So online journalists are once again breaking stories and digging for access to information that traditional print journalists are not. This time it was Wikileaks publishing "secret" documents about the war in Afghanistan. This may or may not be responsible citizenship on the part of Wikileaks...however I see it as another example of how online "citizen journalists" of the world are becoming much more relevant than that of their traditional print counterparts.
It's fascinating to see how much the practice of journalism is being completely revamped by the Web. You no longer need a journalism degree and a long list of published articles to declare yourself a journalist, you really only need a laptop and an Internet connection. This is having really profound consequences on how we get our information...is it more accurate and truthful because it is not backed by huge media conglomerates or is it less reliable because it's coming from unsubstantiated sources online?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
The end of the semester
So we're almost at the end of the semester! I think taking LIS 2000 and LIS 2600 together is a good pairing. I've gotten a good computer technology and web design base with 2600 along with the content and overview of the library profession as well as the Web 2.0 environment with 2000.
Both classes have sparked an interest in me in lots of subjects...the 'Googilization' of information, social bookmarking, "participatory culture" as seen at sites like Wikipedia, and other ways in which libraries can incorporate Web 2.0 culture into their institutions to help take them into the future.
Many of the books Dr. Tomer has mentioned throughout the semester I'm planning on reading during the remainder of summer. I really enjoyed the readings we had for LIS 2000, so I'm hoping these other titles will be as good.
Both classes have sparked an interest in me in lots of subjects...the 'Googilization' of information, social bookmarking, "participatory culture" as seen at sites like Wikipedia, and other ways in which libraries can incorporate Web 2.0 culture into their institutions to help take them into the future.
Many of the books Dr. Tomer has mentioned throughout the semester I'm planning on reading during the remainder of summer. I really enjoyed the readings we had for LIS 2000, so I'm hoping these other titles will be as good.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
How does the brain perceive e-books?
Here's an interesting article from The New York Times titled "Does the Brain Like E-books?" Here's a link to the article: http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/does-the-brain-like-e-books/?ref=technology
It asks 4 different specialists to give their take on how the brain perceives e-books versus print books and issues like whether comprehension rates are the same when reading e-books. There are some interesting observations, such as people tend to read much slower when reading digital copy and the fact that it is much harder to focus when reading digital material...particularly online when you can check your email every other minute simultaneously.
Maybe e-books are just next in the long evolution of different mediums by which we read...be it long scrolls, bound novels, newspapers, magazines, etc. Our brains will slowly adapt to reading e-books just as it has reading print books.
It asks 4 different specialists to give their take on how the brain perceives e-books versus print books and issues like whether comprehension rates are the same when reading e-books. There are some interesting observations, such as people tend to read much slower when reading digital copy and the fact that it is much harder to focus when reading digital material...particularly online when you can check your email every other minute simultaneously.
Maybe e-books are just next in the long evolution of different mediums by which we read...be it long scrolls, bound novels, newspapers, magazines, etc. Our brains will slowly adapt to reading e-books just as it has reading print books.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The future of public libraries
This is a great, although brief article on how threatened public libraries are, especially within the context of state budgets being cut back to the bone. The article was in The Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/06/opinion/la-oe-johnson-libraries-20100706. It was written by Marilyn Johnson, who most recently wrote This Book is Overdue!
In her article, Johnson writes that "Those in cities that haven't preserved their libraries, those less fortunate and baffled by technology, and our children will be the first to suffer. But sooner or later, we'll all feel the loss as one of the most effective levelers of privilege and avenues of reinvention — one of the great engines of democracy — begins to disappear." I don't think this is an exaggeration...the next few years will be crucial for the survival of public libraries.
