Monday, December 6, 2010

UNIT 5 "COMMENTS" SIDENOTE:

 For unit 5 comments, I have 2 comments, but only one show.  Jiepu has been made aware of this and said that I will not be penalized.  For some reason, the second comment that I made will not post. 

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

FINISHED WITH COMMENTS:

At this point, I have now fulfilled my obligations with regards to posting 10 comments.  Although, I still may respond to certain posts for personal education purposes.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Finished with Muddiest Point and Reading Notes

At this point, I have officially fulfilled my obligations with regards to posting 10 reading notes and 10 muddiest points (although, I may still engage myself with these types of things as the conclusion of the term progresses for personal development purposes). 

Adam Brody

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

ASSIGNMENT 5: KOHA

My Username on KOHA is ADB64.  The content that I have posted is under "Digital Libraries." 

Adam Brody

UNIT 11 READING NOTES: 11-22-2010

1) David Hawking , Web Search Engines: Part 1 and Part 2 IEEE Computer, June 2006.

    This information is vital in understanding how to tackle various threats to the PC.  As librarians, I am wonder if there is anything that we can do more then a simple virus scan.  Are there ways we as information professionals we can contribute to the war on various trojans? 


2) Shreeves, S. L., Habing, T. O., Hagedorn, K., & Young, J. A. (2005). Current developments and future trends for the OAI protocol for metadata harvesting. Library Trends, 53(4), 576-589: http://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/609/Shreeves_CurrentFutureTrends.pdf?sequence=2

       As diverse services increase, so will the importance of controlled vocabularies.  My concern is whether controlled vocabulary will change as these services expan.  These new technologies and structures might make things more difficult for catalogers to keep up with current trends. 


3) MICHAEL K. BERGMAN,  “The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value” http://www.press.umich.edu/jep/07-01/bergman.html
 

      I had no idea how much we are missing out when we conduct our searches via Google.  If we can further undertand and implement Deep Web as librarians, we will be better able at expanding the services we provide for customers.  Also, I think if we can teacher customers about Deep Web, they will be better able to find information for themselves; therefore, the librarian would act merely as a supplemental aid. 

Adam Brody

UNIT 8 COMMENTS: PART 2

UNIT 8 COMMENTS:

UNIT 8 MUDDIEST POINT:

During the lecture it was mentioned that while making a webpage the designer should identify themselves as the creator for authority purposes.  What happens if the creator opts not to identify his or herself?  Are there ethical guidelines for anonymous creators of websites? 

Adam Brody

Monday, October 25, 2010

UNIT 7 MUDDIEST POINT:

Based on the geographical regions for Internet usage, what factors contribute to certain parts of the world having more internet access then others?  For example, how is Asia lower in then the Middle East? 

Adam Brody

UNIT 9 READING NOTES:

1) Martin Bryan.  Introducing the Extensible Markup Language (XML) http://burks.bton.ac.uk/burks/internet/web/xmlintro.htm

      Burks sounds like a useful resources for those that are novists about various programs.  It is unfortunate that much of the software has gone 9 years without updates.  I wonder if the market for this tye of information will resurrect itself. 


2) Uche Ogbuji. A survey of XML standards: Part 1. January 2004. http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/xml/library/x-stand1.html

    I was not aware that there were so many versions of XML.  I thought that this was one interchangable aspect of software.  It states that XML has been updated to be compatible in streaming within various unicodes.  I wonder what the relationship within these unicodes to begin with. 

3) Extending your Markup: a XML tutorial by Andre Bergholz PDF

    Prior to reading this document, I was not aware what DTD's were.  It seems like this resource allows users to specify various tags.  Also, I was not away that DTD could act as  whole seperate file. 

4) XML Schema Tutorial http://www.w3schools.com/Schema/default.asp:

    It is interesting how XML defines schemas within documents.  It might be interesting to use XML in order to analyze various structures which create documents.  Perhaps I could manipulate these schemas in order to reduce file size within my harddrive. 

