Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Library Mobile Site
The mobile library website provides a wealth of information for the user. I definitely would use it in the future to look up books or computers. I used a Blackberry and everything was really straightforward and user friendly on the site. The link titles all made sense – sometimes there will be a link to a sub page that you’re not quite sure where it will lead you. I don’t feel that anything was left out in regards to what information is available. The site loaded quickly and was easy to navigate. I particularly like the fact that one can look up what computers are available as well as the floor maps. I am forever wandering around the library looking for a particular section in the general collection and a mobile map is so helpful. However, if I hadn’t taken this course I wouldn’t be aware of what the library of congress classification system is and therefore would not have chosen that particular link in order to find where to go. As for the computer availability, I like that you can see how many but it would be even more beneficial if you could see where. The site was visually appealing and there wasn’t anything that particularly bothered me. There was enough information provided for a mobile site especially because links to the UNCW and full library website are at the bottom. I followed those links and the mobile site is very well done, much more appealing and user friendly.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
News Report 11/11/10
Stage Set for Showdown on Online Privacy by Edward Wyatt 9 Nov 2010 NY Times
This article discussed the idea of a ‘do not track’ feature that would be attached to certain websites or web browsers. This do not track idea is similar to the do not call lists that circulated during the height of telemarketing. There are opposing viewpoints by government officials about internet privacy. On the one hand top commerce officials would like to keep the internet self-regulated, each site presenting its own privacy policy, collecting information from you but letting you know about it and telling you what they are going to do with it. On the other hand, top trade commission officials are leaning toward having websites or browers that allows the user to choose whether or not they would like their information to be shared, a do not track option. However, both sides have valid arguments as to how these would both be good and bad for both consumers and the technological networks on which they rely. People would like their information to be kept private by firms they are doing business with, but turning off tracking altogether would make it difficult for systems and commerce to keep running as it is at that high a technological level. In the meantime, while this decision is being made, there will probably be higher standards on privacy policy.
I think that privacy on the internet is very important because so much of our information is shared to online firms and technology makes it so simple to store that information and send it off or do with it whatever you choose. Each site does give a privacy policy but rarely do they ever get read. They are several long-winded paragraphs long and most consumers simply click agree and go to the next step, not really aware of what their information may be used for. However, this it a difficult thing to monitor because of how free the web is.
This article discussed the idea of a ‘do not track’ feature that would be attached to certain websites or web browsers. This do not track idea is similar to the do not call lists that circulated during the height of telemarketing. There are opposing viewpoints by government officials about internet privacy. On the one hand top commerce officials would like to keep the internet self-regulated, each site presenting its own privacy policy, collecting information from you but letting you know about it and telling you what they are going to do with it. On the other hand, top trade commission officials are leaning toward having websites or browers that allows the user to choose whether or not they would like their information to be shared, a do not track option. However, both sides have valid arguments as to how these would both be good and bad for both consumers and the technological networks on which they rely. People would like their information to be kept private by firms they are doing business with, but turning off tracking altogether would make it difficult for systems and commerce to keep running as it is at that high a technological level. In the meantime, while this decision is being made, there will probably be higher standards on privacy policy.
I think that privacy on the internet is very important because so much of our information is shared to online firms and technology makes it so simple to store that information and send it off or do with it whatever you choose. Each site does give a privacy policy but rarely do they ever get read. They are several long-winded paragraphs long and most consumers simply click agree and go to the next step, not really aware of what their information may be used for. However, this it a difficult thing to monitor because of how free the web is.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
News Report 11/2
Old Media Dead in 10 Years?
By John P. Mello Jr PC World
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20101029/tc_pcworld/oldmediadeadin10years
More than two thirds of the people surveyed in an online poll responded that they prefer traditional media (newspapers, newscasts, and magazines) to digital media. Then why is it that over half of the people surveyed also said that their primary source of news is digital media retrieved from the internet. This is a trend that has forced its way into our culture and many predict that traditional media will be obsolete ten years down the road. The polls also stated the concern with younger generation in that 65 percent of the youth get all of their news from the internet. Although the numbers are split almost down the middle with digital and traditional, the numbers for digital media users and supported grows substantially each year. New forms of media are being embraced while older printed forms are becoming “outdated” and obsolete.
I think that it is unfortunate that so many people are relying on the internet for their news. Although it is extremely convenient and I am not against getting information from the internet, traditional forms of media have always been there for us very reliably. I wonder what sites these younger people are getting their news from because most of them are probably not from as accredited sources as the New York Times or ones local news channel. It makes sense what is happening especially due to the convenience factor but I don’t agree with the reliability of information sources that are freely available to the everyday consumer. While I understand the trend of digital media I oftentimes hope for a traditionalist to come along and save the newspaper.
