Friday, December 3, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 11
Current Developments and future trends for the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting
This project sounds similar to Dublin Core...almost. Collaboration is so incredibly important especially in this digital age that we live in. It is also interesting to see the spread of different repositories that are involved. I can appreciate the challenge that that creates, especially with such different metadata being introduced.
White Paper: The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value
Wow. I never realized how huge the Internet really was. I mean, I knew that there were millions of sites out there, but seeing it in numbers really hits home. I remember from computer class in high school when we learned about search engines and how they work. I also remember "webcrawler" as one of the original programs, and how similar these search engines really are to spiders.
David Hawking - Web Search Pt 1 and 2
I can't seem to find these articles in their entirety. However, from the abstracts, I'm getting the idea that these are really interesting and a nice overview of the topic.
This project sounds similar to Dublin Core...almost. Collaboration is so incredibly important especially in this digital age that we live in. It is also interesting to see the spread of different repositories that are involved. I can appreciate the challenge that that creates, especially with such different metadata being introduced.
White Paper: The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value
Wow. I never realized how huge the Internet really was. I mean, I knew that there were millions of sites out there, but seeing it in numbers really hits home. I remember from computer class in high school when we learned about search engines and how they work. I also remember "webcrawler" as one of the original programs, and how similar these search engines really are to spiders.
David Hawking - Web Search Pt 1 and 2
I can't seem to find these articles in their entirety. However, from the abstracts, I'm getting the idea that these are really interesting and a nice overview of the topic.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 10
Digital Libraries - Challenges and Influential Work
I think the thing that struck me most in this article was the following quote:
"Another interesting effect of the increased federal funding for digital library research was that senior scholars from other computing disciplines were brought into the field (Lesk, 1999). Whether digital library work will continue to be interesting to the computer science community at large is an open question."
Huh. I, as a future librarian/archivist, would hope that digital library work is not just a passing diversion. Seeing as it is the future of just about everything...but I'm probably overreacting.
Dewey Meets Turing
I find it interesting how those involved in this project expected that computer science and libraries would just mesh completely with no problems. Anything that involves the internet is bound to have issues.
Also, I'm glad that the author mentioned that other disciplines were drawn into the project. As a historian/anthopologist (with a degree I might add), I have witnessed firsthand how helpful digital library resources can be. Many a paper would not have been completed without those resources. Ah, all nighters...
Institutional Repositories: Essential Infrastructure for Scholarship in the Digital Age
As I mentioned earlier, I owe a bachelor's degree to the institutional repository at my former college. Being able to access information easily was key to any paper that I attempted to write. Lynch's article sheds some light on some of the issues and solutions that would be necessary for dealing with an essentially digital repository at such an institution.
I think the thing that struck me most in this article was the following quote:
"Another interesting effect of the increased federal funding for digital library research was that senior scholars from other computing disciplines were brought into the field (Lesk, 1999). Whether digital library work will continue to be interesting to the computer science community at large is an open question."
Huh. I, as a future librarian/archivist, would hope that digital library work is not just a passing diversion. Seeing as it is the future of just about everything...but I'm probably overreacting.
Dewey Meets Turing
I find it interesting how those involved in this project expected that computer science and libraries would just mesh completely with no problems. Anything that involves the internet is bound to have issues.
Also, I'm glad that the author mentioned that other disciplines were drawn into the project. As a historian/anthopologist (with a degree I might add), I have witnessed firsthand how helpful digital library resources can be. Many a paper would not have been completed without those resources. Ah, all nighters...
Institutional Repositories: Essential Infrastructure for Scholarship in the Digital Age
As I mentioned earlier, I owe a bachelor's degree to the institutional repository at my former college. Being able to access information easily was key to any paper that I attempted to write. Lynch's article sheds some light on some of the issues and solutions that would be necessary for dealing with an essentially digital repository at such an institution.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Muddiest Point
Unfortunately, I have no specific muddiest point for the week. In general, XML still confuses me, but I think rewatching the lecture and re-reading will do me good.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 9
A Survey of XML Standards
This article gives a nice array of different resources that could be used for XML. I think the best part are the links to recommended sites and guides that could be useful when programming.
