RA No. 11

Help the library go green
By Marian Cerderia
URL Source: http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2009/03/help_the _library_go_green.html

Abstract:

The article discussed about the greening of the library. It enumerates some tips on how to do it.

3 Things I Learned:

1. We can use natural light and solar energy as an option to save energy though that is too far from reality for our country as of today because it is too expensive.
2. We can donate used books that we no longer using, in that way we can eliminate possible trash if we would just throw it.
3. We can use recycled materials in our office.

Implications:

At first when I heard about greening of the library, I thought it is just merely putting green plants inside our library but I was all wrong when I read this article. When we say the library goes green, it is like saying save our Mother Earth. Actually some of the tips mentioned on the article were already being practice in our library. It is just that we don’t actually know that we are doing it already. At least now we know and we will keep practicing it.

RA No.10

PERSONAL COMPUTERS; Steps to Avoid Physical Strains of Computer Use
By Peter H. Lewis
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/12/science/personal-computers-steps-to-avoid%20-physical-strains-of-computer-use.html

Using computer can be a pain in a neck, the back, the arms, the wrists, the shoulders, the knees, the eyes and virtually every other part of the body. It doesn’t have to be that way. Suffolk County in New York enacted a tough law that address broader health concerns for most computer users. The Suffolk law is based on a premise that poor working conditions are common around computer terminals and that those working conditions contribute to health problems. For the casual PC user this law is useful as a guideline to minimize computer health risks.

Three (3) Things I learned:

1. Get away from computer from time to time.
2. I also learned that there are different steps/preventions to avoid or minimize computer health risks.
3. There should be a work provision especially for people who are more expose to computers.

Implications:

People who are exposed more with computers are more likely has the high risk of getting physical strains. Since we librarians are already exposed with computers most of our working days, we should take the initiative to prevent ourselves from those computer health risks. We should take responsibility with our health. Also with some companies whose field is exposed with computers, they should have some preventive measures for this kind of health risk.

RA No.9

“Top 10 risks during electronic evidence discovery in litigation”
Source: The CPA Journal 73.10 (Oct2003):17(1). InfoTrac Custom Periodicals 100.Gale.Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.17 Sept.2009
http://find.galegroup.com/gtx/start.do?prodld=SPJ.SP00

According to FTI consulting, a consulting firm with expertise on computer forensics issues, majority of U.S. corporations have inadequate document retention policies and will likely incur inflated legal costs when faced with the restoration and review of computer and e-mail files during electronic evidence discovery. Electronic evidence discovery is a key component of most litigious or investigative proceedings and organizations should expect it to be a pivotal issue during an investigative proceedings and organizations should expect it to be a pivotal issue during an investigative process. FTI noted ten (10) key document retention issues that typically expose corporations to inflated litigation costs.

Three (3) Things That I Learned

1. There are 10 key document retention issues which are; lack of central corporate repository, lack of corporate document management policy, intermingling critical and less critical documents, intermingling business and private use, lack of distinction between disaster-recovery backup and business archiving, backup systems that cannot easily be restored, as hoc caches of backup or miscellaneous information, insufficient recognition of laptops, automated processes and lastly manual systems.
2. A well crafted policy can save a corporation significant costs in the near future.
3. Corporations should take proactive steps to avoid those problems.

Implications:

We are now in the technology age wherein computers and electronic things are continually gearing in. Lawmakers should also be equipped with the modern changes that would and actually is can also be a form of illegal actions or can be used in illegal purposes. There are actually laws that are now circulating for that kind of issues. Not only lawmakers should be alarmed but also those who are in the business sector because commonly there are affected by it. Before an investigation or litigation begins, they should have a clear action which means clearing out unnecessary information in responsible and legal manner and should also look out in saving important information.

RA No. 8

Fundamental Issues with Open Source Software
By Michelle Levesque
URL Source: http://www.citizenlab.org/opensource/

Abstract:

This paper discusses five fundamental problems with the current Open Source Software (OSS) development trend, explores why these issues are holding the movement back and offers solutions that might help overcome these problems. The lack of focus on user interface design causes users to prefer proprietary software’s more intuitive interface. Open Source Software tends to lack the complete and accessible documentation that retains users. Developers focus on features in their software rather than the general public. Lastly, there is a widely known stubbornness by Open Source programmers in refusing to learn from what lessons proprietary software has to offer. If Open source software wishes to become widely used and embraced by the general public, all five of these issues will have to be overcome.

Three things I learned:

1. There are five flaws with the Open Source Software (OSS) development such as user interface design, documentation, feature-centric development, programming for the self and religious blindness.
2. There should be a conscious decision and careful planning before deriving into a open source software.
3. Without adequate documentation Open Source projects are inherently at a disadvantage.

Implications:

Understanding Open Source Software is not an easy task more so being involved in its development. There are so many flaws that we would be encountering. As the article stated OSS are made for programmers, it would make a great deal for the general public to comprehend it due to lack of proper documentation and background. However if we would just be able to learn, avail, be accustom and overcome the different flaws cited above it would be of great advantage financially compared to the proprietary software.

