Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Response to Kelly's post
http://kel2600.blogspot.com/2010/09/reading-notes-september-28-2010.html?showComment=1285811592989#c4364239439249702493
Response to Michele F.'s blog
http://mfarina.blogspot.com/2010/09/week-5s-reading-notes-m-farina.html#comments
Readings for October 4th
I liked the Wikipedia article that explained databases. I love how Wikipedia manages to "dumb down" a lot of concepts so that I can actually understand them. Sure, some of it was over my head. But a lot of it (the part about replication, security, etc.) made a lot of sense.
The Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model was probably a bit too "techie" for me. However, I was able to get that it's about describing resources that have properties and that the values of these properties can have string-values. I appreciated the discussion about the semantic refinement, since words and how they're interpreted have a HUGE impact on being able to retrieve that information easily.
And then we come to Anne J. Gilliland's article about Metadata. I guess I was surprised to learn that metadata doesn't have to be digital. I think I was all caught up in how metadata is all about computers.
The Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model was probably a bit too "techie" for me. However, I was able to get that it's about describing resources that have properties and that the values of these properties can have string-values. I appreciated the discussion about the semantic refinement, since words and how they're interpreted have a HUGE impact on being able to retrieve that information easily.
And then we come to Anne J. Gilliland's article about Metadata. I guess I was surprised to learn that metadata doesn't have to be digital. I think I was all caught up in how metadata is all about computers.
Muddiest Point from 09/27
I didn't really understand the discussion regarding raster v. vector graphics. I looked over my notes and I think I just need some clarification. Thanks!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Comment on someone's blog
http://mfarina.blogspot.com/2010/09/week-4-notes-multimedia-representation.html?showComment=1285206295147_AIe9_BG71Lh-Q6aXcHzpNMbewobbT7GTauvk42N9KPxR4rvs_6Jgol5gf-xQTlWv27QZRZpEvTYWjrT6XOKh516Ruuc2gGaRaWEuXxiwXJ3GQk6jGILnX33ACdadSw28LMIEbEZA2-8byJzyBG23kuMuXqw6V0Sr5jI0JHDx-Xt69IDcEq-cM1eE1zq89GqNT5jQLrQa-MLRkCJNlFxTCZaTqH2h7uw_9yI7QDvE0N8SwzKWY-6UTxN7qhaJ6XvSeQxtkeR3wYgz88o0PhcZGZtBd-ANh8ewGK8He__idYGP3zWgNpIEEgUQOZsPrpK4h6VJL5DH2iPQvmsaAyDIm7PhvzEZi2eCytBdlD0bRU1qb1qS5e-mAney8ke00zIwP8Oa__K0ISvjQXIRO_M9yPfelKtm4ySwXFeXjrd2gHaagJeXGr0Ae1PUWqNAOpBR974Hzl_n-2gjSOThfIlUKmfc8tgYyPiTrcmJJQAxWCHVHfznKJ1156mE0_Rt1zPH7Orn-AHxPOvehI9g7Usu94JbYSVXX6Z73JUkxgi57U6LjLXu2gy-Z4SYKiiyfC5_3pslEtjQ3YLkJEA0FgXYKVMll-JPvfC8Q5pGCFrreMdeN4AK_xylcbbFOYOmHhwB8rZfDi6BbR8U-z1syseDZBQuFvRnGMX92S0CrWhF0OD9c6WIjK_RsQegiergR0ueoukWfJzdX5IsT428g4POlHQ7BaYqS4Lpo8j5rt2v3Lm36-vCnZxiIcTZbl9se3oJfceKZDbTZfxVRRqjTFKjA0E3srqCYYmoSVoFhN7CEef8K_CSQ0rTRgfPMAIjxMp_slVR3d_3j6WB#c3014044376095720584
Muddiest Point 09/22/2010
I guess my biggest muddiest point involves the whole UNIX/Linux area. Are UNIX and Linux being used now? If so, how often and by whom? I know that Mac OS is a UNIX-like operating system, but that means that it's not actually UNIX, right?