XML Schema Tutorial
This gives a very nice overview of actual XML coding. I'm slightly familiar with this from a previous class, but it is nice to see this in slightly more detail. And with more explanation.
Extending Your Markup
I have to say, this explained XML really well. So much of what I read in other articles was written for someone who understands technical jargon, which I do not. Therefore I appreciate the slightly more simple language of this article. I now understand XML better.
Introducing the Extensible Markup Language (XML)
This article said a lot, most of which was slightly confusing. Again, I'm not really someone who understands complicated language quickly, so I'm thinking that I'll understand better after the lecture on Monday.
This article gives a nice array of different resources that could be used for XML. I think the best part are the links to recommended sites and guides that could be useful when programming.
XML Schema Tutorial
This gives a very nice overview of actual XML coding. I'm slightly familiar with this from a previous class, but it is nice to see this in slightly more detail. And with more explanation.
Extending Your Markup
I have to say, this explained XML really well. So much of what I read in other articles was written for someone who understands technical jargon, which I do not. Therefore I appreciate the slightly more simple language of this article. I now understand XML better.
Introducing the Extensible Markup Language (XML)
This article said a lot, most of which was slightly confusing. Again, I'm not really someone who understands complicated language quickly, so I'm thinking that I'll understand better after the lecture on Monday.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 8
HTML Tutorial
This site gives a nice overview of HTML. I've had some experience with HTML, having made a website or two in high school, so this site didn't tell me a whole lot I didn't already know. It is a nice resource for the codes and such that are required as I'm pretty sure I don't remember them all.
CSS Tutorial
This site, just as the previous one, gives an overview of CSS programming. I have very little experience with CSS, so I've learned a lot from this tutorial. It seems that CSS does save a lot of work that previous programming with HTML would need.
HTML Cheatsheet
This is exactly what the title implies - a cheatsheet. It will come in handy for any HTML coding that will need to be done. Which I'm guessing we might have to do some given the number of guides we're reading.
Beyond HTML: Developing and Re-imagining Library Web Guides in a Content Management System
Most of this article went over my head, to be perfectly honest. Basically, a management system was developed to help Georgia State libraries manage their research guides created by their staff. This could be used as a model for other libraries, but had at time of publication not been adopted by many other locations. A CMS could be useful, given that many libraries operate with many research guides and databases.
This site gives a nice overview of HTML. I've had some experience with HTML, having made a website or two in high school, so this site didn't tell me a whole lot I didn't already know. It is a nice resource for the codes and such that are required as I'm pretty sure I don't remember them all.
CSS Tutorial
This site, just as the previous one, gives an overview of CSS programming. I have very little experience with CSS, so I've learned a lot from this tutorial. It seems that CSS does save a lot of work that previous programming with HTML would need.
HTML Cheatsheet
This is exactly what the title implies - a cheatsheet. It will come in handy for any HTML coding that will need to be done. Which I'm guessing we might have to do some given the number of guides we're reading.
Beyond HTML: Developing and Re-imagining Library Web Guides in a Content Management System
Most of this article went over my head, to be perfectly honest. Basically, a management system was developed to help Georgia State libraries manage their research guides created by their staff. This could be used as a model for other libraries, but had at time of publication not been adopted by many other locations. A CMS could be useful, given that many libraries operate with many research guides and databases.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Assignment 5
The link to my list/shelf is:
http://upitt01-staff.kwc.kohalibrary.com/cgi-bin/koha/virtualshelves/shelves.pl?viewshelf=59
The name of the list is "Melanie Szewczak - Neil Gaiman," and my user name is MRS110.
http://upitt01-staff.kwc.kohalibrary.com/cgi-bin/koha/virtualshelves/shelves.pl?viewshelf=59
The name of the list is "Melanie Szewczak - Neil Gaiman," and my user name is MRS110.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 7
How Internet Infrastructure Works
What I found most interesting about this article was the video on the very first page. How often do we see people working on their laptops in just about every public place? The idea that anyone can access your information using unencrypted wireless networks is rather disconcerting. I make a habit of only using networks that I have a security code for, but the thought that people can get my info is rather scary. There goes the internet surfing in the coffee shop...