RA No.7

FIELD TRIP EXPERIENCE IN IRR

Last August 26, 2009 we had a field trip in IRRI, this is my first visit to the place so as my other classmates. I am excited to see the place. We had been there one hour before the call time. While waiting for my other classmates, we got the chance to roam around and enjoy the view of the field. We had a good breakfast/merienda in the IRRI canteen before our tour goes on. They had prepared a good lecture for us to listen.

According to the lecture we had, IRRI was founded in 1961. It houses the world largest collection of rice literature. It doesn’t only serve one country but worldwide. Since most of our lessons is all about IRS. IRRI is said to have the best example of how information retrieval should be. Our main purpose of the activity is to observe the system that they are using which is the Millennium Integrated Library System. According to the lecturer it is the best system that they had so far. The system helps them to have a direct links to information. It has also a special feature of On-line renewal link. The lecturer even shares how to acquire good library system as we become more interested in it. According to her, we should consider system preference, its cost and usability. The other objective of our visit is to know their Ariel Document Delivery System Services. This is the first time I had heard such library service, it is good to know that library really finds ways to conveniently serve the public. Through this service even other countries can have physical access through IRRI document delivery.

I had learned so much through our field trip. I had learned that good IRS requires lots of patients and budget. Librarians should also be innovative, creative and resourceful in gaining and collecting other means of information. In the midst of crisis, library also suffers but it should not hinder us in providing quality services among our patrons.

RA No.6

The IFLA Internet Manifesto
URL Source: http://arhive.ifla.org/III/misc/im-e.htm

The IFLA ( International Federation of Library Association) asserts that intellectual freedom is the right of everybody, freedom of access to information is a central responsibility of the library and information profession, the provision of unhindered access to the Internet supports communities and individuals to attain freedom, prosperity and development, barriers to the information flow should be eradicated. IFLA also urges the library community and decision makers at national and local levels to develop strategies, policies and plans that implement the principles expressed in the Manifesto.

Three (3) things that I learned:

• Information is not only essential but a necessity so everyone should have access on it.
• Access to information should be fair and equal to all.
• Library professionals should be the one uncharged in screening right information to the right user.

Implications:

Information should be open, equal and fair for all. It is a good thing that IFLA is exerting effort to make this kind of manifesto adhering to the principles of giving information to everybody one of which is through the use of internet. IFLA has a very brave and bold mission and that is to support the development of Internet accessibility worldwide. For us being in the third world country, this principle is hard to achieve. It is hard but possible if we could just work hard and joined hand in creating this project into reality.

RA No.5

Open Access ( Publishing)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
URL Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_access_(publishing)

Abstract:

The low-cost distribution technology has fueled the open access movement and prompted the creation of open access journals. However access OA content requires internet access and this distributional consideration presents physical and sometimes financial barriers to access. But an OA article is more likely to be used than one behind subscription barriers. The more articles are used, cited, applied and built upon, the better for research as well as for the researcher’s career.

Three (3) things I learned:

• Open access model shifts the payment burden from users to publishers.
• Open access articles equal more citations.
• Open access articles limited copyright and licensing restrictions.

Implications:

If we would follow the definition of OA publishing it is a free online access to articles that have traditionally been published in scholarly articles. The word free rings a bell to me. We Filipino librarians should find and grab every opportunity in sharing resources to our client especially if it is for free. It is said that the only barrier would be the internet access so we librarian plays a big role to this since we are more exposed in information gathering. We should make these articles available for our other client without access to the internet. We should grab every chance of a lesser cost information for our clients’ benefits.

RA No.4

Intellectual property rights and copyright issues in the context of electronic information
By A. Lakshmana Moorthy and CR Karisiddappa
URL Source: http://drtc.isibang.ac.in:8080/xmlui/handle/1849/359


Abstract:

It discussed about intellectual property rights and copyrights in general. It also tells about the provisions of Indian copyright act and about the exceptions of copyright infringement. It gives an account of how copyright acts upon electronic information and what are the problems involved in copyright protection of electronic information and how to give copyright protections to databases, etc.

Three things I learned from it:

1. Copyright protects forms of expression of ideas only, not the ideas themselves.
2. There are disparities in the Intellectual Property Right Laws of different countries that need harmonization or unification to facilitate transborder flow of information and trading.
3. The Intellectual Property Rights and the Copyright Laws should help in enhancing and not preventing the access and usage of electronic information.


Implications:

In our generation today in terms of technological advancement, the present copyright laws will not be able to prevent piracy or infringement of rights. Laws should be rigid to assure the creators, prevent piracy and plagiarism and encourage use. We also as “caretaker of information”” should have the kind of fair dealing in adhering to the Intellectual Property and Copyright Law.