By John P. Mello Jr PC World
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20101029/tc_pcworld/oldmediadeadin10years
More than two thirds of the people surveyed in an online poll responded that they prefer traditional media (newspapers, newscasts, and magazines) to digital media. Then why is it that over half of the people surveyed also said that their primary source of news is digital media retrieved from the internet. This is a trend that has forced its way into our culture and many predict that traditional media will be obsolete ten years down the road. The polls also stated the concern with younger generation in that 65 percent of the youth get all of their news from the internet. Although the numbers are split almost down the middle with digital and traditional, the numbers for digital media users and supported grows substantially each year. New forms of media are being embraced while older printed forms are becoming “outdated” and obsolete.
I think that it is unfortunate that so many people are relying on the internet for their news. Although it is extremely convenient and I am not against getting information from the internet, traditional forms of media have always been there for us very reliably. I wonder what sites these younger people are getting their news from because most of them are probably not from as accredited sources as the New York Times or ones local news channel. It makes sense what is happening especially due to the convenience factor but I don’t agree with the reliability of information sources that are freely available to the everyday consumer. While I understand the trend of digital media I oftentimes hope for a traditionalist to come along and save the newspaper.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Reading Response 10/19
The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google
This article, the Infodiet, discussed the unfortunate trend of library obsoletion. It touched on the idea that students have been "Google-ized", so used to using google as their primary source of information that they do not know how to properly research. Libraries have several valuable resources available and a lot of it is available on the computer it is simply a matter of being able to find it. Students, however, are not familiar with these databases and how to properly find what they are looking for so libraries are looking to make these interfaces more usable and student-friendly. A couple of different interfaces have come out to make the databases more approachable and google-like in nature. Students want an easy-access quick information when they search which is definitely not what happens in a database search. Unfortunately, even some professors are unfamiliar with the amount of high quality information that is available to everyone.
I agree with this article completely. It is unfortunate that students have come to rely on these search engines and don’t know how to properly research. I have noticed this simply from attending library class. The databases that we have learned about and the proper ways to search them should be taught to the incoming freshmen. Rather than having a freshman seminar class, or even included in that class, students should be taught how to navigate these databases so that the quality of information gotten from the internet and used for papers and other academic items will be higher.
This article, the Infodiet, discussed the unfortunate trend of library obsoletion. It touched on the idea that students have been "Google-ized", so used to using google as their primary source of information that they do not know how to properly research. Libraries have several valuable resources available and a lot of it is available on the computer it is simply a matter of being able to find it. Students, however, are not familiar with these databases and how to properly find what they are looking for so libraries are looking to make these interfaces more usable and student-friendly. A couple of different interfaces have come out to make the databases more approachable and google-like in nature. Students want an easy-access quick information when they search which is definitely not what happens in a database search. Unfortunately, even some professors are unfamiliar with the amount of high quality information that is available to everyone.
I agree with this article completely. It is unfortunate that students have come to rely on these search engines and don’t know how to properly research. I have noticed this simply from attending library class. The databases that we have learned about and the proper ways to search them should be taught to the incoming freshmen. Rather than having a freshman seminar class, or even included in that class, students should be taught how to navigate these databases so that the quality of information gotten from the internet and used for papers and other academic items will be higher.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Reading Report 10/7 #2
Why the next big pop culture wave after cupcakes might be libraries
There are several trends that have appeared as of late that have caught the attention of the larger public. Usually these trends start with a buzz and this article highlighted the buzz around libraries and the likelihood that they may start becoming more popular. After an article came out stating that libraries are outdated several publications fought back, furious that such a thing had been printed. Several constant traits that libraries have always possessed are very trendy and appealing as of late. For instance, the library is free, green and local. People are always looking to spend less money while at the same time looking for a green alternative to their current habits, the library provides both. Also, the fact that knowledge and having a lot of information or passion about a topic has become less of a stigmatism and is praised. The word geek is no longer derogatory and knowing things is cool- libraries provide endless information and are filled with librarians filled with knowledge. There was even mention of library based tv and movie ideas that could come about. The library may be on its way back in.
I think that this may be partly true. Because there is so much buzz about libraries, people defending them in widely read articles, a lot more people are likely to rethink libraries. Libraries are interesting places that aren’t always shown in such a light. If more people are exposed to positive talk they may be more likely to use a library.
