Comments

I commented on Nate's blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=301150766198525940&postID=3368777487964238988&page=1

Nate,

I would have to agree with you on the Deep Web. Wouldn't it make everyone's life a bit easier if Google and other large search engine websites did some deep penetration (sorry needed to get my Madden in)and make available more relevant information for research?

I commented on E. Griswold's blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3799366651359702810&postID=6151296410983352629&page=1

I thought the second article was interesting as well. It seemed initially that IT and librarians got along just fine until the internet showed up. It just ruined a potentially beautiful relationship. Why can't we all just get along...

Muddiest Point

I understand with controlled vocabulary, websites cannot different between homonym meanings. I was wondering if one but an adjective of adverb with the respective homonym, such as record sound, Apple computer, or polish shoes, if the website would be able to differentiate these meaning easier.

Assignment 6

Here is my link for my website. I could not get it on the server, but at least it is somewhere in cyberspace. Thank you to everyone in LIS2600 who gave suggestions and helped me accomplish this small feat.

http://sites.google.com/site/theresaslis2600site/Home

Week 10 Comments

I commented on Eric's Blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6036476990105941684&postID=1089692876255855227&page=1

I thought the article about the deep web was interesting. I just don't understand why there are not more projects researching it if it is known that the information is much better. I would think it would be much more beneficial for everyone.

I commented on Lauren's Blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=3072857614832667163&page=1

You did an excellent job in summing up the point's of the articles. It definitely makes some of the confusing "deep" information easily understood. Thank you also for some great links!

Readings for Week 10

Web Search Engines

I thought this article was interesting. It is so amazing to me how quickly a system can filter through so much information and supply results in a few seconds. The only problem is the relevance of the results of the search or inquiry. The information about indexing algorithms and so on went a bit over my head, but I believe I understood the general basic information the article was trying to supply.

OAI Protocol for Harvesting Metadata

This article discussed trends and developments in harvesting metadata. The OAI world is divided into either data providers or service providers. It also discussed the challenges of the service providers and ideas to cut down on the problems. I liked reading about the different projects universities around the country are doing, especially the four that are digitizing sheet music. Overall I thought this article was pretty interesting.

The Deep Web

This article discusses the problems with being able to find relative information with the wealth of information available. Traditional search engines could not retrieve information in the deep web, but according to the author, the value of the deep web is immeasurable. I was curious what exactly is considered "the deep web." In looking at the chart, a few sites that are considered deep web I found surprising, such as eBay and Amazon. The article was interesting, but the more I read the more I felt that "the deep web" was a mystical place or similar to the black hole. Maybe there will be a cheesy sci-fi thriller entitled "The Deep Web" or maybe that is Captain Ahab's next adventure.

Muddiest Point

With mark up, do you have to use a code to indicate color, like HTML, or just write it? I was also curious if you needed a HTML basis before you use mark up?

Comments for week 9

I commented on Susan's Blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5671000685629389967&postID=5419411615626226200&page=1
I regards to your muddiest point, I am in agreement with you that this last assignment might be giving quite a few of us fits. It might help if you tackle it with the cheat sheet we had in the readings two weeks ago or so and also look at other people's online to figure out what does what. I think it might be the best way to tackle this and at least you know what works and does not from looking at other people's websites.

I commented on Peter's Blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4619180577856147392&postID=7019179531229777074&page=1

If you are not an IT professional this stuff becomes very confusing, as it is for me. I think Dr. He clarified HTML pretty well in class, which made the readings make for sense. Let's hope it will be the same for XML.

Week 9 Readings

Introducing the Extensible Markup Language (XML)

This article was an overview of XML. From my understanding, XML was designed to make it easy to interchange structured documents over the Internet. I am assuming it is "better" than HTML, but not exactly sure. That is about all I got out of the article, unfortunately. I basically went right over my head.

A Survey of XML Standards: Part 1

This article summarized the most important XML technologies and how they fit into the greater scope of the XML world. The site also had explanations with tutorials and other references to use XML. There was a mass of information, but easier to muddle through than the first article.

Extending Your Markup: an XML tutorial

This article states that XML is important for presentation, exchange, and management of information. HTML is about layout and XML is about the content of the data. I thought the article had good examples and good references to resources, software, and material to help you on your way. I still do not feel I am very solid on the lingo.

XML Schema Tutorial

From what I gathered from this article, XML schema is the successors of DTD's, whatever those are. The article also gives listings of what XML schema can do for you. It also provides examples and comparisons between simple XML document, DTD file, and XML schema as well as more details such as elements, attributes, and values. Hopefully at some point I will see the Holy Grail in all of this and it will make sense.