In her article, Johnson writes that "Those in cities that haven't preserved their libraries, those less fortunate and baffled by technology, and our children will be the first to suffer. But sooner or later, we'll all feel the loss as one of the most effective levelers of privilege and avenues of reinvention — one of the great engines of democracy — begins to disappear." I don't think this is an exaggeration...the next few years will be crucial for the survival of public libraries.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Flipping the page on e-readers
Very busy, very busy with coursework!! But I thought I'd take a break and post something. I read this in The New York Times about a Microsoft patented application to virtually 'flip' pages on an e-book reader: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/turning-the-page-on-the-page-turn/?ref=technology
Personally, I don't think this technology is necessary for e-book readers. There is no use in trying to mimic a physical book. I think it would serve as more of an annoyance than a helpful feature when reading e-books...it's much easier to just scroll through the digital page.
Of course I'm saying this without having an e-reader of my own yet, so I could be wrong. I am pretty devoted to the printed page, however, and am not ready to give up my books, magazines and newspapers all together. I think there is something to be said in holding the physical object in one's hands...plus you can appreciate the layout design much more than you'd be able to online.
Personally, I don't think this technology is necessary for e-book readers. There is no use in trying to mimic a physical book. I think it would serve as more of an annoyance than a helpful feature when reading e-books...it's much easier to just scroll through the digital page.
Of course I'm saying this without having an e-reader of my own yet, so I could be wrong. I am pretty devoted to the printed page, however, and am not ready to give up my books, magazines and newspapers all together. I think there is something to be said in holding the physical object in one's hands...plus you can appreciate the layout design much more than you'd be able to online.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Libraries moving to all digital collections?
The link in LIS 2000 in regards to Stanford University's engineering department going (just about) all digital was very interesting. On one hand, it completely makes sense due to the fact that most journals are published digitally now and can be updated much more quickly than print books or journals can. Plus many students now do much of their research online already. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'm post-modern enough to be comfortable walking into an academic library with hardly any books on the shelves.
I think it's inevitable that libraries are heading in this direction, however. It may well turn out to be a very good thing, allowing librarians to work more closely one on one with students and provide them access to the most up-to-date journals in their subject area.
I think it's inevitable that libraries are heading in this direction, however. It may well turn out to be a very good thing, allowing librarians to work more closely one on one with students and provide them access to the most up-to-date journals in their subject area.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Have fun this weekend
Hope everyone has fun during FastTrack weekend. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend due to medical issues. I was really looking forward to it, too! I think it will be a great opportunity to meet everyone in the cohort as well as Drs. Alman and Tomer. I'm sure I'll be able to make it this October for the next FastTrack weekend.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Facebook and the Semantic web
I've come across an interesting article on The New York Times web site that talks about Facebook employing RDF metadata for the Semantic web: http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2010/07/02/02readwriteweb-facebook--the-semantic-web-12886.html.
Facebook is using a very simple version of RDF, but maybe this is the beginning of more of a movement toward the Semantic Web. Although Facebook making a move in this direction is a huge step, I wonder if the Semantic web really will come to fruition -- there is a lot of metadata that must be entered which may take away from the absolute simplicity of the Web as it stands now.
Facebook is using a very simple version of RDF, but maybe this is the beginning of more of a movement toward the Semantic Web. Although Facebook making a move in this direction is a huge step, I wonder if the Semantic web really will come to fruition -- there is a lot of metadata that must be entered which may take away from the absolute simplicity of the Web as it stands now.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
A new site to check out
So I discovered, through reading a link on 'The New Basement Tapes," the website www.openlibrary.org. I was completely unaware of this site until now! This site touts that it is "an open project: the software is open, the data is open, the documentation is open, and we welcome your contribution." This online library is at attempting to digitize all books and then allow users to take out "loans" on these ebooks. The site acts as a wiki and users are encouraged to add books and edit information.
This site really exemplifies everything we've been reading in LIS 2600 (and LIS 2000) about the new Web 2.0 realities. It is banking on site users to help voluntarily build its online ebook collection. It will be interesting to follow this site and see how much it grows, how much users get really involved in its growth.
This site really exemplifies everything we've been reading in LIS 2600 (and LIS 2000) about the new Web 2.0 realities. It is banking on site users to help voluntarily build its online ebook collection. It will be interesting to follow this site and see how much it grows, how much users get really involved in its growth.