Week 4 readings
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Wikipedia article on Data Compression actually (gasp!) made some sense to me! And how much did I love the example of the lossless vs. lossy compression? Seriously, I gasped. It made it 100% clear! And I'm glad I read that prior to reading the article on Data Compresson Basics. That article wasn't that bad, armed with my newfound knowledge of lossless v. lossy compression...though it was still a little too "techie" for my comfort level.
The YouTube and Libraries article was pretty insightful. I'm seeing more and more libraries take advantage of various resources like that, and I think it's a GREAT way to reach out to patrons. And who doesn't love a good YouTube video?
The article about Imaging Pittsburgh was also really interesting. I love how these collections are available online now. I thought the challenges noted by the author were pretty insightful. He did a good job of discussing the communication issues and the different academic cultures involved in this collaborative effort.
The YouTube and Libraries article was pretty insightful. I'm seeing more and more libraries take advantage of various resources like that, and I think it's a GREAT way to reach out to patrons. And who doesn't love a good YouTube video?
The article about Imaging Pittsburgh was also really interesting. I love how these collections are available online now. I thought the challenges noted by the author were pretty insightful. He did a good job of discussing the communication issues and the different academic cultures involved in this collaborative effort.
Flickr Assignment
Here is the URL for my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54104639@N04/with/5010145517/
I identified my brother and sister in the pictures, but I was reluctant to tag my niece and her kids or my friends from high school, since I didn't know if any of them would be comfortable having that information in such a public forum.
I identified my brother and sister in the pictures, but I was reluctant to tag my niece and her kids or my friends from high school, since I didn't know if any of them would be comfortable having that information in such a public forum.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Week 3 Reading, Part Deux
Duh. I just figured out that I missed an article, and one that would have REALLY helped me to understand the others. Introduction to Linux. Hmmm. I think I should have read this one first. Now I know what a kernel is, what UNIX is, what Linux is, Open Source Software, etc. This article was SO much easier for a layperson like me to comprehend. The list of Linux pros and cons was really easy to follow.
Week 3 Readings
The Wikipedia article on the Mac OS X was mostly over my head. Linux, Unix, Posix...huh? However, the Aqua GUI sounds really cool. I've never had a Mac. I'm a Windows user here, mostly because they're cheaper. I'd be interested to hear from devoted Mac users about why the Mac is so awesome.
The beginning of the "What is Mac OS X?" article was also mostly over my head, other than the introductory history about Steve Jobs. I think I'd actually have to see the Mac OS X System Startup in person, rather than read about the steps. I just can't visualize it well enough for it to sink in, especially since I'm not a Mac owner. I did like the section on "Why Mac OS X?" though. I thought the author did a good job of explaining things about Windows v. Mac, with pros and cons to both.
I was able to understand the "Update on the Windows Roadmap" a little better, thanks to having only used Windows to this point. I wasn't a big fan of Vista, so it was interesting to hear Microsoft crow about how great it was. I especially enjoyed reading the feedback at the end. Who knew people were so passionate about this topic?
The beginning of the "What is Mac OS X?" article was also mostly over my head, other than the introductory history about Steve Jobs. I think I'd actually have to see the Mac OS X System Startup in person, rather than read about the steps. I just can't visualize it well enough for it to sink in, especially since I'm not a Mac owner. I did like the section on "Why Mac OS X?" though. I thought the author did a good job of explaining things about Windows v. Mac, with pros and cons to both.
I was able to understand the "Update on the Windows Roadmap" a little better, thanks to having only used Windows to this point. I wasn't a big fan of Vista, so it was interesting to hear Microsoft crow about how great it was. I especially enjoyed reading the feedback at the end. Who knew people were so passionate about this topic?
Muddiest Point for Week 3 (or is it technically Week 2?)