Adam Brody
     




Tuesday, October 19, 2010

UNIT 8; READING NOTES

1) W3schools HTML Tutorial: http://www.w3schools.com/HTML/

     This information provided a very useful tutorial and quiz in terms of setting up ones own website.  I found the examples to be helpful in decipering the various approaches one can take in setting up a website.  Hopefully, we will have a chance to do this in the near future. 

2) HTML Cheatsheet http://www.webmonkey.com/reference/HTML_Cheatsheet/

     When it comes to setting up a website, these tags should be helpful.  I think they will have more meaning once I apply them to what I am doing at that particular point.  I am wondering if professional web designers rely on these tags, or is it simply for amateurs? 

3) W3 School Cascading Style Sheet Tutorial: http://www.w3schools.com/css/

   Wow, I did not know that one can lay out many webpages at once.  I wonder if one wants to make changes to a webpage, whether it would be dormant, or will the original be the default page prior to the revisions? 

4) Goans, D., Leach, G., & Vogel, T. M. (2006). Beyond HTML: Developing and re-imagining library web guides in a content management system. Library Hi Tech, 24(1), 29-53. 

        I did not understand why some libraries want to limit staff from contributing to the website.  Supposedly this is to limit the "gatekeeper" effect.  Perhaps libraries do not want staff that is not tech savy for this venture?  Or, is it out of lack trust toward the staff?  Either way, it is kind of scary. 

Adam Brody
 





ASSIGNMENT 4: PERSONAL BIBILIOGRAPHIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS


     This is my information for assignment 4.  Since I was having errors with certain files that I was trying to extract from Zotero, Jiepu told me that I could simply have more files extracted directly from CiteUlike to supplement the files that I could not extract from Zotero. Therefore, I have 7 files extracted directly from CiteUlike as opposed to 3; per instructions from Jiepu. 

Adam Brody

Saturday, October 16, 2010

UNIT 7 COMMENTS; PART 2

Unit 7 Comments:

Muddiest Point; Unit 6

After being provided with the various elements that make up the Dublin Core schema, I am wondering if Dublin Core will evolve from these elements (Title, Creator, Subject, etc)?  As the information age progresses, will the Dublin Core schema change over time, or will it always be the same? 

Adam Brody

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

UNIT 6 COMMENTS:


UNIT 7 READING NOTES

1) Tyson, Jeff. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet-infrastructure.htm/printable

         I did not realize how the internet began as such a small conglomerate.  It is interesting how a nonprofit group such as the Internet Society established many of the policieis and practices that is the foundation for today. 


2) Andrew K. Pace (2004). Dismantling Integrated Library Systems. Library Journal, 129(2), p.34-36. Full Text http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA374953.html

     One thing that the vendors must realize is the sensitivity toward current library funding.  I am wondering if library vendors are lowering their prices based the dire straits circumstances libraries are facing.  This is another defacto example of how government reliance, regulation, and funding, or lack their of can have major implications on the market place. 


3) Sergey Brin and Larry Page: Inside the Google machine.
    http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/sergey_brin_and_larry_page_on_google.html;


     After watching the video and looking at the comment section, I noticed that someone mentioned that a lot happend since 2004.  The funny part is that the commenter is right.  Although, back in 2004, I was amazed at how Google so much more extensive then other search engines.  I still use Google to this day. 

Adam Brody

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Muddiest Point; Week 5

It was mentioned that Database Management Systems hide complexeties from the user.  What are these complexeties?  As librarians, should we be aware of the complexities in terms of serving customer information needs? 

Adam Brody

UNIT 6 READING NOTES: WIRELESS NETWORKS

1) Local Area Network: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Area_Network

      This article seems to describe the type of connection that many libraries have.  At the library where I work, many of our users utilize the wi fi connection.  I am wondering if private libraries rely on wi fi as well?  Could the private sector rely on more efficient local area networks? 

2) Computer network http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network

    This article mentions the use of an Intranet.  I was not aware of the many variables which construct the Intranet; such as internet protocols and IP based tools.  This resource is vital not so much to the general public, but more so among colleagues in order to convey organizational information and happenings. 