Friday, June 25, 2010
How much do you use your public library?
So I was at the library for story time the other day with my kids....I realized that Dr. Tomer is absolutely right, a huge demographic of regular library users are Moms with their kids. Many of my Mom friends and I are at the local Gettysburg public library at least once or twice a week! They have great summer reading programs and lots of non-book activities for kids throughout the summer. While I was there I noticed a flier in the lobby titled "How libraries stack up: 2010" published by OCLC. It was a little piece of library advertising and it gave lots of stats on library use.
It was fascinating because the flier emphasized the features and services that the library provides outside of traditional book lending. Most of the stats discussed how much the library is used for career assistance or job-seeking help, trumpeting the fact that "Every day 300,000 Americans get job-seeking help at their public library." The flier also discussed the number of public libraries that provide free wireless Internet access, free technology classes and computer training, and the fact that 2.1 million DVDs are borrowed from public libraries.
As we were discussing in LIS 2000, some libraries are beginning to advertise themselves a bit, maybe still not as much of a full marketing campaign that could be done, but then again, are the resources and money there to carry out such a campaign? Hopefully some patrons are picking up this flier and taking note of the many services libraries can perform in their communities. I know that the Moms in my community know this about their library!
It was fascinating because the flier emphasized the features and services that the library provides outside of traditional book lending. Most of the stats discussed how much the library is used for career assistance or job-seeking help, trumpeting the fact that "Every day 300,000 Americans get job-seeking help at their public library." The flier also discussed the number of public libraries that provide free wireless Internet access, free technology classes and computer training, and the fact that 2.1 million DVDs are borrowed from public libraries.
As we were discussing in LIS 2000, some libraries are beginning to advertise themselves a bit, maybe still not as much of a full marketing campaign that could be done, but then again, are the resources and money there to carry out such a campaign? Hopefully some patrons are picking up this flier and taking note of the many services libraries can perform in their communities. I know that the Moms in my community know this about their library!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Importance of public libraries in our communities
I came across a recent report, "Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries," based on a 2009 study conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. (The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact/projects/us-public-library-study)
The report had some interesting findings, noting that approximately 77 million people aged 14 or older used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year. The report said that of those users, low-income adults are more likely to use the public library as their only access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, noted that the study highlights what's at risk, especially for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the library for their technology needs, "if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn't keep pace with demand."
I think this must be especially true in a recessionary environment. Public libraries are really a crucial source of information and computer/Internet connections for so many people, young and old, in many communities across the U.S.
The report also found that the use of library technology had "significant" impact in the areas of employment, education, health and making community connections.
The report had some interesting findings, noting that approximately 77 million people aged 14 or older used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year. The report said that of those users, low-income adults are more likely to use the public library as their only access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, noted that the study highlights what's at risk, especially for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the library for their technology needs, "if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn't keep pace with demand."
I think this must be especially true in a recessionary environment. Public libraries are really a crucial source of information and computer/Internet connections for so many people, young and old, in many communities across the U.S.
The report also found that the use of library technology had "significant" impact in the areas of employment, education, health and making community connections.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The FCC Moves In
Here is another good article to check out that was posted in The New York Times regarding the FCC's role in regulating broadband service: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/business/18fcc.html?ref=technology
The FCC claims that it will not be regulating Internet content, but regulating "the transmission component of broadband Internet service." This is making some opponents of the move nervous that the FCC will continue to have a heavier hand in both rates of broadband service and eventually content that moves over the Internet.
Most of the readings in LIS 2600 (and Dr. Tomer as well) suggest that the fast success and flexibility of the Internet and Web are due to the fact that it is unregulated. I agree with this sentiment. Especially after reading Weinberger's Everything is Miscellaneous and Bollier's Viral Spiral, you get a broad sense of what a significant impact the open access of Web 2.0 has had on culture and social learning.
The FCC claims that it will not be regulating Internet content, but regulating "the transmission component of broadband Internet service." This is making some opponents of the move nervous that the FCC will continue to have a heavier hand in both rates of broadband service and eventually content that moves over the Internet.
