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
Monday, September 13, 2010
News Report #2
YouTube Tests Live Video Streaming Platform by Alison Diana http://www.informationweek.com/news/infrastructure/traffic_management/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=227400233&subSection=News
YouTube has come out with a new live streaming feature for their already extremely popular video viewing site. The new platform allows users to cast live videos, all they need is a webcam and internet connection. YouTube is testing this platform for two days to see if it is successful enough to launch full time. There are already a couple of live streaming sites out there: Ustream, Justin.tv, and Livestream, each successful and backed by strong companies. YouTube will start out testing simple things like a how-to video, a tony hawk video, and a movie talk show. There has even been talk of Google distributing pay-per-view video on YouTube.
I honestly am surprised that this element has not already been introduced to the YouTube platform family. I think that it is something that users will respond positively to. The launch test, however, I had not heard of until this article. I do not frequent YouTube and after reading about it, visited the site where the launch is in fact advertised and there are links to example live videos currently streaming. I’m not sure if two days is long enough, but we’ll see. The thought of pay-per-view video on YouTube may work depending on the content. A lot of people are pretty serious about what they need to not miss and this could help them out in a mobile sense. I just don’t understand why How-to videos need to be live. The article didn’t say if the live casting is available to all users or just the YouTube appointed webisode type things.
YouTube has come out with a new live streaming feature for their already extremely popular video viewing site. The new platform allows users to cast live videos, all they need is a webcam and internet connection. YouTube is testing this platform for two days to see if it is successful enough to launch full time. There are already a couple of live streaming sites out there: Ustream, Justin.tv, and Livestream, each successful and backed by strong companies. YouTube will start out testing simple things like a how-to video, a tony hawk video, and a movie talk show. There has even been talk of Google distributing pay-per-view video on YouTube.
I honestly am surprised that this element has not already been introduced to the YouTube platform family. I think that it is something that users will respond positively to. The launch test, however, I had not heard of until this article. I do not frequent YouTube and after reading about it, visited the site where the launch is in fact advertised and there are links to example live videos currently streaming. I’m not sure if two days is long enough, but we’ll see. The thought of pay-per-view video on YouTube may work depending on the content. A lot of people are pretty serious about what they need to not miss and this could help them out in a mobile sense. I just don’t understand why How-to videos need to be live. The article didn’t say if the live casting is available to all users or just the YouTube appointed webisode type things.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wikipedia seems to be slowing down in terms of popularity growth. The website seems to be reaching its peak of contributions from the general public. The encyclopedia-esque site has seen hundreds of thousands of edits since its creation five years ago but not so many in the recent past. The people who started the site are worried and think that Wikipedia will be obsolete in five to ten years. At its first introduction, Wikipedia was being filled up with information by him, her, and whoever. Nowadays, however, there are Wikipedia-elitist types who have the website under a proverbial lock and key. Whatever edits are made, if they are not accurate or backed up or perfect, they will probably not even make it to the web. The only edits that seem to be left are those involving punctuation, wording, and grammar issues. The site creators think that this lack of addition and upkeep will make the site die.
I have to disagree with the owners of Wikipedia. Yes, it is true that less people have been making edits to the site. I personally don’t know one person who has even attempted to edit a Wikipedia page, but I do know several people who visit Wikipedia to seek out information. If the website were obsolete, it would be used by no one. Yes, the site seems filled to the brim, but when something new in history happens the edits will kick in again. For now, though, the website is serving its purpose, being an online, user edited encyclopedia.
I have to disagree with the owners of Wikipedia. Yes, it is true that less people have been making edits to the site. I personally don’t know one person who has even attempted to edit a Wikipedia page, but I do know several people who visit Wikipedia to seek out information. If the website were obsolete, it would be used by no one. Yes, the site seems filled to the brim, but when something new in history happens the edits will kick in again. For now, though, the website is serving its purpose, being an online, user edited encyclopedia.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Reading Response #1
The reading about web hoaxes informed me of all of the types of misinformation that exist on the web today. Not only are people creating bogus websites for organizations and races of people, but they are imitating charities and tricking people into donating money, or a false healthcare website that leads to further injury. The fact that this is happening has also spurred organizations to come into effect that have to deal with these pretend websites, warning the general public and trying to lessen the amount of false information. Many of these websites come from angry or disgruntled people who are holding a grudge on something and use the internet to get others to either join them on their way of thinking, or make the reader feel that the website is legitimate. Even spoof and parody sites, meant to be harmless and poke fun, have people believing what is written because it is in the written word.
It is alarming that so many counterfeit sites exist, but at the same time it is not too surprising. The web is such an open and free form of anonymous communication that it is perfect for people who would probably not speak up in a face-to-face confrontation or even a malicious telephone call. The internet makes it easier for people and organizations to be attacked. And after they are attacked, the aftermath is out there for the general public to google search. It makes one want to double check the source of all information that they find on the web.
It is alarming that so many counterfeit sites exist, but at the same time it is not too surprising. The web is such an open and free form of anonymous communication that it is perfect for people who would probably not speak up in a face-to-face confrontation or even a malicious telephone call. The internet makes it easier for people and organizations to be attacked. And after they are attacked, the aftermath is out there for the general public to google search. It makes one want to double check the source of all information that they find on the web.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
News Report #1
“Ebook Summit Preview: Should Kids get Ebooks in Schools?” By Eric Hellman, August 24, 2010.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/886504-264/ebook_summit_preview_should_kids.html.csp
Many people are starting to believe that librarians should be phased out. The number of under staffed libraries in American high schools has gone up tremendously in the past few years. There are many people who believe that libraries are outdated, that the internet has made it so that books are available with the click of a mouse. One student said that while doing a project on the Philippine-American war he found more resources on the internet using Ebooks than in the school library where he only found a couple of scant encyclopedia paragraphs. There has been a lot of talk about implementing the use of electronic readers to high schools, preloaded with textbooks, which would just be another added cost to the already expensive library upkeep. Whether or not this is going to ever happen is still up in the air but parents have been pressuring schools about the idea. The article also spoke quite a bit about how schools with higher librarian interaction with students, teaching them how to find information, scored better on testing done to schools in the same area with less interaction. This discovery negates the idea that librarians are outdated.
I think that it would have been weird going to high school and using an electronic reader rather than going to the library or having textbooks. It would be a very convenient thing to do, but also sort of inconvenient. What if the reader runs out of batteries? What if you want to highlight or underline information to remember later? I have a couple of classes where I have the online version of the textbook where underlining and highlighting is an option and I feel that even though it is a little more difficult to concentrate on, it still does the job at a lower cost than print books.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)