as we finish up this semester, i thought it would be fun to share a video with you! it's from "flight of the conchords" and the song is...wonderful! if you haven't seen it, i hope you enjoy. if you have already seen it, well you can't get enough binary solos...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
OPACs (Online Public Access Catalogs)
Do you remember the good old days, when you would go to a library and spend hours filing through the card catalog in search of your coveted books? I'm finding that less and less people even know what a card catalog is. On one hand it makes me kind of sad and nostalgic. On the other hand, the ease and convenience of searching an online catalog makes me really tingly inside! For those of you who are unfamiliar with libraries (shame on you!), the OPAC is more or less a database that allows users (that's you) to search for library items. Libraries store bibliographic data in a special place, with special codes (most commonly MARC records, if you're interested). This assists the institutions in tracking all sorts of information about any item: the author, ISBN, size of item, subject, publication information, title, etc.
As a library user, you do not need to know all of the data stored in a library's database--this is where OPACs come in handy. They take all of the complex information held in a library record, and translate it into user-friendly, non-librarian language. The OPAC is exactly what it claims to be; an online database that provides public access to library catalogs. Nowadays, if I wanted to look up a book title, I would hop online (either from home or at the library), and simply look it up. I can search by keyword, title, subject, author, whatever strikes my fancy. Voila! The OPAC has guided me to my desired results!
Now these systems are not without their flaws. In today's techno-savvy society, we are conditioned to use various search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, Clusty (my personal favorite) and so forth. Oftentimes a person will use his or her own vocabulary to search for items through these search engines--simply type in a keyword or a phrase, and you're off! OPACs do not generally work this easily. Remember, they are reading library-created data from a library-created MARC record. Catalogers use a strict set of vocabulary guidelines when creating MARC records, and this makes it difficult for the average Joe to quickly find information. If you do not enter the predetermined (or controlled) vocabulary, chances are that you won't find the information you need.
OPACs are not all Doom and Gloom...
With the increased use of Internet services, OPACs provide an excellent stepping stone for the transition of how libraries used to operate (i.e. card catalogs) to how the can/will operate in the future! OPACs and society are co-evolving; in a sense, they significantly impact each other. The OPAC had initially been an extension of the card catalog, using standard library procedure to assist individuals in finding their desired items. This worked well in an era during which librarians were the sole providers of information. Now people can easily find and access their own information, without the help of a librarian. They are forcing the OPAC to abandon Library of Congress controlled vocabularies, and adapt new user-friendly search mechanisms (such as tags, tag clouds, and folksonomies). With these new features, OPACs are evolving in such a way that they increase information access for the public. OPAC searches were once frustrating and challenging; they are increasingly becoming more user-friendly. This is another means through which information access is spreading across the world.
As a library user, you do not need to know all of the data stored in a library's database--this is where OPACs come in handy. They take all of the complex information held in a library record, and translate it into user-friendly, non-librarian language. The OPAC is exactly what it claims to be; an online database that provides public access to library catalogs. Nowadays, if I wanted to look up a book title, I would hop online (either from home or at the library), and simply look it up. I can search by keyword, title, subject, author, whatever strikes my fancy. Voila! The OPAC has guided me to my desired results!
Now these systems are not without their flaws. In today's techno-savvy society, we are conditioned to use various search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, Clusty (my personal favorite) and so forth. Oftentimes a person will use his or her own vocabulary to search for items through these search engines--simply type in a keyword or a phrase, and you're off! OPACs do not generally work this easily. Remember, they are reading library-created data from a library-created MARC record. Catalogers use a strict set of vocabulary guidelines when creating MARC records, and this makes it difficult for the average Joe to quickly find information. If you do not enter the predetermined (or controlled) vocabulary, chances are that you won't find the information you need.
OPACs are not all Doom and Gloom...
With the increased use of Internet services, OPACs provide an excellent stepping stone for the transition of how libraries used to operate (i.e. card catalogs) to how the can/will operate in the future! OPACs and society are co-evolving; in a sense, they significantly impact each other. The OPAC had initially been an extension of the card catalog, using standard library procedure to assist individuals in finding their desired items. This worked well in an era during which librarians were the sole providers of information. Now people can easily find and access their own information, without the help of a librarian. They are forcing the OPAC to abandon Library of Congress controlled vocabularies, and adapt new user-friendly search mechanisms (such as tags, tag clouds, and folksonomies). With these new features, OPACs are evolving in such a way that they increase information access for the public. OPAC searches were once frustrating and challenging; they are increasingly becoming more user-friendly. This is another means through which information access is spreading across the world.