Muddiest Point:
How did someone come up with the color code for HTML? I was confused as to why it is in numeric code instead of written?

Assignment #5 Koha

Here is the link to my virtual shelf

http://pitt4.opacwc.liblime.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-shelves.pl?viewshelf=39

Week 8 Comments

I commented on Lauren's Blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=6842639853632380331&page=1

I commented on Amanda's Blog:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=271112965323219834&postID=2641527911712725877&page=1

Week 8 Readings

W3 schools HTML Tutorial

I thought this article was a nice step by step on how to use HTML. There were lots of examples, which was nice. The tutorial mentioned that us can use HTML or HTML extension and I am not really sure what that really is. Maybe when I create a website I will figure it out.

HTML Cheat sheet

I do not really have a whole lot to say about this site. It basically had a list of what you need to type in HTML and what effect it will have. It was very straight forward.

W3 School Cascading Style Sheet Tutorial

First, I would like to say I have never heard of CSS, but then again I have also never made a website or did any programming. I think it is one of those things, that if you start using it, it will make more sense. From my understanding CSS defines how things are displayed and all major browsers support CSS. That is what I got out of the tutorial. There were many examples, which basically went over my head.

Beyond HTML

What stood out to me in this article was the fact that the Georgia State University library had a ridiculously crappy system as of 2000! Not to mention the library liaisons did not seem to care about the fact it was so bad and kept on producing really bad stuff. I would think if you had a group of people who did not want to make their site any better, why not have someone come in a get it fixed sooner instead of waiting three years? I just do not understand how there were no standards, management or oversight. Other than that it seems that the CMS system works rather well and sets a standard and is easy to use. Unfortunately it is not an universally adopted system.

Muddiest Point

When people "steal" other people's internet and are looking up repulsive and illegal things like child pornography and the authorities discover this, does it get traced back to the person who is paying for the internet or can it be traced to the person who actually is committing the crime?

Jing Project

Here is my screencast URL for part I:
http://www.screencast.com/users/TheresaRea/folders/Jing/media/d334f9b3-86d1-4fcf-a13c-6adb91326616

I thought it would be easier to watch with the flicker slide show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/sets/72157607792965956/show/

And here are my pictures for part II:

1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2918940075/in/set-72157607792965956/
2. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2918814461/in/set-72157607792965956/
3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2918819877/in/set-72157607792965956/
4. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2919676406/in/set-72157607792965956/
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2918837787/in/set-72157607792965956/
6. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2918843351/in/set-72157607792965956/
7. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2919694420/in/set-72157607792965956/
8. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2919699694/in/set-72157607792965956/
9. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2919702954/in/set-72157607792965956/
10. http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/2918860671/in/set-72157607792965956/

Week 7 Comments

I commented on Joan's blog:

Joan,

I also found it interesting to contemplate that no one really "owns" the internet. It would be nice if someone companies did get together and came up with a universal library system, but realistically, I don't ever see that happening. Just working in the hotel industry, each department had their own computer system besides the general hotel one and that was at one place! Cheers to hoping.

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1306183455487090817&postID=7394625550741266624&page=1

I commented on Lauren's blog:

You are very right about taking a step back and thinking about how far we have come with the internet in such a short time.

I also liked the Google presentation.
It does go to show the world will not be taken over by Hal or some other computer because there will always be need for the human thought process. Whew! Safe for now!

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=481855389631007759&page=1

Week 7 Readings

How Internet Infrastructure Works-Jeff Tyson

This article was a basic informative overview of the structure of the internet, domain name servers, network access points and how they connect and work with other systems and components. I never really thought of the internet being a network of networks, but I guess it is. I also did not know there were different levels of domain names, so I thought that was pretty neat as well.

Dismantling Integrated Library Systems-Andrew Pace

I found this article slightly difficult to get through. The article discussed the changes from the traditional integrated library system to a much more sophisticated system. There are many options, but libraries need to figure out what will best suit their institution and at what cost, with the idea of integration being the key. I was curious about the information about open source software. It obviously allows libraries to offer more services, but the article also said that a full scale system that would work in the largest institutions has not come about. I was curious as to why that was the case?

Inside the Google Machine

I thought the model of where people where using the internet and in what languages in the beginning of the lecture was rather neat. I also think both Sergey and Larry explained information about their company well. Almost too well. I wouldn't mind if my company took me on vacation. It seemed almost like they were doing some recruiting at the lecture as well. I was rather impressed about the was the company goes about ideas and innovation. It would seem that anyone can try an idea out and if it is successful, great and if not, no one is losing sleep. I also liked the end comment that they feel their responsibility is to get good information for its users.