3) Common types of computer networks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dpgqDdfUjQ

      Frank brings out an interesting trend on how local area connections are becoming more popular then wide area connections.  I thought this would be quite the contrary.  Perhaps local area connections are more cost effective, or more efficient?  Frank does mention eathernet as the x factor in this trend.  I wonder if there are other variables. 

4) Coyle, K. (2005). Management of RFID in libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(5), 486-489;
http://www.kcoyle.net/jal_rfid.html   The author assumes that libraries will be forced via the market to utilize RFID.  RFID could be financially difficult to sustain with funding being as it is.  At least in Pittsburgh, it seems as though libraries are regressing as opposed to progressing.  Incorporating RFID could be more efficient, and I think the market will increase, as the author mentions, over time.  But the author needs to consider the reality of libraries as opposed to the fantasy.  Jobs, information retreivial, and literature, will most likely trump the market for RFID. 

Adam Brody
 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Assignment 3; Working With Jing

1.  http://www.screencast.com/users/brody000/folders/Jing/media/34a6f4f6-98ee-4793-9281-ca07dd1f7564;

      A silent guided video tour of Blackboard. 

2.  http://www.screencast.com/users/brody000/folders/Jing/media/e6d28cac-bc54-4d13-9b8c-09c6f6f4dd8c;

     The Flickr Website

3.  http://www.screencast.com/users/brody000/folders/Jing/media/eb4f4f04-03c1-4266-924d-bacafb4075ec;
   
       My Flickr homepage

4.  http://www.screencast.com/users/brody000/folders/Jing/media/4f6f5d97-8f74-42d9-9cd6-f72af6934f48;
  
      Area where pictures for Flickr are uploaded 

5.  http://www.screencast.com/users/brody000/folders/Jing/media/fb00184d-6a42-4197-a683-c7a7fca84a59

      Place to find freinds on Flickr

6. http://www.screencast.com/users/brody000/folders/Jing/media/6325b613-3af9-4c78-b82b-5f4955d995ec;

       A few pictures from my Flickr account

Unit 4 Comments:

SSeptember 28, 2010 5:09 PM;   


     September 28, 2010 5:17 PM  

Muddiest Point; Week 4

In class, elements of multimedia were mentioned.  As multimedia evolves, what suggestions are recommended for the average user to keep up with this technology, but at the same time save storage space on their hard-drive and protect the computer against potential viruses that could be transfered through various forms of multimedia?

Unit 5 Reading Notes

1) Database. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database
       Prior to reading this article, I was under the impression that databases were simply a storage/information retrieval mechanism.  However, after learning about Distributed Databases and Hypermedia Databases, there seems to be so much more.  As librarians, this represents the foundation for Information Science.  We need to understand and execute these systems in order to navigate internal and external database structures for customers and colleagues. 

2) Anne J. Gilliland. Introduction to Metadata, pathways to Digital Information: 1: Setting the Stage
http://www.getty.edu/research/conducting_research/standards/intrometadata/setting.html

         In a previous class, I learned that Metadata is information about information.  After reading this article, I found that there are many components to this concept beyond the original definition.  Data Value, Data Content, and Data Structure are vital components to consider when constructing information, especially within a database structure.  Understanding these components will allow users to be better organized, and retrievers to have a much easier time navigating a particular system. 

3) Eric J. Miller. An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model
http://dublincore.org/1999/06/06-overview/, or look at here http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:e1fuoT1yznIJ:dublincore.org/1999/06/06-overview

    The visual aid within this article was very helpful in deciphering the foundation of Dublin Core.  While doing my Flickr assignment, I utilized a similar model in describing my objects.  However, utilizing a controlled vocabulary will help take things one step further in finding very specific forms of information

Adam Brody

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

UNIT 3 COMMENTS


UNIT 3; MUDDIEST POINT

Can Disk Defragmentation act as a supplement to the anti virus systems such as Norton or McAfee?  In other words, after finding that the computer is slow, would it be better to perform this before or after the virus scan?  Could this method difuse a potential virus by itself? 