There are several trends that have appeared as of late that have caught the attention of the larger public. Usually these trends start with a buzz and this article highlighted the buzz around libraries and the likelihood that they may start becoming more popular. After an article came out stating that libraries are outdated several publications fought back, furious that such a thing had been printed. Several constant traits that libraries have always possessed are very trendy and appealing as of late. For instance, the library is free, green and local. People are always looking to spend less money while at the same time looking for a green alternative to their current habits, the library provides both. Also, the fact that knowledge and having a lot of information or passion about a topic has become less of a stigmatism and is praised. The word geek is no longer derogatory and knowing things is cool- libraries provide endless information and are filled with librarians filled with knowledge. There was even mention of library based tv and movie ideas that could come about. The library may be on its way back in.
I think that this may be partly true. Because there is so much buzz about libraries, people defending them in widely read articles, a lot more people are likely to rethink libraries. Libraries are interesting places that aren’t always shown in such a light. If more people are exposed to positive talk they may be more likely to use a library.
Reading Report 10/7
The ‘library of the future’ begins to emerge
This article talked about the digital revolution and the impact that it is having on today’s libraries. Because information is so readily available to people at the click of a button it makes libraries full of books seem outdated. In order to keep up, libraries are digitalizing themselves. There are some 24/7 online libraries that provide support and resources to teens and adults alike which is one step forward. Librarians do not become obsolete; they take on a new role of helping people to find information. There are other plans for the library of the future, they are totally rethinking the physicality of the library and creating an environment that is more like a community that a cold, quiet building filled with books. This new library will be more user-friendly and less intimidating than the library most people have come to know.
I think that this is definitely a step in the right direction for libraries. I personally have always enjoyed going to the library but do remember a small feeling of disrespect when speaking to another or intimidation by the large information desks and strict librarians. Trying to make the library more relatable to a lot of people is also important. The fact that they are trying to become more digitalized and involved in social networking and things of that nature will encourage people to think of the library differently, more approachable. Learning doesn’t always have to be stuffy, cold and boring which is what these new libraries will prove.
This article talked about the digital revolution and the impact that it is having on today’s libraries. Because information is so readily available to people at the click of a button it makes libraries full of books seem outdated. In order to keep up, libraries are digitalizing themselves. There are some 24/7 online libraries that provide support and resources to teens and adults alike which is one step forward. Librarians do not become obsolete; they take on a new role of helping people to find information. There are other plans for the library of the future, they are totally rethinking the physicality of the library and creating an environment that is more like a community that a cold, quiet building filled with books. This new library will be more user-friendly and less intimidating than the library most people have come to know.
I think that this is definitely a step in the right direction for libraries. I personally have always enjoyed going to the library but do remember a small feeling of disrespect when speaking to another or intimidation by the large information desks and strict librarians. Trying to make the library more relatable to a lot of people is also important. The fact that they are trying to become more digitalized and involved in social networking and things of that nature will encourage people to think of the library differently, more approachable. Learning doesn’t always have to be stuffy, cold and boring which is what these new libraries will prove.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
News Report 9/28
There is a new tablet PC competitor that is making its way into the marketplace. The RIM Blackberry PlayBook is a 5x7 inch tablet with a Blackberry operating system that supports Adobe Flash 10.1, WebKit, Java, Open GL, and Adobe Air and several different video formats. There are front and back facing cameras, and an HDMI output, appealing to consumers who aren’t getting those features on the current IPad. This PC is said to be “professional” going hand in hand with the BlackBerry smartphones. One can actually connect their smartphone to the PC via Bluetooth and transfer their cellular data to the tablet. Both the battery life and price are yet to be established. Several wonder whether there will have to be a contract or carrier agreement as with the BlackBerry phones and have projected the price to be anywhere from $500-$1,000. Even with the features it is hard to compete with Apple’s lower priced, longer lasting tablet.
I think that it is a tough market to try and enter after such a distinguished niche brand released a popular tablet computer. The extra features make it more of a computer which I think is both interesting and appealing. The synching capabilities with the BlackBerry smartphone will be convenient for professional users of the products. The cameras and HD features of the PlayBook will also set it apart from competition, but it will be interesting to see what happens if this is launched around the time that the IPad will release their camera model. The PlayBook has a sleek design and its interface looks easy to use so it may to fairly well in the market.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20017803-1.html?tag=mncol#ixzz10qRoIHJW
I think that it is a tough market to try and enter after such a distinguished niche brand released a popular tablet computer. The extra features make it more of a computer which I think is both interesting and appealing. The synching capabilities with the BlackBerry smartphone will be convenient for professional users of the products. The cameras and HD features of the PlayBook will also set it apart from competition, but it will be interesting to see what happens if this is launched around the time that the IPad will release their camera model. The PlayBook has a sleek design and its interface looks easy to use so it may to fairly well in the market.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20017803-1.html?tag=mncol#ixzz10qRoIHJW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)