Class 6

The Wikipedia articles that covered Computer Networks and Local Area Networks in specific gave me a greater sense of how computers connect and how data transfers. I have been having a lot of trouble with my LAN this week and after reading the articles I felt more comfortable with understanding possible problems and the advice technical services gave me (although the problem is still not resolved). I had never really thought about all the different ways in which computers are connected. I guess I just took it for granted that my computer connected to the printer and I received a hard copy. The fact that it has a name, a Personal Area Network, put it into a new perspective.

At first I thought it was a little ridiculous that there are so many different types of networks when they basically all do the same thing, just on a larger scale. I realized though this distinction probably helps in discussing the level of connection. I was surprised by the number of types. I was only really familiar with LAN and WAN, but had just a basic idea.

Learning about the Ethernet and the hardware associated with networking was enlightening. Again many of the terms such as routers and Ethernet sounded familiar to me, but I wasn't exactly sure what they did. The explanations from Wikipedia were fairly straight forward, but got a little confusing when describing some of the more detailed aspects.

The article on managing RFID in libraries was somewhat of repeat of what I have read for other classes. But I know it is a hot topic for libraries. The ability to incorporate so much information about material into one place and also act as security is appealing. An increase in the speed of transaction of check in and out is also a worthwhile aspect of RFID. This would be especially helpful when patrons are checking out large stacks of books or staff is checking material in after a closed day. The author also states that RFID aids in finding the location of material. I am not sure how this works if the material has been pulled or mishelved in the library. Can one actually find the physical location? I have yet to actually be in a library that uses the RFID system and am curious as to how it works. My home library in Cleveland Heights had self check-out, which worked out just as well as checking out at the counter. One still had to have assistance to have DVDs and CDs unlocked. But I think the library still used the barcode system. Each item had to be checked out one at a time and then had to be demagnetized. I have mostly heard praises about RFID, but I wonder why more libraries haven't embraced it.

This week I commented on Technology Chat and Nicole'sBlog. See Blog list at right

Class 5

Compression, especially for posting on the web, is very useful to reduce the amount of time and space needed for the transferred file. I understand the basic concepts of lossless and lossy compression, but found the concept of lossless much easier to follow from the Data Compression Basics reading. After having these methods described I am wondering if compression is something that is done manually or if programs automatically compress when a file is uploaded or transferred. Once again I am very amazed at the intellect and ability of computer scientists to create the algorithms and equations needed to make these compressions possible.

After I had made my way through the first two articles I was curious as to how compression applied to library science. I was pleasantly surprised with an answer in the next two readings. Although I was overwhelmed, even by the simplified version, of the amount of skill needed to compression work, it is good to know the skills would be useful in very practical ways. The digital library of photographs as stated has specific sizes for each photograph on how it is portrayed online. These images are not at the full quality, but take advantage of compression to make the images easily available online. Using You Tube again would require understanding at least how the video would be affected in quality and what aspects would be altered through compression. Although one would not need to carry out the compressions, the results of the compression would be useful to know.


This week I commented on Sr Becky's Blog and Maggie's Blog. See blog list

Class 4

I have to admit, I am still confused on the inner workings of databases. I appreciated there are differences among the forms of databases and their basic differences. But I was unable to think of examples that would show the different models. The Wikipedia article made it seem as if the relational model was the most common model. It is hard for me to move this explanation of a database to a database I am familiar with such as ProQuest. I don't see the column structure or hierarchical structure. I must be missing an aspect of the database understanding. I think the database is amazing and is such an useful tool. I would appreciate having it explained in simpler terms.

Reading the article by Gilliard on Metadata was a pleasure to read. I found the article easy to follow and regenerated my appreciation for the behind the scenes work that is done by librarians and other professionals to maintain materials and make them legitimate sources. It is incredible to me that so much information can exist about a work, and most not even be seen or noticed. I was especially struck by Gilliard's comment on the importance of keeping metadata standards, which then allow the works to be converted or saved to different formats and programs if need be. When we talk about preservation and the longevity of different storage devices, this performance of metadata would be very important.

Unfortunately, I was having difficulty getting the Dublin Core article to open, but I hope to get a chance to look at writing as well.

For week 4, I commented on Analog Failure? and Technology Chat. See Blog list at right.

Assignment 3

The world of computer programming is immense and overwhelming.
I appreciated the readings for this week because I have only worked with Windows operating systems and have been unsure about the other OS available. I have a high respect for Linux, especially because it is mostly free and enhanced by a large contingent of people, but feel my personal understanding of computer programming would not be sufficient to functionally use it. The amount of options that are available from Linux is impressive and daunting. Again, for someone who is not a computer tech, finding the right components of from Linux that would best fit my needs seems as if it would be difficult and confusing.

Learning about Mac OS X was enlightening as well. Although the article was way above my understanding, I was able to gather that the Mac operating system does have many benefits and has made great strides to meet the needs of its users. A component of the OS that stuck out was the preemptive multitasking which allows several applications to run at the same time without interfering with one another. The capability would be very useful when working with several programs at the same time. I often experience a delay or malfunction with my system if I am waiting for one program to respond and am working with a separate program.

Although I did not understand most of what I read, the repetition of terminology at least helped me become more familiar with some aspects of computer programming that seem to be fundamental, not matter the OS.

I responded to Maggie's Blog and "Road? Where we're going... we won't need a road." See Blog list

Assignment 2

The way in which a computer functions is amazing. The different components themselves seem simple enough. The motherboard is the piece of hardware through which all other hardware functions. The Central processing unit causes the different software of the computer to run and interact with one another. And so on. What is amazing is how all of these components fit together to create a machine capable of doing so much and so quickly.

I found it interesting that Moore's law would eventually cease to exist at least in the current direction of technology of smaller and smaller devices. This law has been incredibly influential or at least accurate in its predictions. It was interesting that it was stated on the Wikipedia that the fact that Moore's law has continued to be true is because that is what the computer industry has strives towards. I wonder if this means more could be achieved at lower prices if Moore's law didn't set the every two years doubling concept.

I found the visual timeline from the Computer History Museum to be vary helpful in conceptualizing this doubling of transistors and what that meant in the actual sense and to see the number of experiments and researchers it took to get to the point we are at now.

For assignment 2 I made comments on Oliver's and Connie's Blog. See blog list

Assignment 1

The impact of technology on libraries has been great. The fact that libraries are taking the initiative to try to embrace the trends in society, i.e. the increased use of cell phone and mobile devices, shows the field is aware and active in the current movement and will not be left behind. Libraries provide a great service to communities by making what could be unavailable links to content possible.

The amount of behind the scene work that goes into creating a vital digital library is overwhelming, not to mention the amount of money that is needed. And the continual training and upkeep of systems and equipment along with the costs of databases and software seems beyond my comprehension.

In spite of the great lengths librarians have gone to, libraries seem to continue to be last resorts for people in their information searches. I am curious if the changes libraries have made have affected library user-ship. Is user-ship or down from pre-technology times? The vision of the library as a community center is exciting to me, but how will it get there?