Most of the readings in LIS 2600 (and Dr. Tomer as well) suggest that the fast success and flexibility of the Internet and Web are due to the fact that it is unregulated. I agree with this sentiment. Especially after reading Weinberger's Everything is Miscellaneous and Bollier's Viral Spiral, you get a broad sense of what a significant impact the open access of Web 2.0 has had on culture and social learning.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Twitter as social commentary?
There is a great article in the June 14 edition of Time magazine by James Poniewozik called "The Soul of Twit." The article looks at Twitter as a new literary art form. Here's a link to the article: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1993863,00.html
I don't currently subscribe to any Twitter feeds because I thought it was just silly. How much can you say in 140 characters? However, this article takes a look at Twitter as almost a form of poetry or haiku. The author in particular looks at how Twitter can serve as a form of social commentary. He points out the recent creation of the fake BP "Global PR" Twitter site and its hysterical Tweets that cut right to the heart of the tragedy of the oil spill and the hypocrisy of the BP media machine. Here's a great zinger from the fake BP account: "Due to public outcry, our 'Spill or Be Spilled' flash game will be taken off our BP Kidz Klub website." So funny.
This relates to what we are discussing in LIS 2600 in that as documents become digitized and more publishing moves entirely online, we're seeing how the Web is creating entire new forms of literature. Anyone is a legitimate writer now and blogs and Twitter accounts are becoming more and more of a legitimate voice for millions of people. Why did I waste my time getting a Journalism degree?
How will libraries deal with this? Will we need to catalog blogs and Tweets in the future? How on earth would that be done?
I just hope that traditional, long-form books and novels do not disappear entirely in the future. Will future generations be able to think critically and express themselves in anything longer than a text message?
I don't currently subscribe to any Twitter feeds because I thought it was just silly. How much can you say in 140 characters? However, this article takes a look at Twitter as almost a form of poetry or haiku. The author in particular looks at how Twitter can serve as a form of social commentary. He points out the recent creation of the fake BP "Global PR" Twitter site and its hysterical Tweets that cut right to the heart of the tragedy of the oil spill and the hypocrisy of the BP media machine. Here's a great zinger from the fake BP account: "Due to public outcry, our 'Spill or Be Spilled' flash game will be taken off our BP Kidz Klub website." So funny.
This relates to what we are discussing in LIS 2600 in that as documents become digitized and more publishing moves entirely online, we're seeing how the Web is creating entire new forms of literature. Anyone is a legitimate writer now and blogs and Twitter accounts are becoming more and more of a legitimate voice for millions of people. Why did I waste my time getting a Journalism degree?
How will libraries deal with this? Will we need to catalog blogs and Tweets in the future? How on earth would that be done?
I just hope that traditional, long-form books and novels do not disappear entirely in the future. Will future generations be able to think critically and express themselves in anything longer than a text message?
Friday, June 11, 2010
Questions to ponder
Very good lectures this week for LIS 2000 and 2600. I always really enjoy them! I end up taking many informal polls among my friends and family based on much of what has been discussed...such as what news source do you trust? What do you think about the iPad/Kindle? What are the things you first think of when you think of library/librarian? Do you prefer eBooks to traditional print books?
After writing the essay for LIS 2000, I honestly will be recommending "Everything is Miscellaneous" to some friends. I thought that book was great, really thought provoking. I think much of what David Weinberger says in that book holds true.
While going through many of our readings, I keep coming across many other, related books and articles that look so interesting, but I just do not have the time now to read it all! I'm thinking after this semester ends and before the fall semester begins, I'll have to try to squeeze in these readings as well.
After writing the essay for LIS 2000, I honestly will be recommending "Everything is Miscellaneous" to some friends. I thought that book was great, really thought provoking. I think much of what David Weinberger says in that book holds true.
While going through many of our readings, I keep coming across many other, related books and articles that look so interesting, but I just do not have the time now to read it all! I'm thinking after this semester ends and before the fall semester begins, I'll have to try to squeeze in these readings as well.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Vacation? Not really.