Muddiest Point:

In class this week we were discussing the IP addresses. I was curious who comes up with the sequence of numbers for the address and why are they in groups of four?

Week 6 Comments

I commented on Jeremy's blog

I think the reason why the author said that it s possible to beat the RFID is to let everyone know that no system is really foolproof. I might trust people a little too much and think to myself, "Why would anyone steal something from a place that offers it for free for a few weeks?" but that is just me. I someone really wants to take something they are going to devise a way to do it.

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3413864360557025238&postID=5401832781746000853

I commented on Nicole's blog

I found the it interesting about micro chipping in animals the same technology as well. I think self check out in libraries is awesome. I am a do-it-yourself type person, but like it is in the grocery store, there are glitches. Maybe at that point is when librarian assistance might be needed.

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1491308052360981630&postID=107352555931312506&page=1

Assignment #3

Here is the link from CiteULike

http://www.citeulike.org/user/TheresaRea

Week 6 Readings

Local Area Network

I thought this article was rather comprehensive and straight forward. There were many terms that I have heard of, but did not know exactly what they meant. I feel much clearer on some of these now. I learned that an area network is a computer notwork covering a small geographic area and it is nice because it has higher transfer rates, smaller geographic range and does not need leased telecommunication lines. It was a nice history and general overview.

Computer Network

Again I thought this article was a good general overview of different types of networks and their scales. From my understanding they are groups of interconnected networks and are classified by different hardware technology.

Common Types of Computer Networks (You Tube)

Watching this little video brought it all together. The man in the video basically explained in layman's terms the two articles I had just read before about common types of networks wit good examples so you can get visualize the size. I just wish next time he not be in a swivel chair. That guy can't sit still for two minutes and seventeen seconds.

Management of RFID in Libraries

I thought this article was rather interesting. I kinda new what RFID was before I read the article but did not know it was called that. I also did not realize how much they were used. I probably have one in my building access card for work. The article seemed well thought out but I really did not feel that the author gave a really strong argument as to the negatives of using RFID in libraries.

Muddiest Point

It was brought up in class that we needed to complete 10 blogs, comments and muddiest points. If we complete only 10 will we get full credit for them and do not have to participate in them for the rest of the semester? If you do not get full credit on a posting, could you do another one and the lowest scores be dropped?

Comments

I commented on Sean's Blog

Sean,

Thanks for the information about the D-scribe at the library. I will definitely have to check that out. I was going through some pretty cool pictures of old Pittsburgh from the turn of the century at Heinz last week. I know they collaborate with Pitt on stuff, but if you want to check out some more fun digital photos look at http://www.pghhistory.org/library/Photographic_Web_Sites.asp

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1129785935180596689&postID=3512837352940137481

I commented on Melissa's Blog

Melissa,

I really liked the Imaging Pittsburgh article as well. I work over at the Heinz History Center in the Raul Jewish Archives and if liked the Pitt website, you might also be interested in the one for the History Center. http://www.pghhistory.org/lirary/Photographic_Web_Sites.asp. They have some great pictures from the area. I stumbled across some of them while working on an oral history project of Fifth Avenue businesses in the Uptown/Lower Hill District around the turn of the century. Really cool and interesting information.

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7811797762167965502&postID=1694808101165277081

Week 5 Readings

Data Compression: Wikipedia

I found this article to be slightly confusing, although I did understand the general gist of it because I used to use ZIP drives when I studied architecture and my brother would get a hold of my computer and decompress my files as well to give me more space. From my understanding of the article both lossy and lossless compression have their pros and cons, but neither one seems to be without flaws. I was also under the impression that compressing and decompressing files can me time consuming, inconvenient, and expensive, if you do not have the right tools and equipment to do so.

Data Compression Basics

This article made more sense than the wikipedia article, but as much as the author said they were not going to get too technical, I felt they did. I now have a fuller and more comprehensive idea between the differences between lossy and lossless compressions. I also thought it was interesting that the different types of compressing are used for different types of data, such as image, sound, and video.

Imaging Pittsburgh

I thought this article was great! It discussed different types of organizations, ie) university, museum, and historical society and how they can collaboratively go about and create a website for digital images of the area. All of the institutions have different focuses and agendas, but they seemed to make it work. I was curious how the whole project turned out and if it is still being used and or added to. I also appreciated that it relates to the professional field we are pursuing.