Podcast
Okay. I'll be honest here. Up until about a week ago, the word "podcast" truly disturbed me. I'm not entirely sure why, they are really awesome! I think it has to do with the fact that I just could not wrap my head about what they were and why we needed them. It's probably best (for everyone's sake) if I start with an amazing breakdown of the term "podcast" from podcast.com:
POD: Portable On-Demand
This means that it's something that is portable (you can take it anywhere), and available on-demand (you can view/listen whenever).
CAST: Broadcast
In layman's terms: It is something that is broadcasted directly to you! Isn't that convenient?!
What exactly is broadcasted to you? And how? First let's look at the what. Any audio or video file that can be transmitted through the Internet directly to you. Everything from television and radio to the made-from-home video and audio files! There are so many selections for your viewing pleasure! Podcast.com's top 25 podcasts include: BBC, CNN, PBS, NPR, Discovery News, President Obama...and those are just a few of the top 25!!! You can download them directly onto your computer, or even your iPod! Simply go online and either subscribe to a podcast directly, or use one of the many online podcast finders (podcast.com, podcastalley.com, apple.com/itunes/podcasts, etc). Browse for something that catches your eye, and voila! You have your first podcast!
Why the need for podcast? It's all about convenience. When I was growing up, if I missed a radio broadcast, I was s.o.l.! Short of contacting the station and requesting the tape, there was nothing I could do. If I missed a television show, I had to wait for the rerun. With podcasts, you can catch what you've missed, and save what you will miss! Then, you have the added convenience of watching/listening to your podcast wherever and whenever you like! It sounds like a lot of fun! Almost like RSS (not entirely), but with audio and visual files!!!
Yeah but, would I ever use a library podcast?
Of course! You just need to know where to look! Libraries offer podcasts telling stories/reading books, they have historical podcasts featuring people from our nation's past, children/teen podcasts, and so much more! They also have internal podcasts discussing library-related issues, everything from merchandising to weeding! It seems like these technologies (RSS, blogs, podcasts, etc), while they have been around for a while, are beginning to be more widely used by the library community. As Internet usage increases, and with the NetGeners on the way, podcasts have a very big place in the library. They can podcast segments of GED courses, computer courses, basic ESL (all of which have been offered face-to-face in libraries I've worked for). The leap from face-to-face to podcast is not that far! Similarly, book clubs, events, and community issues can all be podcasted from a single institution...such as the library! The use of podcasts within the library is currently minimal, I think that as time progresses and a new wave of librarians enter the field, podcasts will be used with a greater frequency!
Podcast use and society
Podcasts are widely used for the entertainment industry (t.v., movies, radio shows, etc). I see a great need and use for them in society as a whole. They can be the means through which libraries reach out to the non-user community. As their usage increases, so can their purpose. Tutor briefs can be issued via podcast from a child's school; this could assist with homework, paper writing, math, and science. People (once again) have worldwide access to information, podcasts are one more way to help them get it. The next generation (NetGen) is growing up in a highly technological era. Two of the traits most commonly found in this group is their ability to multitask, and their preference for visual stimulation. Podcasts provide them with a medium that is a perfect match for their abilities!
POD: Portable On-Demand
This means that it's something that is portable (you can take it anywhere), and available on-demand (you can view/listen whenever).
CAST: Broadcast
In layman's terms: It is something that is broadcasted directly to you! Isn't that convenient?!
What exactly is broadcasted to you? And how? First let's look at the what. Any audio or video file that can be transmitted through the Internet directly to you. Everything from television and radio to the made-from-home video and audio files! There are so many selections for your viewing pleasure! Podcast.com's top 25 podcasts include: BBC, CNN, PBS, NPR, Discovery News, President Obama...and those are just a few of the top 25!!! You can download them directly onto your computer, or even your iPod! Simply go online and either subscribe to a podcast directly, or use one of the many online podcast finders (podcast.com, podcastalley.com, apple.com/itunes/podcasts, etc). Browse for something that catches your eye, and voila! You have your first podcast!
Why the need for podcast? It's all about convenience. When I was growing up, if I missed a radio broadcast, I was s.o.l.! Short of contacting the station and requesting the tape, there was nothing I could do. If I missed a television show, I had to wait for the rerun. With podcasts, you can catch what you've missed, and save what you will miss! Then, you have the added convenience of watching/listening to your podcast wherever and whenever you like! It sounds like a lot of fun! Almost like RSS (not entirely), but with audio and visual files!!!
