Week 14 Readings

Cloud Computing: What is it, and why do we need it?
I read the article and watched YouTube. Still didn't quite get what it does. The article said, "IT always needs: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software."
I guess that's why Microsoft has been promoting their software and hardware so hard the past few years. If we really don't need all the stuff we have been purchasing, some companies will start losing money. How can these other businesses stay in business if they don't charge for their services? Or is it just so much cheaper???

YouTube: There were websites mentioned that I have never heard of.
I did just use Google Docs for an assignment in another class. That was kind of neat seeing everyone's information gathered and stored all in one place.
But Google App Engine, Amazon EC2, and others were all new to me.
It was interesting, but still confusing to read that "in tandem with Web 2.0 Cloud Computing has the potential to change the face of the entire computing industry." The computing industry is huge and I don't feel that I have had enough exposure except the few parts in this class.

#3 The Future of Libraries --
Wow - what a lot of information!
So, we are to change our history as a repository and begin our journey as a Library of the Future!
Trend #1: What is the "ultimate form of communication?" We we ever get there? I love the idea of a video phone. J.D. Robb writes about them in her "in death" series. You can block video if you are 'indisposed'. I guess we have reached Star Trek's 'communication device' with our cell phones. It was stated that "every technology has a limited lifespan". It really makes me wonder what will replace some things we take for granted.

Trend #4: I would love to smell something and have it appear. How will search technology be controlled by smell, taste, texture of volume? Our Library Director told me that I probably know more technology now after only having my first two classes in this degree than she does. Technology has evolved so much in the last 20 years.

Trend #6: I certainly hope that literacy will NOT be dead by the year 2050. I don't care if my computer talks back to me, but I will always want to read a book, and be able to carry it with me wherever I go.

Trend #7: If they want Libraries to be "in charge of archiving and disseminating the foundational pieces of information necessary for the new systems to take root", then librarians had better be taught better. Our last inservice was almost embarrassing. There was one pseudo-technology class that was offered, and that was how to do On-line Reservations. Librarians working today are not given the opportunity to learn new technology, at least where I am. We won't be able to be the new face of the library in this regard unless some serious training starts taking place.

Trend #10: I am totally in favor of tapping into the spirit of the community and providing the resources to support whatever is needed. I would love to get a band together and have jam sessions. We do have the teens in for gaming nights occasionally. We do use our community room for an art studio on Saturdays. Unfortunately, the teacher charges a fee. In order to run these other blogger stations, or other techno services, we would need more training, or know who to contact to help out with these services.
We would also need the community members support because this library is Not quiet. This library sound like it is having too much fun!
Hopefully we will be able to provide these kinds of services to those in need as well as keeping our loyal patrons happy with our current services.
It ought to be a fun ride!


Muddiest Point: Cloud Computing - Not really sure how to use this technology. How is is different than storing information on our browser like Dr. He talked about recently? How will this change the face of the entire computing industry? What is the difference between Web 2.0 and the Deep Web? How do things get in and out of Deep Web, or the Cloud?



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