Sergey Brin and Larry Page on Google
This video was entertaining. It's amazing to see the globe and imagine how many queries there are on Google at any particular moment. Google as a company is so diverse and is focused on so many different things. I was interested in hearing about their philanthropic efforts. It also appears that they really care about their employees.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems
ILS and the web don't always work that well together. The web has led to the dismantling of ILS, simply because it is able to work in more modular or disconnected ways. New modules sometimes can't mesh with old modules, and some information just doesn't get communicated the same way. Technology is great, but it always seems to cause more problems than you would think.
What I found most interesting about this article was the video on the very first page. How often do we see people working on their laptops in just about every public place? The idea that anyone can access your information using unencrypted wireless networks is rather disconcerting. I make a habit of only using networks that I have a security code for, but the thought that people can get my info is rather scary. There goes the internet surfing in the coffee shop...
Sergey Brin and Larry Page on Google
This video was entertaining. It's amazing to see the globe and imagine how many queries there are on Google at any particular moment. Google as a company is so diverse and is focused on so many different things. I was interested in hearing about their philanthropic efforts. It also appears that they really care about their employees.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems
ILS and the web don't always work that well together. The web has led to the dismantling of ILS, simply because it is able to work in more modular or disconnected ways. New modules sometimes can't mesh with old modules, and some information just doesn't get communicated the same way. Technology is great, but it always seems to cause more problems than you would think.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Muddiest Point - Week 6
So when packets are travelling from host to host on their way to their final destination, do they leave any trace or record of the packets being there? Or is any information pertaining to those packets immediately gone upon being sent along the path?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Assignment 3
Here are the links for Assignment 3. The video and captures describe how to make an online reservation using barnesandnoble.com.
Video -
http://www.screencast.com/users/MelanieRose/folders/Jing/media/3ee424cd-95b7-4998-991c-04bb92e8eb79
Captures -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906233/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5073504286/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906175/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906113/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906069/in/photostream/
Video -
http://www.screencast.com/users/MelanieRose/folders/Jing/media/3ee424cd-95b7-4998-991c-04bb92e8eb79
Captures -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906233/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5073504286/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906175/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906113/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/5072906069/in/photostream/
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 6
Local Area Network - Wikipedia
Yet another Wikipedia article that can give the basic information about a topic. Having grown up in the "digital age," I was already pretty familiar with the LAN concept. The article did a good job of clearing up a few of the details that I was unfamiliar with. In today's society though, with wireless being available at McDonalds of all places, how many people are familiar with LAN outside of an office setting?
Computer Network - Wikipedia
This Wikipedia article, unlike the previous one, brought up some information that I wasn't familiar with. I had never really thought about campus networks and metropolitan networks before, just took them for granted. Now I understand what having an entire campus with available internet really entails.
Common Types of Computer Networks - YouTube
PAN, LAN, WAN, and other types are explained. I do think its interesting how the presenter explained that a lot of what we used to have to do on a Wide Area Network can now be done on a LAN. Ethernet cables and technology have really made vast improvements on what is possible for everyone.
Management of RFID in Libraries
RFID is the acronym for radio frequency identifier. RFID is a small microchip and an antenna embedded in a piece of paper. It is essentially like a barcode, but operates using electro-magnetic field. RFID can be used for inventory and security reasons. Libraries can use this to track their inventory as it is checked in or out. Currently, I work for Barnes and Noble, mostly in the receiving room. I deal with RFID tags everyday. We choose to tag some of our books according to the threat of shoplifting. The tags are helpful, but my experience shows that they are not infallible. They can easily be removed, they can be deactivated, and the readers can be fooled. Yet, we still use them because they are effective. And the noise that the readers make when a tag goes through them still active, well...it's pretty annoying.