Yeah but, would I ever use a library podcast?
Of course! You just need to know where to look! Libraries offer podcasts telling stories/reading books, they have historical podcasts featuring people from our nation's past, children/teen podcasts, and so much more! They also have internal podcasts discussing library-related issues, everything from merchandising to weeding! It seems like these technologies (RSS, blogs, podcasts, etc), while they have been around for a while, are beginning to be more widely used by the library community. As Internet usage increases, and with the NetGeners on the way, podcasts have a very big place in the library. They can podcast segments of GED courses, computer courses, basic ESL (all of which have been offered face-to-face in libraries I've worked for). The leap from face-to-face to podcast is not that far! Similarly, book clubs, events, and community issues can all be podcasted from a single institution...such as the library! The use of podcasts within the library is currently minimal, I think that as time progresses and a new wave of librarians enter the field, podcasts will be used with a greater frequency!
Podcast use and society
Podcasts are widely used for the entertainment industry (t.v., movies, radio shows, etc). I see a great need and use for them in society as a whole. They can be the means through which libraries reach out to the non-user community. As their usage increases, so can their purpose. Tutor briefs can be issued via podcast from a child's school; this could assist with homework, paper writing, math, and science. People (once again) have worldwide access to information, podcasts are one more way to help them get it. The next generation (NetGen) is growing up in a highly technological era. Two of the traits most commonly found in this group is their ability to multitask, and their preference for visual stimulation. Podcasts provide them with a medium that is a perfect match for their abilities!
Blogs (a.k.a. WebLogs)
When I was younger, I would hide my diary between my mattresses (cliche, I know), and the key for my diary could either be found in my favorite puppet or under a broken Caboodle drawer. God forbid my little brother read it and found out all about what we had for dinner the previous night (I've always gotten bored with diaries). WebLogs, more commonly referred to as blogs, are essentially Internet diaries--minus the secrecy. They are sites dedicated to the innermost thoughts of anyone who wants to share with the world. This site is a blog!! Fascinating, isn't it. Blogs are most often a personal journal of some sort. Their topics vary, and anything goes! Now I say that blogs are most often personal journals, because they can range from journals to news coverage to event/community information. Blogs are flexible. Dedicated bloggers (i.e. one who blogs) will update their sites at least daily (sometimes more), while novice or more lax bloggers might update a site every couple of days, weeks, months, or even years. The best part is that their blogs are (mostly) governed by them. Fitcher and Carvone point out that blogs are special because they tend to be written in a specific voice, with blatant opinions--they are highly subjective (Technology for the Rest of Us, p. 56). I think that this is an important trait to note, especially under the pretext of an online journal. You, as a writer, are unrestricted in what you say, do, think, and feel.
I bet by now you're thinking, "Boy, this blogging thing sounds great!" Well, I'd have to agree with you. Once you get into it, it's a lot of fun. You might ask, "How do I create my own blog?" It's as easy as pie:
I'll admit, that was my first question too! It turns out that libraries use blogs in a couple of different ways. Libraries like the Library of Congress are using blogs to share fun and random (but educational) information with their readers. Other libraries use blogs to share library news, information and events with their patrons, update them on community news and events, and they even use blogs as an internal mode of communication among staff!
Blogs and Society
Blogs are an effective tool for expressing yourself to the world. Once again, access is key. With a blog, I can say anything I want and reach a global audience. This is true for libraries too! The blogging revolution has expanded our communication system as a nation, and united users from around the world! They are (in my opinion) more in depth versions of information access through Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, or any other networking site. In reaching out to the world, you encourage the world to reach back to you!
I bet by now you're thinking, "Boy, this blogging thing sounds great!" Well, I'd have to agree with you. Once you get into it, it's a lot of fun. You might ask, "How do I create my own blog?" It's as easy as pie:
- Choose a host site (you need somewhere to broadcast your blog from). I recommend Blogger, but you can also use LiveJournal. These ones are free. If you'd rather pay for service, you can use something like TypePad. Why pay when you can get it for free? Essentially, each host has its pros and cons. To start out, I'd suggest one of the free sites. If you find out that you love it, and want to do more, check out a paid service. You'll have more flexibility and control over your site.
