How Internet Infrastructure Works: This article was so much easier to understand after listening to Dr. He's lecture this week. The second time around helped things to sink in a little deeper.
It is really amazing to think that No one "owns" the internet. In this day and age where people think they can buy whatever they want, it's kind of reassuring to think that Americans thought up this whole process. In 1969 there were 4 computers systems. No there are "tens of millions" computer systems hooked up Globally. It really makes the world a smaller place when you think that you can talk, email, webcam, or speak with someone across the world instantly.
Dismantling Integrated Library Systems: This article was a little confusing. There is all the talk of 'dismantling library systems'. How was the system dismantled? What is a 'standalone product'? He kept talking about purchasing one, but never said what it was, did, or why it is necessary.
During my tenure of library clerk, I have worked with Gaylord, then Follet and now we have an AMLIB system. The differences between them really aren't all that great. The screen may be layed out somewhat differently, how you move from screen to screen may also be different, but all in all, they are the same.
I am all in favor for the different companies to get together and find a system that will work for All libraries. They say that tight-wad librarians are to blame for the technology slowdown in this field. I beg to differ saying it is the upper echelons in these companies that know libraries have to have a system and make us pay handsomely for those services.
Mr. Pace also says that "new products and services now drive vendor development and wow librarians at trade shows. Portals, metasearch tools, reference linking software, radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs), and digital asset management systems now dominate the world of library automation." Knowing what we work with daily, any improvement would probably 'wow' me. Recently while reading an article about RFID I was 'wowed' at what that could do to help our library with regards to security, quicker customer service and the help with overdues, shelving, and locating books quickly. Maybe someday....
Inside the Google machine: This was very interesting seeing all the points of light registering active Google searches. I know that when a patron asks us a question we don't know the answer to, we frequently go to Google for an answer.
It is great that Google is 'giving back' to charities and starting a Foundation. I also thought it was interesting to hear them say that only about 30% of searches come from the United States. I would have thought it would be higher. I wasn't aware of the Googlette out there, such as news, Google answers, or Froggle. I also didn't realize that Blogger was Google originated.
Hopefully Google will continue to be a viable source for information as it seems to be still going in that direction. The 20% work time devoted to personal hobbies and interests was also a great idea.
Muddiest Point: Don't really have one this week. But wouldn't mind some clarification about the different networks. Bus-Star-Ring. From the lecture I'm guessing that Star would be the best one to have if we have an option????
Comments: Jeremy: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3413864360557025238&postID=5905534326427760081
April: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8747228788318880740&postID=1932302019534974834
Lauren A: http://lma32.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
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2 comments:
Joan,
I also found it interesting to contemplate that no one really "owns" the internet. It would be nice if someone companies did get together and came up with a universal library system, but realistically, I don't ever see that happening. Just working in the hotel industry, each department had their own computer system besides the general hotel one and that was at one place! Cheers to hoping.
Joan,
I was glad to see your comments about the ILS systems. I don't know what a stand alone product is either. The article seemed to be more about marketing ILS systems at times than explaining what they did or were.
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