Yet another Wikipedia article that can give the basic information about a topic. Having grown up in the "digital age," I was already pretty familiar with the LAN concept. The article did a good job of clearing up a few of the details that I was unfamiliar with. In today's society though, with wireless being available at McDonalds of all places, how many people are familiar with LAN outside of an office setting?
Computer Network - Wikipedia
This Wikipedia article, unlike the previous one, brought up some information that I wasn't familiar with. I had never really thought about campus networks and metropolitan networks before, just took them for granted. Now I understand what having an entire campus with available internet really entails.
Common Types of Computer Networks - YouTube
PAN, LAN, WAN, and other types are explained. I do think its interesting how the presenter explained that a lot of what we used to have to do on a Wide Area Network can now be done on a LAN. Ethernet cables and technology have really made vast improvements on what is possible for everyone.
Management of RFID in Libraries
RFID is the acronym for radio frequency identifier. RFID is a small microchip and an antenna embedded in a piece of paper. It is essentially like a barcode, but operates using electro-magnetic field. RFID can be used for inventory and security reasons. Libraries can use this to track their inventory as it is checked in or out. Currently, I work for Barnes and Noble, mostly in the receiving room. I deal with RFID tags everyday. We choose to tag some of our books according to the threat of shoplifting. The tags are helpful, but my experience shows that they are not infallible. They can easily be removed, they can be deactivated, and the readers can be fooled. Yet, we still use them because they are effective. And the noise that the readers make when a tag goes through them still active, well...it's pretty annoying.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Reading Notes -- Week 5
Database - Wikipedia
Once again, Wikipedia gives us the basics. A database is a collection of data organized for one or more uses. The database can be classified many ways usually by contents - bibliographic, statistical, etc. The article also explains types of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and their components. It also explains the types of databases and their functions. Then it goes on to explain some features of databases and their functions, including security and locking.
An Introduction to Metadata
Metadata is defined as data about data. It is a widely used term, but is seen differently by those who use it. Metadata is the information object of data - this includes content, context, and structure. Context has often been the area largely focused on, especially in the museum community. Structure has become more important and interesting as computers become more and more sophisticated. Metadata has many uses and attributes. Functions include: creation, multiversioning, reuse, recontextualization of information objects, organization and description, validation, searching and retrieval, utilization and preservation, and disposition.
An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
According to the article, the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) is a international effort designed to foster consensus across disciplines for the discovery-oriented description of diverse resources in an electronic environment. It seeks to create an internationally recognized definitions of concepts concerning metadata. It uses an encoding system similar to XML to create a modular vocabulary.
Once again, Wikipedia gives us the basics. A database is a collection of data organized for one or more uses. The database can be classified many ways usually by contents - bibliographic, statistical, etc. The article also explains types of Database Management Systems (DBMS) and their components. It also explains the types of databases and their functions. Then it goes on to explain some features of databases and their functions, including security and locking.
An Introduction to Metadata
Metadata is defined as data about data. It is a widely used term, but is seen differently by those who use it. Metadata is the information object of data - this includes content, context, and structure. Context has often been the area largely focused on, especially in the museum community. Structure has become more important and interesting as computers become more and more sophisticated. Metadata has many uses and attributes. Functions include: creation, multiversioning, reuse, recontextualization of information objects, organization and description, validation, searching and retrieval, utilization and preservation, and disposition.