YouTube and Libraries

I thought this is a very interesting idea to use YouTube as a teaching aid in libraries. I was curious about the examples the author cited. She said that a few universities, such as the Georgia Tech Library and Williams College Library are using this method. The question I have is did this idea work? Are the students or patrons actually watching the YouTube for the library on how to use it or are they just watching whatever they like and it was just a waste of time for the library to take on this endeavor? She failed to cite any disadvantages to this idea, which makes me a bit skeptical.

Muddiest Point

What are the advantages and disadvantages to using a single user database versus a multi user database?

Flickr Account

Here's my flicker account! I had some trouble making it work where you click on the link, but if you cut and paste it works just fine.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/

Comments

I commented on Maggie's blog

I am with you on the technical terms and computer language can be very daunting. What I have been doing, because the readings are a bit thick, is trying to take the parts I understand and apply them to what we are doing in class. We are not in school to be techies or we would not be in this major. I don't know if a tutorial would help unless you are actually doing things with computers, not just more technical reading. I think it is easier to understand through application. I have been just trying things out and using visual aids and it has helped me out.

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2401688410692832555&postID=4332635910721172580&page=1

I commented on Alesha's blog

I think Lucie was clearing up a discrepancy with her email asking that we have everything posted on Monday before class. Assignments, like the Flikr assignment is due Tuesday by 3pm along with any blog comments that need to be made. The readings and postings need to be in sometime on Friday the same week we had class. So we had class on Tuesday, readings and postings on Friday, Tuesday before class assignment. I hope this clears things up for you!

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8616439771751223038&postID=8670685116355460037&page=1

Week 4 Readings

Wikipedia Article-Database Systems

I thought the wikipedia article, although a bit hard to get through, was interesting and informative. I totally forgot about punch cards being used in early systems! I think I might have saw on in the Smithsonian. I also did not realize that there are so many different models of database systems. I liked that the article discussed both the pros and cons of each model. I did although find the section about replication slightly offensive with the listing of the master/slave replication concept. Maybe someone should rename that concept.

Intro to Metadata: Pathways to Digital Information: 1: Setting the Stage

I really liked this article. I felt it was pretty clear and it used examples in relation to libraries, archives, and preservation! I felt I could actually relate to some of the information. I have never heard of megadata, but it seems it can do a multitude of things and is rather important in relation to many fields and very helpful in the library and information science industries.

An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model

I would first like to state, although I know that the author said it was a work in progress, could we please work on to typos? I found it to be really distracting while wading through the article. That being said, I thought the article was interesting. I think it is great that the DCMI is an international effort spanning across more than one discipline and also supports cross discipline discovery. I did find the computer lingo examples a little confusing, but I do think the author did explain them well with his examples. He also clarified some of the lingo from the second article I was not fully understanding.

Muddiest Point

Can some Shareware be changed to open source so it is free? Can an open source be changed to shareware in order to make some profit?

Theresa comments

I commented on Nelida's blog
https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D

From my understanding pictures, music, and games will slow your computer down. If you do not want to get rid of them, it might be a good idea to compress the files so they do not take up so much space. It is the space issue that they consume that causes your computer to run slower. Hope this helps!

I commented on Andrea's blog

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=854093220520038877&postID=7708513313845535330&page=1

I have used both Mac and PC's and they do have their benefits, but I do like the Mac. I learned how to use them in college and they do get a bit of getting used to, but are well worth it! I am not really a computer person, but I can say Macs are pretty much idiot proof. Definately try them out. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised.

Readings for week 3

Into to Linux "Hands on Guide"

I FINALLY GET IT! My brother, a serious computer weenie, has been telling me about Linux for years! I never understood what he was talking about due to the barrier with his computer lingo and my lack there of. After reading this article, I finally understand what he is talking about and why it is such a good system. I never knew it was so compatible with so many computer systems and hardware. I think it might be something I would like to try some time and its free!

Mac OS X

The first article I found to be exhausting. I have used this system before and I had no clue what this guy was talking about. If I was one of the Linux users listening to this speech I would have gotten a really nice cat nap out of it. It ran on and a little too in depth for me. The Wikipedia article was much more concise and easier to comprehend. Although I do not have a Mac, I have used them numerous times and rather enjoy them. With the Wikipedia article I know one of the reasons why and that is that you can run numerous programs at one time and they do not all run into each other. I have this problem with my PC. Go Mac!