So I'm here in the Outer Banks, NC with my family, trying ever diligently, to stay on task with my coursework! It is amazing though, that I am a few feet from the Atlantic Ocean and still able to find a wireless network to tap into. After a while, you can begin to take this technology for granted, but it's truly amazing when you stop and think about it. I'm here on the beach in North Carolina, looking through the virtual stacks in Pitt's library. Wow.
Technology can always been seen from both sides of the coin, however. Being able to access the Internet, your email, your voice messages means that you really have no excuse for not getting things done, even when on vacation. As a society, we are always wired, always connected. There is some virtue in disconnecting once in a while and actually having a conversation with the person who is in front of you.
Technology can always been seen from both sides of the coin, however. Being able to access the Internet, your email, your voice messages means that you really have no excuse for not getting things done, even when on vacation. As a society, we are always wired, always connected. There is some virtue in disconnecting once in a while and actually having a conversation with the person who is in front of you.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Getting to know different sites
Re: Using Jing: So in my attempts to capture a screen image that would fit on my blog site, part of the screen is cut off to the right. It was a bit tricky to get the aspect ratio quite right to fit this format.
Overall, many of the websites we've been working with in LIS 2600 have been great...most are really easy to work with, very intuitive. I'm sure the developers of these websites make them as easy as possible for users...it's mostly just point and click. I think it's really just a matter of getting to know these sites and where things are...once you know that, they can do some pretty amazing things!
Overall, many of the websites we've been working with in LIS 2600 have been great...most are really easy to work with, very intuitive. I'm sure the developers of these websites make them as easy as possible for users...it's mostly just point and click. I think it's really just a matter of getting to know these sites and where things are...once you know that, they can do some pretty amazing things!
Zotero installation using Jing
Ok, this is my video presentation demonstrating how to install the Firefox extension Zotero. It took a few tries, but hopefully this is working the way it should.
Jing is actually very easy to use...it just took a few tries to get the aspect ratio correct.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Set knowledge free
I really enjoyed reading David Weinberger's "Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder." I thought it was very insightful and timely considering the state of the Web today. This book honestly may have changed my mind about Wikipedia. It was easy to dismiss Wikipedia as a very, very unreliable source of information, but now that I've heard Weinberger's take on it, I think I'm sold on the idea.
The fact that Wikipedia encourages its authors to 'talk' and negotiate the finer points of an entry until it achieves a "neutral point of view" is really groundbreaking, in my view. I may start to look up certain controversial subjects to see how they are handled on the site and if this is really the case.
Other various web sites that Weinberger mentions in the article are worth checking out, particularly flickr.com and delicious.com...both sites proving that the more people contribute to the Web, the more rich, useful and truly groundbreaking it becomes.
The fact that Wikipedia encourages its authors to 'talk' and negotiate the finer points of an entry until it achieves a "neutral point of view" is really groundbreaking, in my view. I may start to look up certain controversial subjects to see how they are handled on the site and if this is really the case.
Other various web sites that Weinberger mentions in the article are worth checking out, particularly flickr.com and delicious.com...both sites proving that the more people contribute to the Web, the more rich, useful and truly groundbreaking it becomes.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Apple Surpassing Microsoft
I noticed an article in Friday's online version of The New York Times titled "Apple Passes Microsoft as No. 1 in Tech". You can read it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/technology/27apple.html?ex=1290571200&en=1cfaf8110c2b36e8&ei=5087&WT.mc_id=TE-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M151-ROS-0510-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click
Very interesting article. There is an interesting quote at the end which says that Apple really understood that it had to combine hardware and software together to make it as easy as possible for consumers to use. Their products are therefore "shrink wrapped and ready to go" -- a huge selling point for users.
I tend to agree with this...I have a nano iPod which I love. I think what is truly innovative to Apple beyond their software and systems capabilities is the attention to design. The iconic Apple streamlined, modern design that unites the entire product line is a genius marketing advantage.