An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
According to the article, the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) is a international effort designed to foster consensus across disciplines for the discovery-oriented description of diverse resources in an electronic environment. It seeks to create an internationally recognized definitions of concepts concerning metadata. It uses an encoding system similar to XML to create a modular vocabulary.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Assignment 2 - Flickr
Here is the URL for my assignment collection. The images were taken at Longwood Gardens last December during their Christmas display.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/sets/72157625034123508/detail/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/szewczakm/sets/72157625034123508/detail/
Reading Notes - Week 4
Data Compression - Wikipedia
Hooray for another chance for Wikipedia link surfing! Data compression is the process through which pieces of information are encoded using fewer bits. This can be lossless or lossy. While lossy can encode the same information in less space, it appears that it can lose pieces of information, or is less accurate than lossless.
Data Compression Basics
Here is a quote that I think helps sum it all up. "It lets you store more stuff in the same space, and it lets you transfer that stuff in less time, or with less bandwidth.I used the word "stuff" and not "information" because, for pure data compression algorithms, the compressed file contains exactly the same amount of information as the original one."
This article provides more in depth information on how the encoding process works. The first part covers the basics of lossless data compression, the second covers lossy compression of audio and still images, and the thirds explains video compression.
Unfortunately I could not get the other two articles to load.
Hooray for another chance for Wikipedia link surfing! Data compression is the process through which pieces of information are encoded using fewer bits. This can be lossless or lossy. While lossy can encode the same information in less space, it appears that it can lose pieces of information, or is less accurate than lossless.
Data Compression Basics
Here is a quote that I think helps sum it all up. "It lets you store more stuff in the same space, and it lets you transfer that stuff in less time, or with less bandwidth.I used the word "stuff" and not "information" because, for pure data compression algorithms, the compressed file contains exactly the same amount of information as the original one."
This article provides more in depth information on how the encoding process works. The first part covers the basics of lossless data compression, the second covers lossy compression of audio and still images, and the thirds explains video compression.
Unfortunately I could not get the other two articles to load.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Muddiest Point - Week 3
Once again, I don't have a muddiest point. I thought for sure that I would get Linux, UNIX, and all the other technical terms confused, but they were so well explained, I actually understood.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 3
Introduction to Linux
This document answered a lot of questions that I've ever had about Linux. I knew that it was code for computers, and used for programming but that was about all I knew. I appreciate that the article tells about the development of Linux, as well as providing some examples of what Linux looks like while in use. I also appreciate that the author provides an answer to whether or not Linux has a place in the future. It has several advantages, and is versitile and adaptable. However, it is not completely user friendly and can be confusing for beginners.
What is Mac OS X?
Excellent question! Like the previous article, a brief history of the development of Mac OS X is provided. Apple's operating system has been adapted as the years go on to better suit their newest technologies. It has its own issues, and some of them can make work more difficult for some. For those who prefer not to work with Windows, Mac OS X is a good solution.
Mac OS X - Wikipedia
The Wikipedia article also gives a pretty good background on Mac OS X. There's a lot of the same information, so I won't go into detail on this one. Much more time was spent link hopping off of this article.
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
This article comments on updates to Windows software from Windows XP to Vista and now to Windows 7. They speak of improvements and better performance as time goes on with each of these programs. My thought on this is simply, wouldn't it be more prudent to make the product the best it can be before its release? After all, it seems that Microsoft rushes the release of new software, and then spends much of their time fielding complaints and fixing bugs and issues. A little forethought would go a long way.
This document answered a lot of questions that I've ever had about Linux. I knew that it was code for computers, and used for programming but that was about all I knew. I appreciate that the article tells about the development of Linux, as well as providing some examples of what Linux looks like while in use. I also appreciate that the author provides an answer to whether or not Linux has a place in the future. It has several advantages, and is versitile and adaptable. However, it is not completely user friendly and can be confusing for beginners.
What is Mac OS X?
Excellent question! Like the previous article, a brief history of the development of Mac OS X is provided. Apple's operating system has been adapted as the years go on to better suit their newest technologies. It has its own issues, and some of them can make work more difficult for some. For those who prefer not to work with Windows, Mac OS X is a good solution.
Mac OS X - Wikipedia
The Wikipedia article also gives a pretty good background on Mac OS X. There's a lot of the same information, so I won't go into detail on this one. Much more time was spent link hopping off of this article.