- Sign up! You'll need a blog title (i.e. 'Twas brillig and the slithy toves...), and a URL (i.e. http://www.thescrappycrafter.com), a template (supplied by the service, or find your own online--I like http://www.bloggertemplatesfree.com), and you're ready to get started!
- Begin your blogging adventure!
I'll admit, that was my first question too! It turns out that libraries use blogs in a couple of different ways. Libraries like the Library of Congress are using blogs to share fun and random (but educational) information with their readers. Other libraries use blogs to share library news, information and events with their patrons, update them on community news and events, and they even use blogs as an internal mode of communication among staff!
Blogs and Society
Blogs are an effective tool for expressing yourself to the world. Once again, access is key. With a blog, I can say anything I want and reach a global audience. This is true for libraries too! The blogging revolution has expanded our communication system as a nation, and united users from around the world! They are (in my opinion) more in depth versions of information access through Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, or any other networking site. In reaching out to the world, you encourage the world to reach back to you!
Monday, November 23, 2009
RSS (Real Simple Syndication)
The question for the day is, "What exactly is an RSS feed?" Well, I will tell you! First, it is NOT a rodent of unusual size--that's ROUSes, and a completely different thing. RSS stands for "Real Simple Syndication," and in layman's terms it is a means through which you can funnel information from all of your favorite websites into one central location. Why would you ever want to do that? In what possible world would this be useful?! These are valid questions, here are your answers:
Well, I say you're wrong! RSS feeds are used in a variety of ways. Libraries can improve services provided to their patrons through one simple RSS button! Patrons can subscribe to feeds for their account, library events, and even create custom search feeds. The Cincinnati Library even goes so far as to break their feeds down by genre, and staff created lists. After subscribing to a feed for World History (for example), the library will notify you whenever they receive a new book for that category! As a user, it allows you to stay on top of your reading/viewing lists without the hassle of remembering dates, titles, or authors!
RSS will! impact society...
Let's face it, if you had asked me 10 years ago (goodness, if you had asked me last year) if I thought people would actually opt to have all of their daily news and events into one convenient Internet location, I probably would have laughed and thought, "No way, Jose!" I'll be the first to admit that I was wrong (don't get too excited, it won't happen that often). RSS feeds are really pretty nifty. As more and more people continue to use and create blogs, gather their news from online resources, and utilize the Internet in general, I think that RSS feeds will be the way to go for effortless access to information. The World Wide Web is at our fingertips, it is not too far a leap to place all of that exciting data in a centralized location. This technology will spread information like wildfire! It takes time and energy to keep up on the many facets of online information. RSS makes it easier to maintain your current news desires, and allows for the possibility of significant information expansion.
- Every time i log onto the Internet, I check my email, the news, a blog or two, and a handful of other sites. This takes both time and energy on my part...waiting for the page to load, sifting through all of the information, waiting for the grass to grow...RSS changes all of that. Once I subscribe to my favorite sites, I can conveniently (through the clever use of "newsreaders" and "aggregators") visit one site for all of my information-seeking needs!
- This is useful in the best of all possible worlds! All of my newsworthy information is available in real time, and easily accessible. My RSS feed gives me the pertinent information and lets me quickly scroll through the headlines (ignoring those I find b.o.r.i.n.g., and linking to others I find interesting!).
Well, I say you're wrong! RSS feeds are used in a variety of ways. Libraries can improve services provided to their patrons through one simple RSS button! Patrons can subscribe to feeds for their account, library events, and even create custom search feeds. The Cincinnati Library even goes so far as to break their feeds down by genre, and staff created lists. After subscribing to a feed for World History (for example), the library will notify you whenever they receive a new book for that category! As a user, it allows you to stay on top of your reading/viewing lists without the hassle of remembering dates, titles, or authors!
RSS will! impact society...
Let's face it, if you had asked me 10 years ago (goodness, if you had asked me last year) if I thought people would actually opt to have all of their daily news and events into one convenient Internet location, I probably would have laughed and thought, "No way, Jose!" I'll be the first to admit that I was wrong (don't get too excited, it won't happen that often). RSS feeds are really pretty nifty. As more and more people continue to use and create blogs, gather their news from online resources, and utilize the Internet in general, I think that RSS feeds will be the way to go for effortless access to information. The World Wide Web is at our fingertips, it is not too far a leap to place all of that exciting data in a centralized location. This technology will spread information like wildfire! It takes time and energy to keep up on the many facets of online information. RSS makes it easier to maintain your current news desires, and allows for the possibility of significant information expansion.
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