The article also points out the shift in market competition for Apple -- no longer Microsoft but now Google.
Thought this article was good to reference in light of what we have been discussing in LIS 2600.
Very interesting article. There is an interesting quote at the end which says that Apple really understood that it had to combine hardware and software together to make it as easy as possible for consumers to use. Their products are therefore "shrink wrapped and ready to go" -- a huge selling point for users.
I tend to agree with this...I have a nano iPod which I love. I think what is truly innovative to Apple beyond their software and systems capabilities is the attention to design. The iconic Apple streamlined, modern design that unites the entire product line is a genius marketing advantage.
The article also points out the shift in market competition for Apple -- no longer Microsoft but now Google.
Thought this article was good to reference in light of what we have been discussing in LIS 2600.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Information respect
The webcast of Professor Joseph Turrow's talk "When the Audience Clicks--Buying Attention in the Digital Age" was very interesting and timely considering the news lately over privacy issues with Facebook. It is a bit scary to consider just how much information Google has on its users. Somewhat reassuring is that, according to Professor Turrow, web sites are not so much interested in who you are as an individual, but who you are demographically, what your buying habits are. Google's goal is to use this 'behavioral targeting' and demographics gleamed from its users to tailor more content...possibly in the form of tailored ads and newspaper content. This is already happening to an extent.
Time has an interesting cover article on Facebook in its current issue (May 31, 2010). An interesting quote from the article (written by Dan Fletcher): "...the site is premised on a contradiction: Facebook is rich in intimate opportunities--you can celebrate your niece's first steps there and mourn the death of a close friend--but the company is making money because you are, on some level, broadcasting those moments online. The feelings you experience on Facebook are heartfelt; the data you're providing feeds a bottom line." How much personal information are we willing to share?
I concur with Professor Turrow in that a degree of Information Respect needs to be implemented with regards to your personal information flying around the web. Tell me how this particular web site got this information. What will you do with it? Where did it come from and why was it sent to you?
After much pressure from my friends to join, I set up a Facebook account nearly a year ago, but I really rarely visit the site. I'm apprehensive to post pictures of my children or husband...they haven't signed up for this site, I have. Plus it's really such a time drain, in my opinion. I don't need to know the minutiae of friends' everyday lives. I prefer blogs that friends and family keep, I think it's a more focused, interesting form of social interaction on the Web.
Time has an interesting cover article on Facebook in its current issue (May 31, 2010). An interesting quote from the article (written by Dan Fletcher): "...the site is premised on a contradiction: Facebook is rich in intimate opportunities--you can celebrate your niece's first steps there and mourn the death of a close friend--but the company is making money because you are, on some level, broadcasting those moments online. The feelings you experience on Facebook are heartfelt; the data you're providing feeds a bottom line." How much personal information are we willing to share?
I concur with Professor Turrow in that a degree of Information Respect needs to be implemented with regards to your personal information flying around the web. Tell me how this particular web site got this information. What will you do with it? Where did it come from and why was it sent to you?
After much pressure from my friends to join, I set up a Facebook account nearly a year ago, but I really rarely visit the site. I'm apprehensive to post pictures of my children or husband...they haven't signed up for this site, I have. Plus it's really such a time drain, in my opinion. I don't need to know the minutiae of friends' everyday lives. I prefer blogs that friends and family keep, I think it's a more focused, interesting form of social interaction on the Web.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Catching up with the world
I am glad that LIS2600 is one of the first classes to take in the MLIS program. I feel I need to really update not only my computing skills but be familiar with all the really useful "open source" sites out there.
It is really astounding how much has changed online since 2003. 2003 is when I officially dropped out of the full-time working world for a bit to raise my two children. At the time, I had been a Managing Editor for a packaging trade publication and was also involved in running the many conferences we hosted. Back then, everyone's PowerPoint presentations were either emailed to us or brought to the conference on a CD. Flash forward to 2009 and you can use the web app "Go To Meeting" to host a conference (or at least an extensive conference call) online. No need to leave your desk. Web apps like these have undoubtedly made the business world much more efficient, streamlined and productive.
