Week 4 Comments

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Week 5 Reading Notes

1.) Data Compression Wikipedia

Data compression is encoding information in order to use fewer bits. Both the sender and receiver of the information must be able to understand the encoding scheme. Compressed data is easier to transport, but most be decompressed before used. Lossless compression schemes are reversible without information being lost. Lossy compression schemes do lose information, but have a higher compression. Lossy compression is used frequently with photographs and videos because they can be compressed and much of the information lost is not noticeable to most people. Run-length encoding is used when a string of identical data values are replaced with one of the data values and the number of times it is repeated. Lempel-Ziv method is very common in lossless compression.

2.) Data Compression Basics

Data compression allows you to store the same information in less space, and also makes it easier to send information. Run-length encoding isn't beneficiary for compression of all text because it could make it larger in some cases. (eg: Mary had a little lamb.) Run-length encoding (RLE) really only works when there is a repetition fo 3 or more characters, which is rare in short texts. There are ways to compress only parts of the file that are designated by a marker (in this case a *). Can make"Item X...................................$100.00" into "Item X *[60].*$100.00. You want to choose a marker that is rarely used as to not confuse the computer. RLE is also useful for encoding images that have large areas of the same color.

Lempel-Ziv (LZ) uses chunks of information that are repeated to compress. It codes how far back to look and how many characters to copy. Endtropy coding uses a number or numbers to replace frequently used sequences. Prediction coding is used frequently for images. It is encoding the difference between the predicted value and actual value of a pixel. It is better for natural images such as photographs, and not as successful for graphic images like logos.

Movies can be compressed by individually compressing each still image that makes up the movie. You have to be sure that the receiver will be able to decode the images quickly enough for the video. There is a difference between a video file and video stream. A video file has a definite beginning and end, while a video stream is a constant flow of video (eg: a live broadcast). Vector animation can be used on certain types of video files to take up less space. Temporal delta encoding stores only the difference between the frames. I understood the use of macroblocks, but am confused about how the blocks move from frame 1 to 2. Something that was interesting was how some encoders can tell if there was a scene change and that the difference is too great to warrant a residual image. Instead it will create a keyframe. Part 1 was pretty straightforward and helpful. I couldn't access Part 2. The link didn't work, and it didn't work when I manually typed in the address. I'm not sure if anyone else had this problem or not. Part 3 was a bit more confusing to me.

3.) Imaging Pittsburgh

This project, a partnership of Archives Service Center of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, focuses on making historic visual images available online. The author hopes that these photographs will help show the city's history and changes throughout time. Users can search keywords, or browse a particular collection. One interesting aspect is that users can order prints of the photographs. The program has come across some difficulties in communication between the participating organizations and people. They created a listserv, but it is not used often unless someone reports that they have finished a task. The author isn't sure if this is failed communication, or that people just understand what they need to do and don't need to communicate issues. There have also been issues about processes and language used to describe the collections because of the different focuses of the institutions. The project participants also had to coordinate how they would arrange their metadata and use a common vocabulary. Additionally the project group set a minimum standard for the master images to ensure consistent quality. They launched in February of 2004, but are taking until the Fall 2004 to review the website, respond to problems.

4.)YouTube and Libraries

YouTube is a fast, and inexpensive (free) way to reach a large audience. First you need to set up a user account and channel profile. Users can then select a video file of 10 minutes or less and upload it. Librarians will need to make sure they address copyright issues of any material they plan to upload. Librarians could post informational videos that could help patrons access online information when the library is closed. They could also create a YouTube video to introduce patrons to the library's services. Using screen capture software a Librarian could create a tutorial for students.

Week 4 Muddiest Point

I don't really have a muddiest point for this week. In fact this class cleared up a lot of questions I had about databases and metadata.

Week 4 Reading Notes

1.) Database wikipedia.

Database is a collection of related records stored for use for different applications. Database Management Systems (DBMS) is software that organizes the storage of data. Most of the DBMS are relational, and they have five main components: interface drivers, SQL engines, transaction engine, relational engine, and storage engine. The primary tasks of DBMS are important to understand. While reading them, they may seem like basic principles, but they are important to understand. Database development is used to organize the data. Data interrogation deals with access to the data and the way users can select and access the information they need. Data maintenance is pretty self explanatory and deals with updating and protecting data. I found that application development was the most confusing part and deals with prototypes for screens for data entry. I did not really understand what is meant by this. There are many different types of databases that serve different needs and interests. Much of this database reading was overwhelming for me, but I am hoping that it will make more sense after class.