UNIT 4 READING NOTES

1) Data Compression. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_compression

    I found Data deduplication to be interesting.  Based on this information, a computer can instantaneously eliminate dormant data. On my computer, I have found this to be an almost impossibility.  I wonder if there is a way to manually utilize this function.  I know "Add/Remove Programs" is a way.  But, I wonder if there is a more detailed manner to find and eliminate data manually. 

2) Data compression basics (long documents, but covers all basics and beyond):
     http://dvd-hq.info/data_compression_1.php

   It seems like the main idea data compression is to store more data in a centralized location, thus reducing overall space on the hard drive.  In order to do this effectively, it seems as though one would need to understand various coding techniques in order to create this type of space.  Fiscally, I think this would save libraries a lot of money if more information can be stored within less computers, from an administration standpoint.  In addition, public computers might not need to be changed as often, as this would reduce a computer crashing, delay slow startups, and reduce delayed searches. 

3) Edward A. Galloway, “Imaging Pittsburgh: Creating a shared gateway to digital image collections of the Pittsburgh region” First Monday 9:5 2004;
http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1141/1061;     

    From looking at the pictures and reading the article, it seems as though digital imaging is one of the prime methods of historic preservation.  Unfortunately, physical copies of material found in libraries could disentegrate over time.  In order to preserve the past, and more importantly, our local history, digital image collections can provide a gateway for the present to entertwine with the past, and act as a medium for a more instant and hands on look at historical artifacts. 


  4) Paula L. Webb, YouTube and libraries: It could be a beautiful relationship C&RL News, June 2007 Vol. 68, No. 6 0  http://0-www.ala.org.wam.seals.ac.za/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/crlnews/2007/jun/ALA_print_layout_1_391194_391194.cfm;

        Yes, I definetly think youtube and libraries could be a beautiful relationship!  As an aspiring business librarian, I want to create a business forum; not just within my community, but globally if possible.  Placing various topics of discussion with the actual dialogue could be vital in having a business book discussion group reach other entrepeneurs and coporate executives from around the world.  From working in a library, I have found that many librarians frown down on this, as they see this as kids/teens utilize this for entertainment value.  Librarians must realize that this can be a tool to enhance programming on a much larger scale. 

Adam Brody

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

COMMENTS FOR WEEK 2 NOTES;

1.  http://marclis2600.blogspot.com/2010/09/second-weeks-reading.html?showComment=1284480999026#c3769027676767556574

2.  September 14, 2010 9:08 AM

MUDDIEST POINT; LECTURE FROM 9-13-2010

Based on Cache' diagram, I have learned how this element stores information in its original form.  However, can a programmer and/or average user delete a Cache' if the information is no longer relevant?  Can the actual Cache' of information be modified from its original form as well if need be? 

Adam Brody

WEEK 3 READING NOTES

1) Machtelt Garrels. “Introduction to Linux: A Hands on Guide”
    (only need to read section 1, but you are welcome to read the whole document)
    http://tldp.org/LDP/intro-linux/html/

           Based on the reading, the Linux program seems to be one of the most flexible pieces of software to date.  It is adaptable, fixable, and can be adapted toward various circumstances.  As a student, I think Linux will be very helpful.  Based on its ability to supply maintence and updates, it could very well span beyond the academic realms and into the mainstream/public settings.  As librarians, it will be essential to utilize this technology so that customers use this to its full potential. 

2) http://www.kernelthread.com/mac/osx/ 
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X


         Based on these readings, I was amazed at the level of the features that the "MAC OS X" has.  For example, "Apple GUI" seems to produce interesting graphic like images with water based elements.  Also, "The User Interface Guidelines" might be helpful for first time users, or novices like myself, who are just learning about this.  Perosnally, I think the "Automator" could be helpful so that I can better organize tasks with deadlines. 