RA No. 3

Library 2.0 Theory: Web 20. and its implications for libraries
By: Jack M. Maness
URL Source: www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Abstract:

This article posits a definition and theory for “Library 2.0”. It suggests that recent thinking describing the changing Web as “Web 2.0” will have substantial implications for libraries and recognizes that while these implications keep very close to the history and mission of libraries, they still necessitate a new paradigm for librarianship. The paper applies the theory and definition to the practice of librarianship, specifically addressing how Web 2.0 technologies such as synchronous messaging and streaming media, blogs, wikis, social networks, tagging, RSS feeds and mashups might intimate changes in how libraries provide access to their collections and user support for that access.

Three things I learned from my reading assignment:

1. Nothing is constant. Everything is changing and revolving specially in terms of information advancement.
2. We should be careful on the things that we would be adding to our blog collection development system. It should only be reliable and authoritative information.
3. We should understand and be critical in information we would collect for our collection development system.

Implications:

Web 2.0 is a vast answer to our demands in terms of learning innovations. But as information professional we should know how to manipulate it properly. Like what the article has said, we should be critical in choosing information. Web 2.0 is very important because we need this innovation to make our work easier and to give our users more access to information. But in a world where no information is inherently authoritative and valid, we still need to apply our critical thinking skills for information literacy are paramount to all other forms of learning.

RA No.2

Computer Ethics? Right vs. Wrong
Written by Rod Hames
URL Source: http:/www.ollnet.com/school/faculty/DonRoquel/article3.htm


Ethics is more than just the golden rule. It is a principle of what is right and wrong. Part of the problem is technology has outpaced society’s ability to clearly label right from wrong. While many issues really only require someone to apply their common sense some issues require more deeper thought and analysis before determining right from wrong. It is our responsibility to give thought to the wise and responsible use of technology. It is a simple question of right and wrong! With the knowledge and ability to use a computer comes responsibility. The skills you are learning will one day provide advantages over someone who doesn’t know as much. However remember that your choices of right and wrong affect more people than just yourself. It is up to you to use computers in a way that doesn’t harm others.


Three things I learned from my reading assignment:

1. Follow the golden rule, “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others do unto you.”
2. Respect begets respect. Respect others privacy
3. Be a responsible user of technology.


Implications:

Computer ethics should be properly imposed to everyone specifically today that we are now in the vast world of computer technologies .This article has just reminded us to be careful and be sensitive enough in using computer and other technological gadget advancement. Let us always be reminded by the golden rule and the other cyber ethics as they call it. But I still believe that no matter how many rules and standards we set in using computer…true implementation stills lies on our hand as users. So let us all be a GOOD & RESPONDIBLE END-USERS!

RA No.1

Human-computer information retrieval techniques
From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Exact URL Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93computer_information_retrieval

Human-computer information retrieval (HCIR) is the study of information retrieval techniques that bring human intelligence in to the search process. The fields of human-computer interaction (HCI) and information retrieval (IR) have both developed innovative techniques to address the challenge of navigating complex information spaces, but their insights have often failed to cross disciplinary borders.

The techniques associated with HCIR emphasize representations of information that use human intelligence to lead the user to relevant results. These techniques also strive to allow users to explore and digest the dataset without penalty, without expending unnecessary cost of time, mouse clicks or context shift.

Faceted search enables users to navigate information hierarchically going from a category to its subcategories but choosing the order in which the categories are presented. This contrast with traditional taxonomies in which the hierarchy of categories is fixed and unchanging. It shows available categories categories but does not require them to browse through a hierarchy that may not precisely suit their needs or way of thinking .

Relevance feedback allows users to guide an IR system by indicating whether particular results are more or less relevant.

Summarization here is intended to encompass any means of aggregating or compressing the query results into a more human consumable form.

Clustering analyzes a set of documents by grouping similar or co-occurring documents or terms. It allows results to be partitioned into groups of related documents.

Visual representation of data is also considered a key aspect of HCIR. The representation of summarization or analytics may be displayed as tables, charts or summaries of aggregated data. Other kinds of information visualization that allow users access to summary views of search results include tag clouds and treemapping.


Three things I learned from it:

I had learned that there are so many ways in retrieving information. I never thought it has a very a very complex ways in navigating information such as this in HCIR.
I had also learned that if you would want almost exact information for your research you have to be precise in your terminologies/taxonomy . Avoid unnecessary words or delimit the information that you will type on the search engine.
I had also learned that HCIR is very important in academic research and industry practice. It helps them to navigate or retrieve information in the fastest and accurate way possible through the different techniques cited above.

Application/Implication of the new things I learned to my work/ to me as a person :

Honestly I am not a fan of technologies but being a librarian I have to learn the new trends in keeping updated in information science. We librarians should be the pioneer in information gathering because we are the first one being asked in the institution we worked with. This information has given me a different perspective in retrieving information. It opens my mind to a different new ways of retrieving and gathering data. With all honesty I am not familiar with all the words cited above though I tried to understand it. And somehow I get a little glimpse of it. Its all about information retrieval and this has been a challenge to me to discover more about it. I know there’s a lot more to learn and I am looking forward to that.