As the Web 2.0 concept spreads and becomes even more mainstream, you can foresee its impact in so many disciplines...business, publishing, medicine, science, education, etc. It's such a huge shift in thinking that anyone can now contribute to the the development of the Web. I can only wonder what my kids' classroom will look like 10 to 15 years from now when they are both in high school. Will there still be textbooks? Will they meet everyday in a traditional classroom setting? What I know for certain at the moment is that my 3 year old can use a laptop fairly intuitively!
It is really astounding how much has changed online since 2003. 2003 is when I officially dropped out of the full-time working world for a bit to raise my two children. At the time, I had been a Managing Editor for a packaging trade publication and was also involved in running the many conferences we hosted. Back then, everyone's PowerPoint presentations were either emailed to us or brought to the conference on a CD. Flash forward to 2009 and you can use the web app "Go To Meeting" to host a conference (or at least an extensive conference call) online. No need to leave your desk. Web apps like these have undoubtedly made the business world much more efficient, streamlined and productive.
As the Web 2.0 concept spreads and becomes even more mainstream, you can foresee its impact in so many disciplines...business, publishing, medicine, science, education, etc. It's such a huge shift in thinking that anyone can now contribute to the the development of the Web. I can only wonder what my kids' classroom will look like 10 to 15 years from now when they are both in high school. Will there still be textbooks? Will they meet everyday in a traditional classroom setting? What I know for certain at the moment is that my 3 year old can use a laptop fairly intuitively!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
So far, so good
I am excited to finally begin my studies in the MLIS program. LIS 2600 has been great so far. I am admittedly a little overwhelmed by our assignments and the array of software to download and sites to join, but after completing a week's worth of these tasks, I think it all can be accomplished.
Truly, the rigor of these courses is what gives Pitt's MLIS program such a good reputation. The head of Gettysburg College's Musselman Library had really great things to say about this program when I spoke with her a few months ago. A few members of their staff are graduates of Pitt's MLIS program.
I think the content of LIS 2600 has been very interesting thus far. So much of it parallels what I had been experiencing in the journalism industry...all content moving to the web, copyright issues, discovering what web content consumers are willing to pay for, etc.
I especially enjoyed both webcasts for this past week. Tim Berners-Lee's "The Future of the Web" was fascinating and, I have to say, a bit over my head at times! Nonetheless, it was interesting to hear where the web may be headed in the next 5-10 years. I very much liked Meredith Farkas' talk on "Building Academic Library, 2.0." She had lots of great, practical suggestions for librarians to better connect with their patrons, in particular the idea of "radical trust" -- having real trust in the library's patrons as partners in the development of the future of libraries. Farkas also mentioned that "librarians need to question everything they thought was true" -- a sentiment I agree with.
Truly, the rigor of these courses is what gives Pitt's MLIS program such a good reputation. The head of Gettysburg College's Musselman Library had really great things to say about this program when I spoke with her a few months ago. A few members of their staff are graduates of Pitt's MLIS program.
I think the content of LIS 2600 has been very interesting thus far. So much of it parallels what I had been experiencing in the journalism industry...all content moving to the web, copyright issues, discovering what web content consumers are willing to pay for, etc.
I especially enjoyed both webcasts for this past week. Tim Berners-Lee's "The Future of the Web" was fascinating and, I have to say, a bit over my head at times! Nonetheless, it was interesting to hear where the web may be headed in the next 5-10 years. I very much liked Meredith Farkas' talk on "Building Academic Library, 2.0." She had lots of great, practical suggestions for librarians to better connect with their patrons, in particular the idea of "radical trust" -- having real trust in the library's patrons as partners in the development of the future of libraries. Farkas also mentioned that "librarians need to question everything they thought was true" -- a sentiment I agree with.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Welcome to my blog!
Welcome to The Kate Post...I know not a very imaginative title for a blog, but I wanted to keep it simple.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)