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
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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?
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?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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?
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?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresarea/
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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
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
Friday, September 12, 2008
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?
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?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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?
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?
Monday, September 1, 2008
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.
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.
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