2.) Introduction to Metadata

Metadata, simply put, is "data about data." However, the meaning of metadata can vary between professionals in varying fields. While metadata used to be almost exclusively a part of the information, the Internet age has brought metadata to the masses. With websites such as Flickr and You Tube, Internet users are creating their own metadata. Information objects always have three parts: content, context, and structure. The purpose of library collection of metadata is to provide access to information. Much of archival and museum metadata collection has focused primarily on the context portion of metadata. Archival metadata primarily deals with accession records, finding aids, and catalog records. Much archival metadata is now available online. Structure is an important part of metadata and is only growing with more metadata available on the Internet. Structure can be a useful aid for searching online. The primary functions of metadata are: organization and description of objects, validation, searching and retrieval, utilization, and preservation, and disposition.

3.)An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model

There are resources in the world that we would like to describe. Resources can be anything. Language can be very important in descriptions, and it is vital that the same language is used for the same meanings. The Dublin Core Metadata Initiative is working on a core set of semantics to create a kind of dictionary for relevant terms.

Week 3 Comments

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Week 3 Muddiest Point

Class today helped to clear up some of my confusions from the readings, but I am still unsure about the precise differences between operating systems. Are Linux and OS X versions of UNIX? If they are then aren't there really only two operating systems: UNIX and Windows?

Week 2 Comments

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Assignment 2 Flickr

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Week 3 Reading Notes

1.) Introduction to Linux

Originally computers were extremely large, expensive, and each had a different operating system. In 1969 Bell Labs began designing an operating system that could be used on different computers, UNIX. As computers became more available to the public Linus Torvalds worked to create a more freely available academic version of UNIX. The system gradually became known as Linux. Linux is used on a scale as large as the German army and as small as a PDA. In the beginning one needed to be an expert before they could use Linux, now one can log in graphically and a thorough understanding of the system is no longer a requirement for using it. A very important part of Linux is that it is free in terms of money and in terms of open source. Following the guidelines set for free distribution, one can change and improve Linux. Additionally, GNU tools set a standard for using the system. The amount of variations can be overwhelming for new users to try to choose a distribution, but there is help on the Internet in choosing one that is right for you. Section 1.5.3 has advice on which distribution to choose depending on your hardware and needs. Though there are many distributions, they are mainly similar with only slight variations.

2.) Mac OS X

Mac's operating system OS X (X stands for the Roman numeral for 10) was built on technologies developed before NeXT run by Steve Jobs was bought by Apple in the 1990s. OS X was built with UNIX kernel, and Mac released their operating system called Darwin as open source. The latest version of OS X, the Snow Leopard, was released August 28, 2009. Honestly, I found both Mac articles to be very confusing as I am not familiar with most terminology. The Linux and Windows articles were much easier for someone with limited knowledge of computers to understand.

3.) An Update on the Windows Roadmap

This article is a letter to Microsoft Windows customers, addressing some of their questions and concerns. The first concern addressed deals with the plans for Windows XP. Bill Veghte (Senior VP for Microsoft) says that although Windows XP won't be available for purchase as of June 30, 2008 as a retail package consumers will still be able to purchase PCs with Windows XP and Windows XP support will be available through 2014. Veghte also addressed concerns about Windows Vista. Customers have expressed concerns about security and compatibility, particularly gaming. Microsoft has come out with a few service packs that help resolve some of these issues, and are keeping track of customer needs to create a better product that meets people's needs. Veghte also writes about Windows 7 which is due to be released in 2010. They are using the lessons they have previously learned to make Windows 7 an improvement on Vista.

Week 2 Muddiest Point

My muddiest point for this week has to do with serial and parallel ports. I am still confused about the difference between the two and am unsure what a parallel port is used for. In the notes it says that parallel ports are used for devices that transfer larger quantities of data such as printers, but a USB port is used for printers, so I am confused about all of this.

Week 1 Comments

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Notes on Readings Week 2

1.)Computer Hardware Wikipedia

Summary Notes: The Wikipedia article explains the various parts that make up the hardware of a PC. The Motherboard is composed of different parts. One very important part is the CPU, which is considered the brain of the computer. The chipset is the link between the CPU and all other parts of the PC. The RAM holds the applications and stands for Random Access Memory. The Power Supply is the cord, switch, and cooling fan. It also distributes the correct power to specific parts. PC hardware also includes video data controller, removable media devices, sound card, and internal storage.

