Sometimes it can seem as if the amount of metadata exceeds the size of the actual object it is describing like the example of run-length encoding for compressing sentences. It'd be quicker to just read the data rather than go through all the "data about data."
An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
The concept of Dublin Core and the need for a universal metadata standard is plain to see, but I get lost in the underlying architecture. I guess other people do as well which is why the need exists.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Week 4
Data Compression
Thank goodness for Wikipedia. The example of 25.888888888 perfectly illustrated the difference between lossless and lossy compression.
Data Compression Basics
I understood the first section on lossless data fairly well, then I got lost with the algorithms. Is compression always initiated by a human or does it happen automatically with some programs?
Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region
The Historic Pittsburgh website is really easy to use and comes up with wonderful results. I even found photos that can be used by the historical society where I work. When I went to the individual websites (Heinz History Center, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Archives Service Center) and searched the same term, it came up with different results. I thought the purpose of the project was to create an all-emcompassing database for the three institutions?
YouTube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship
I watched the videos with a friend and he couldn't stop laughing, especially at the Williams College Mystery Tour. If libraries want to use YouTube for publicity, they should be wary of making themselves look foolish or else be prepared for parodies; although parodies can draw attention to the original so maybe it's not an issue after all.
Thank goodness for Wikipedia. The example of 25.888888888 perfectly illustrated the difference between lossless and lossy compression.
Data Compression Basics
I understood the first section on lossless data fairly well, then I got lost with the algorithms. Is compression always initiated by a human or does it happen automatically with some programs?
Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region
The Historic Pittsburgh website is really easy to use and comes up with wonderful results. I even found photos that can be used by the historical society where I work. When I went to the individual websites (Heinz History Center, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Archives Service Center) and searched the same term, it came up with different results. I thought the purpose of the project was to create an all-emcompassing database for the three institutions?
YouTube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship
I watched the videos with a friend and he couldn't stop laughing, especially at the Williams College Mystery Tour. If libraries want to use YouTube for publicity, they should be wary of making themselves look foolish or else be prepared for parodies; although parodies can draw attention to the original so maybe it's not an issue after all.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Week 4 Muddiest Point
Is there a difference in hardware among operating systems? I know the OS controls software and hardware, but I don't know if there are interchangeable components.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Week 3
Introduction to Linux: A Hands on Guide
The author kept reinforcing the fact that Linux can be adapted to suit any user's needs. It made me want to experiment with the system.
What is Mac OS X?
I'm going to be honest and admit that much of this reading went over my head. I felt like I needed to be in front of a Mac in a computer lab to understand this overview. Also, I can't keep track of all the acronyms used--is there a convenient glossary somewhere?
Max OS X on Wikipedia
This was a concise overview of the evolution of Mac OS X. I'm not a Mac user; do people constantly update their computers when the new versions are released?
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
I went from Windows XP to Windows 7 when my laptop finally died, so I don't have any experience with Vista. The letter mentions a 'telemetry system' that gathers user data to help with developments. Isn't this an invasion of privacy even if it is anonymous?
The author kept reinforcing the fact that Linux can be adapted to suit any user's needs. It made me want to experiment with the system.
What is Mac OS X?
I'm going to be honest and admit that much of this reading went over my head. I felt like I needed to be in front of a Mac in a computer lab to understand this overview. Also, I can't keep track of all the acronyms used--is there a convenient glossary somewhere?
Max OS X on Wikipedia
This was a concise overview of the evolution of Mac OS X. I'm not a Mac user; do people constantly update their computers when the new versions are released?
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
I went from Windows XP to Windows 7 when my laptop finally died, so I don't have any experience with Vista. The letter mentions a 'telemetry system' that gathers user data to help with developments. Isn't this an invasion of privacy even if it is anonymous?
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week 2
Computer Hardware
This was a nice overview, but I think I may need to look at the Discovering Computers textbook.
Moore’s Law
I didn't understand when Christie Nicholson of Instant Egghead said the folded piece of paper would be half the size of the Golden Gate Bridge. Her comment on the cell phone of the future being the size of a paper clip reminds me of the Saturday Night Live sketch where Will Ferrell pulls out a phone nearly that size. It is a ridiculous concept and I don't know if the average person really wants their technology to be miniature--faster and inexpensive yes, but not tiny.
Computer History Museum
Looking at their staff list, it was interesting to note that they have a "Documents Archivist", "Digital Media Archivist", "Media & Oral History Archivist" as well as a "Software Archivist." I wonder how much they work together to plan the records management of the museum.
This was a nice overview, but I think I may need to look at the Discovering Computers textbook.
Moore’s Law
I didn't understand when Christie Nicholson of Instant Egghead said the folded piece of paper would be half the size of the Golden Gate Bridge. Her comment on the cell phone of the future being the size of a paper clip reminds me of the Saturday Night Live sketch where Will Ferrell pulls out a phone nearly that size. It is a ridiculous concept and I don't know if the average person really wants their technology to be miniature--faster and inexpensive yes, but not tiny.
Computer History Museum
Looking at their staff list, it was interesting to note that they have a "Documents Archivist", "Digital Media Archivist", "Media & Oral History Archivist" as well as a "Software Archivist." I wonder how much they work together to plan the records management of the museum.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Week 1
OCLC report: Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers
This article makes me feel old. I have trouble reading long articles in digital form, but I refuse to print them out. I like the idea of saving paper and I realize I need to adapt to the trend.
Clifford Lynch, “Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture”
This reminds me of what was said about the LIS program during orientation. They are here to teach us the underlying principles of information science, not specific skills for transient machinery or temporary processes.
Vaughan, J. Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still.
I have been a patron of the Lied Library in the past year and they've done a great job making the library accessible to both students and the community. Guests are allowed to access the wireless network and I have never had a problem finding an open computer.
This article makes me feel old. I have trouble reading long articles in digital form, but I refuse to print them out. I like the idea of saving paper and I realize I need to adapt to the trend.
Clifford Lynch, “Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture”
This reminds me of what was said about the LIS program during orientation. They are here to teach us the underlying principles of information science, not specific skills for transient machinery or temporary processes.
Vaughan, J. Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still.
I have been a patron of the Lied Library in the past year and they've done a great job making the library accessible to both students and the community. Guests are allowed to access the wireless network and I have never had a problem finding an open computer.
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