My muddiest point involved the part of the lecture on Monday about the cylinder and hard drive. Dr. He said that smoke and dust destroys the hard drive. Is the hard drive actually destroyed? Can't the smoke or dust be cleaned off? Or is the hard drive rendered 100% useless immediately?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Week 2 reading
I found the computer hardware section from Wikipedia to be EXTREMELY helpful. Yes, I have a computer and know how to do the basic functions necessary for work and school and personal tasks. However, I had no clue what most of those components on my computer really were or what they were called. "That thingy" isn't nearly as informative as saying "The CPU" or "The Motherboard." I know that I will be referring to this printout for some time to come.
I'd seen Moore's Law referred to in several readings, so it was nice to finally figure out what it was. It amazes me that he came up with this back in 1965. For some reason, I keep forgetting that computers have been around for so long. The trend for not only components of integrated circuits doubling every two years, but seeing the same trend basically hold true for other areas (e.g. speed of processing, memory, etc.) just shows how rapid the technology is growing and evolving.
I also had no idea that anything like the Computer History Museum even existed. The catalog search looks like it would be a fantastic reference tool! It was also really interesting to see the evolution of the computer, from the monstrous behemoths of years past to the comparatively tiny personal computers of today. I especially appreciated the online exhibits. What a cool idea!
I'd seen Moore's Law referred to in several readings, so it was nice to finally figure out what it was. It amazes me that he came up with this back in 1965. For some reason, I keep forgetting that computers have been around for so long. The trend for not only components of integrated circuits doubling every two years, but seeing the same trend basically hold true for other areas (e.g. speed of processing, memory, etc.) just shows how rapid the technology is growing and evolving.
I also had no idea that anything like the Computer History Museum even existed. The catalog search looks like it would be a fantastic reference tool! It was also really interesting to see the evolution of the computer, from the monstrous behemoths of years past to the comparatively tiny personal computers of today. I especially appreciated the online exhibits. What a cool idea!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thoughts on Week 1 readings
I thought that the position paper by Clifford Lynch presented a nice perspective on information literacy and information technology literacy. I especially liked the emphasis on how both forms of literacy are essential. His call for the understanding to have an appreciation for areas such as economics and history was also appreciated. I think too often those areas are overlooked when discussing information technology literacy. It doesn't exist in a vacuum, after all.
The OCLC report had some excellent vocabulary definitions. I'll be honest: I'm not the most technologically savvy guybrarian out there. I had no clue what a wiki was. Wikipedia, yes. Wiki, no. It was interesting to see the trends in content and format.
I think the article that I liked best, however, was the one by Jason Vaughan with the UNLV library. I was struck by how straightforward he was regarding the challenges encountered by his library and I thought he did a good job of thinking about the challenges and opportunities of the future at that library. I think that as librarians, we often don't consider future development and what some of those changes might mean in terms of technology, space limitations, and services.
My muddiest point: While I enjoyed the Vaughan article, I didn't really understand the systems discussion on page 2 of that article. For instance, when he discussed the DiMeMa/OCLC's CONTENTdm digital content management system for digital project development and access, he may as well have been speaking to me in ancient Greek. I'm hoping that through this course, I will gain a better understanding of systems and won't just stare at the reading blankly when different operating systems are discussed.
The OCLC report had some excellent vocabulary definitions. I'll be honest: I'm not the most technologically savvy guybrarian out there. I had no clue what a wiki was. Wikipedia, yes. Wiki, no. It was interesting to see the trends in content and format.
I think the article that I liked best, however, was the one by Jason Vaughan with the UNLV library. I was struck by how straightforward he was regarding the challenges encountered by his library and I thought he did a good job of thinking about the challenges and opportunities of the future at that library. I think that as librarians, we often don't consider future development and what some of those changes might mean in terms of technology, space limitations, and services.
My muddiest point: While I enjoyed the Vaughan article, I didn't really understand the systems discussion on page 2 of that article. For instance, when he discussed the DiMeMa/OCLC's CONTENTdm digital content management system for digital project development and access, he may as well have been speaking to me in ancient Greek. I'm hoping that through this course, I will gain a better understanding of systems and won't just stare at the reading blankly when different operating systems are discussed.
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