Paul Thurott "An Update on Windows Roadmap"

I have Windows Vista and quite frankly do not like it. I felt that this whole article was one big advertisement for you to buy more stuff to upgrade your Windows. It seems that everything you buy you need an update for and the whole system is made for you to go spend more money to update and if you don't your system will eventually suck so bad you will need to get another computer. The other thing about this article that creeps me out is the part about the "telemetry system" that gathers anonymous information about how real customer use Vista. They can't see me yelling at my computer almost daily because something is not working or is not compatible with the system! I also do not like that they get their information that way. Why not use a study group or something? It seems there are many compatibility issues with Vista as well and I guess it is getting worked on by IT. Well fellas let me know when you finally come up with something I can use.

Muddiest Point
I was slightly confused and overwelmed by the who idea of a binary system. Who came up with that and exactly what is the point of it?

Comments

I commented on Rachel's blog https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D

Rachel,I like the idea you mentioned about security with technology and to what cost should be spent on security. I had some thoughts about this, but do not know how effective they could be. I thought in order for smaller electronic things not to go missing that a library could put bar codes on them like they do with books. Another thought I had on this is taking some sort of collatoral from a person, i.e. ID or keys like places do if you are playing a game of pool or shuffle board. Something that a person is going to want back no matter what. It does not fix the problem per say but it definitely could be effective and possibly not a large cost to the institution.


I commented on Megan Zimmerman's blog https://courseweb.pitt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_9047_1%26url%3D

Hi Megan,I would like to comment on you first muddiest point, which I found to be a very good question. I do not think there is a line between information and entertainment in libraries. Yes you can argue that the research section and some DVD's like documentaries could be construed as informational, but whats to say about the fiction section. I get books from there specifically for entertainment value and every now and then I learn something new. I really think it is still both because it is up to the individual consumer to determine what they are getting out of the resources provided.

Intro to Information Technology

Assignment 2

Computer Hardware Article

I thought that this article was a well written comprehensive way to get an overview of the generally used computer lingo. I, not being very computer savoy, felt that I actually sort of knew a good bit of these definitions and there application in the technical world.

Moore's Law

As I just stated I am not very good with computers, and after reading this article, I might as well have been reading something written in a foreign language. I believe I understand the general theory of the law that things being produced inexpensively will increase at some point and the smaller the object the more can be put in, like pixels for digital camera's, but that is it. Unfortunately I am totally old school when it comes to these things and prefer solid books, but I do understand that digital technology is here and therefore in order to be successful I need to get my head around the whole thing. The other thing I was curious about, although might be irrelevant, is I thought scientific laws were proven fact that stand the test of time unlike theories that are hypothesized? The way the article was written, it would seem that it is more a theory than a law. Then again, maybe I missed that day in 6th grade science.


Computer History Museum

I thought this website was pretty neat. A museum dedicated to preserving computer history. I played around a bit with the online interactive exhibits and found them to be both informative and happy that they are in layman's terms. I also thought the computer restorations section was really neat as well. I wonder where the find all the parts for these dinosaurs?

Assignment 1

OCLC Information Format Trends Content, Not Containers

I thought this article to be rather interesting, but incredibly wordy, so I might have missed a few main points. With the world of information changing as quickly as it is, I thought it interesting that the author suggested the possibility that libraries try to find a way for deliver quality content to cell phones or other devices. Many of the people I see at the library are rather elderly and need help looking up a book anyway. I also, after having massive problems finding the Vaughan article for free, feel that social publishing is a pretty good idea as long as it is well monitored by the individual publishing. We have all been there, looking up a research topic and getting something bizarre you did not expect in the first place. It seems though we are a long way from getting quality content for all that is out there, but I rather like the idea. It would save so much time when doing research.

New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture

I admit I had a bit of a difficult time with this article on what point the author was trying to make. I agree that the content of communication is very important, but does that leave it open to interpretation? I also liked the part in the article questioning that if technology is not your area of expertise, why put so much stock into learning the systems? I know the reason why I need to learn this but, it does make a valid point.

Lied Library @ four years: Technology Never Stands Still

I really liked this article. It was comprehensive and I did not feel like my head was spinning after I had finished. I thought Vaughan brought up some very interesting points about the use of the library in terms of academics versus patrons. It seems that the student get amazing benefits from using this library and the system employed is state of the art. An aspect that was brought up that I never even thought about was the issue of space. That with more employees and more students that it would pose a problem. It obviously would, but the thought never crossed my mind. I want to check Lied Library out after reading this article. It sounds incredible.

Muddiest Point

I was not sure because we have two assignments due, if we are to have one muddiest point for each or not

1. What is the difference between my feed and URL?
2. It took me three days to finally access the Vaughan article. I found it with the help of many others who also had problems. If we have a future article like that, do you think we could go over in class how to access it?