An Update on the Windows Roadmap
This article comments on updates to Windows software from Windows XP to Vista and now to Windows 7. They speak of improvements and better performance as time goes on with each of these programs. My thought on this is simply, wouldn't it be more prudent to make the product the best it can be before its release? After all, it seems that Microsoft rushes the release of new software, and then spends much of their time fielding complaints and fixing bugs and issues. A little forethought would go a long way.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Muddiest Point - Week 2
For this week, I have no muddiest point.
I'm sure this will be the first and last time this happens.
I'm sure this will be the first and last time this happens.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Reading Notes - Week 2
Wikipedia - Personal Computer Hardware
As I am sure many people do, I rely on Wikipedia for everyday information. Reading this article finally gives me some idea of what makes a computer work. I have heard all of these terms before, but now I finally know what they mean. I'm glad that they included some of the obsolete terms as well. Having read this article, I now have to click on all the connections to understand even more.
Moore's Law -Wikipedia and Video
To be completely honest, it took me quite a few reads to actually understand what was said. Actually, I'm still not sure I understand it. I do understand that there is a "law" that allows industry specialists to plan and set goals. The video explains it a little better. So, Moore's Law deals with the growth in computing power that has been growing exponentially since the dawn of computers.
Computer History Museum
I had heard of the Computer History Museum before in the Museum Archives class (I think). I think that this is an important part of our culture that deserves to be memorialized. The museum allows visitors (both online and in person) to get a better idea of the history of computers and their impact on society.
As I am sure many people do, I rely on Wikipedia for everyday information. Reading this article finally gives me some idea of what makes a computer work. I have heard all of these terms before, but now I finally know what they mean. I'm glad that they included some of the obsolete terms as well. Having read this article, I now have to click on all the connections to understand even more.
Moore's Law -Wikipedia and Video
To be completely honest, it took me quite a few reads to actually understand what was said. Actually, I'm still not sure I understand it. I do understand that there is a "law" that allows industry specialists to plan and set goals. The video explains it a little better. So, Moore's Law deals with the growth in computing power that has been growing exponentially since the dawn of computers.
Computer History Museum
I had heard of the Computer History Museum before in the Museum Archives class (I think). I think that this is an important part of our culture that deserves to be memorialized. The museum allows visitors (both online and in person) to get a better idea of the history of computers and their impact on society.
Muddiest Point - Week 1
Are we supposed to only comment on each other's blogs, or do we use the discussion board as well? Also, some of the due dates are unclear.
Reading Notes - Week 1
Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture
Thank you Clifford Lynch! The differences between Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy are extremely well explained. I think it's important to realize that it is one thing to understand the difference between knowing the content of information and knowing the technological infrastructure of that information. They are individual ideas, but are definitely closely related and dependent upon each other.
2004 Information Format Trends: Content, not Containers
This article provides a nice overview of developments in the technological world. It also provides some helpful definitions and explanations that will most likely be extremely helpful in the future.
Lied Library @ 4 years
This article nicely summed up the challenges that libraries face as times change. I think that as humans it is all too easy to pretend that everything will stay the same for the rest of our lives, but technology steams ahead. I think that Vaughn addresses the issues well and provides a fine example for the rest of us.
Thank you Clifford Lynch! The differences between Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy are extremely well explained. I think it's important to realize that it is one thing to understand the difference between knowing the content of information and knowing the technological infrastructure of that information. They are individual ideas, but are definitely closely related and dependent upon each other.
2004 Information Format Trends: Content, not Containers
This article provides a nice overview of developments in the technological world. It also provides some helpful definitions and explanations that will most likely be extremely helpful in the future.
Lied Library @ 4 years
This article nicely summed up the challenges that libraries face as times change. I think that as humans it is all too easy to pretend that everything will stay the same for the rest of our lives, but technology steams ahead. I think that Vaughn addresses the issues well and provides a fine example for the rest of us.
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