2.) Moore's Law Wikipedia and Video

Summary Notes: The video was much more user friendly. It gave a concise and easy to understand explanation of Moore's Law. Basically what Christina Nicholson said in the video was that the number of transistors that can be fit on a chip doubles every two years. She explains that this is what has enabled computer technology to progress so much in the last forty years. Computers have become smaller and more affordable. The wikipedia page goes into more detail about the origination of the ideas behind the law which were introduced by Gordon Moore in the 1960s. An important point made in both the article and video is that Moore's Law is not a law of nature, but is rather a law put in motion by businesses and technological advancement. Additionally both the video and article explain that this doubling may only continue until about 2015. The wikipedia article cites Moore as stating that the doubling cannot continue indefinitely because there are limits at the atomic level of how small one can make a transistor.

3.)www.computerhistory.org

Summary Notes: The Computer History Museum is located in Mountain View, CA. According to their website they were established in 1999 and are now one of the largest collections of computer artifacts in the world. The museum houses various exhibits pertaining to the history of computers including a model computer engine designed in the 1800s by Charles Babbage (http://www.computerhistory.org/babbage/). The website also offers online exhibits (http://www.computerhistory.org/exhibits/).

Summary of my Thoughts: The Computer Hardware wikipedia page was somewhat difficult to summarize because the material was already summarized. The article did give important information for understanding the inner parts of a PC. Moore's Law is interesting to think about. It's impossible not to notice the changes in computers and cell phones, but to really think about how these changes are brought about shows a different side. The video made it much easier to understand the wikipedia page. The Computer History Museum seems like it would be a really interesting place to visit. I like how they have the online exhibits.

Muddiest Point Week 1

Most topics this week were pretty straight forward; however, I was still somewhat confused about how Lavasoft and Ad-Aware work with Macs.

Notes on Readings Week 1

1.)OCLC report: Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers (2004).

Summary Notes: Now, more than ever, "content consumers" are more concerned with the actual content and less concerned with the format in which that content is presented. Content is offered in various formats and librarians must adjust accordingly to the acquisition, organization, and delivery of content.

The Web presents both opportunity and challenges to libraries. People are increasingly demanding access to content in the convenience of the Web. Sources such as wikis and blogs put individuals at the center of publishing, not institutions. This poses the problem of people receiving content from what the author calls "nonauthoritative" sources. However, this is also an opportunity for librarians to use wikis and blogs in order to reach out to their community and also receive feedback.

The author points out that there is no shortage of information, but librarians need to help put that information into a context.

2.)Clifford Lynch, “Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture”

Summary Notes: For short and long term success in Technology Literacy it is important to understand both how to use tools, and also how they work. Additionally it is not only understanding computers, but also telecommunications, broadcasting, transportation, financial infrastructure, history, economies, social and public policy issues.

3.)Vaughan, J. (2005). Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still. Library Hi Tech, 23(1), 34-49

Summary Notes: Technology is always changing. The Lied Library at UNLV gave several examples of problems that arise due to technology and also how they solved the problems. They had issues with increasing use especially with their printer system. Additionally they faced the challenge of replacing all PCs while the library remained open. One thing they did that was very helpful was to install a few computers first. They then waited to see if there were any problems. This way, if there were a problem they could solve it before they repeated the mistake on hundreds of PCs.

Another issue in academic libraries such as the Lied Library is the combined use of the library by both the University community and the greater community. The primary use of the computers is for academic use by University students, faculty, and staff. Frequently community users operate the computers for personal use such as checking e-mail or playing games. Library staff are able to track the amount of time people spend on the computers and can ask people using the computers for personal use to leave so they can be used for their academic purposes.

Security is also a concern for the library. Not only security from theft, but also from malicious software. The library uses Deepfreeze which removes any software installed by the user after they log off the computer.

The Lied Library has also faced problems with high temperatures in the library, forcing them to shut down some machines. Another issue that confronts all libraries at some point is change in leadership. This is a change that the Lied Library was facing when this article was published.

Overall Summary of My Thoughts:

Technology is changing a lot of the ways libraries function. People are increasingly demanding more digital access to materials. This brings in problems with digitizing materials, allocating funds to subscribe to digital journals, and keeping up with ever-changing technology. In order to understand the changes in demand, one must look at society and the technological advances. Looking at studies of libraries such as the Lied Library can help librarians foresee issues that they will then be able to deal with or perhaps prevent these issues from arising. Technology has become a huge part of librarianship, and it is in the best interest of librarians to understand and use this technology to the benefit of their patrons, staff, and library.

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