My Little Petunia

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Assignment #5

I created a virtual shelf with references on the art and films of Peter Greenaway.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Week 7 Comments

Comment #1:
I posted a comment on Sean’s blog, spk blog.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1129785935180596689&postID=6165812584986651423

Comment #2
I posted a comment on Tamoul’s blog
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7114620464717775258&postID=3250005245059352985

Reading Response #7: Fair Isn't Always Equal

“Beyond HTML: Developing and Re-imagining Web Guides in a Content Management System” is a case study that delineates a university library undergoing the transition from independent web postings to a format streamlined by a CMS. One of the important lessons it demonstrates is that the digital divide doesn’t just affect users. Due to varying levels of expertise, different liaison web interfaces had radically different information and accessibility levels as well as duplicated information.

Ironically, one of the primary functions of libraries is to provide a readily accessible information format but technology and generational divides have created inconsistencies. CMS can alter that. Uniform templates can be created allowing for a modicum of flexibility to accommodate librarians from different disciplines. Most importantly, it creates in a single database with identical vocabulary which not only reduces storage capacity (by eliminating duplicates) but also creates a more familiar interface for users.

One thing that did strike me in the article was the question of using open-source software. GSU didn’t use it because it was deemed incompatible with their Windows systems. I think that it is important for public libraries to consider moving away from commercial products and adopting open-source software. Yes, there are constant upgrades but this is true with any type of software. Open-source reduces budgetary demands and can be specifically modified to adapt to individual libraries’ needs. This is not unfeasible as exemplified by the study. GSU had the money and resources to create an in-house database system. Time and money could have been saved using an open-source software.

Finally, CMS are important because libraries don’t have uniform technical training and, ultimately, interfaces most accommodate the user and provide the most efficient access to information.

Muddiest Point #7

I am understand that wireless internet is available through the distribution and receipt of radio waves but I don't understand how computers are able to block access to something as intangible as radio waves and how WEPs physically work.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Assignment #4: How to Create a Flickr Badge

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Muddiest Point #6

I was wondering if there is a difference between Library Thing and Good Reads and if both sites work on the aggregate function the way that Google does. Does an aggregate dynamic changes how much information is available in a purely referential information system as opposed to a search engine?

Week 6 Comments

Week 6 Comments

Comment #1 (on Lauren’s blog)
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=481855389631007759

Comment #2 (on Sean’s blog)
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1129785935180596689&postID=1090369698999357745