3) Paul Thurott “An Update on the Windows Roadmap”     http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2008/06/27/an-update-on-the-windows-roadmap.aspx

     I felt releived to know that I will continue to receive updates for my Windows XP until at least, 2014.  Toward the end of the article, the author states that a new version of windows titled "Windows 7" is coming out.  Whenever an update to Windows takes place, that also means an update to the office programs is in sight.  Does this mean that I will not be able to read documents that were designed using "Windows 7" when I open an attachment?  I think the challenge that Microsoft has is to create a system where even if one has an older Windoows operating system, they can still read documents from updated office systems. 

Adam Brody

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Week 2 Reading Notes

Computer Hardware: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware:

          This article breaks down the various components of computer hardware.  Throughout my experiences, I have focused more on software, and have typically contacted "The Best Buy Geek Squad" in order to set up my computer.  However, based on this article, I am noticing that there is a direct connection between hardware and software.  For example, without "Power Supply," no software can perform without the electricual frequencies to supplement that.  In addition, artifacts like the "Sound Card" enables the computer to output audio devices.  Elements such as these are vital for a librarian to understand in order to begin the process of fixing the computer prior to a specialist arriving at the location.

Moore’s Law: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law;   

also the video http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=what-is-moores-law

      This information seems to exemplify that various transmissions that are required for a computer and/or digital resource to function.  Elements such as processing, memory capacticity, etc represent these transmissions.  From my experiences, the more sophisticated the hardware is, the more transmission and frequency is transmitted through the softwar, since there is more space to do this. 

Computer History Museum.  http://www.computerhistory.org/:

     This website offers various historical and current information regarding the state of computers.  Elements such as computer history and past lectures seem to provide a framework for those that are new to the digital age.  As an aspiring librarian, I think it would be interesting to actually visit the museum in California.  Would they actually have physical examples of how computers evolved throughout the years?  Would there be a guide to show us these elements?  Learning about the historical implications will allow a librarian to better teach new computer users basic elements. 

       

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Muddiest Point; Week 1

Based on the "DIKW Hiearchy," I am wondering where metadata fits into the chart.  Does metada represent the link between each level?  For example, is information about data, considered metadata, knowledge about information, etc?  Or is metadata synonymous with one of the respective levels? 

Week 1 Reading Notes

OCLC report: Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers:

       This report states that format in which information is delivered is now more important then the information itself.  The report states that old content will be manifested in new media. Based on my studies, digitization is one of the primary examples of this form of new media.  The report fails to consider demographics such as the elderly who might not be accustomed to new formats, and would most likely find new technologies as more of a barrier, as opposed to an advantage in researching information.  Prior to implementing these trends, there needs to be a  plan for ensuring that all demographics feel comfortable with these new technologies. 

Clifford Lynch, “Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture: 

      Clifford Lynch focuses on two fundamental factors of "Information Technology Literacy;" basic skills, such as word processing, using a spreadsheet, etc.  The Second realm consists of the overall impact on society.  The author points out how technology has evolved from basic word processing skills of the 1980's.  The author states that basic typing skills will not be sufficient in today's technological market.  From working at a library, it is imperative that a librarian gain understanding of not only computer functioning, but also ways in which these technologies can be utilized in serving all demographics.  For example, applying number games for children on the computer involvs knowledge of the overall functioning on the part of the librarians, and through that functioning and educational process for children. 

Vaughan, J. (2005). Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still. Library Hi Tech, 23(1), 34-49. At

     In this article, the author discusses how the evolution of technology through his experience in academic library creates more challenges.  Through maintaining current information systems and establishing new information systems, the examples not only pertain to an academic level but also at the public level.  The average library customer, such as many elderly customers have had a hard enough time understanding previous windows operating systems.  Introducing new systems, even for someone in my age bracket, can create many challenges and adjustments.  The challenge is to create a learning system which is unversal, yet, caters to various skill levels of information technology; novist, advanced, etc.  Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, this type of information, let alone the actual technology can be fiscally problematic.