I believe that going forward, RSS feeds are the technology that will be most helpful to both librarians and patrons.
Librarians and library users alike are charged with the task of sorting through multitudes of information to find what they need. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, with the haystack growing exponentially larger each day.
RSS feeds help make all this available information more managable. RSS feeds from databases allow the user to do a search on a desired topic, and then subscribe to the feed to receive updates when something fitting that search criteria is added to the database. This can assist researchers tremendously. RSS feeds will also help librarians stay in touch with societal trends, which will help keep libraries relevant.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
RFID
Description
Use in Libraries
RFID technology can be used in the library setting as inventory control. It provides an easy way to check items out and in (possible applications include self-checkout, and the ablity to scan many items at once). It can also be used to track materials that are in the library (ex. taking stock of what is on the shelves, and whether or not they are in order). This technology can also be used as a security system.
Expected Social Impact
There are both good and bad aspects to the potential social impact of RFID technology. On the good side, inventory tracking for just about any type of business will be simplier and more efficient. (Except, perhaps for the aluminum foil industry, as RFID tags are not readable through multiple layers of aluminum foil!)
On the negative side, there are some potentially huge privacy issues with RFID technology. The U.S. Government uses RFID tags in passports, to track citizens' travel. Tags are already being implanted in humans. While this has its advantages (for example, tags can contain information about a person's medical conditions), there is potential for the information contained on the tag to be misused.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) works by implanting an identification tag, which contains a memory chip as well as an antenna, in an object that can be read by a radio transmitter tool. The transmitter sends out a radio signal, and the tag "answers back," providing data about the object it is attached to.
Unlike a barcode, an RFID tag does not require direct contact to be read, because radio waves can pass through most objects. Likewise, items do not have to be read one at a time, many items can be scanned at once.
RFID tags can be attached to just about anything.
For example, this is my best buddy Max:
Use in Libraries
RFID technology can be used in the library setting as inventory control. It provides an easy way to check items out and in (possible applications include self-checkout, and the ablity to scan many items at once). It can also be used to track materials that are in the library (ex. taking stock of what is on the shelves, and whether or not they are in order). This technology can also be used as a security system.
Expected Social Impact
There are both good and bad aspects to the potential social impact of RFID technology. On the good side, inventory tracking for just about any type of business will be simplier and more efficient. (Except, perhaps for the aluminum foil industry, as RFID tags are not readable through multiple layers of aluminum foil!)
On the negative side, there are some potentially huge privacy issues with RFID technology. The U.S. Government uses RFID tags in passports, to track citizens' travel. Tags are already being implanted in humans. While this has its advantages (for example, tags can contain information about a person's medical conditions), there is potential for the information contained on the tag to be misused.
RSS
Description
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) makes it easy for users to go to a single place to view web content from many different sources. Rather than having to visit individual sites to see if they have been updated or new content has been added, users can subscribe to the sites using RSS, and when updates occur, the user is notified.
Use in Libraries
A great example of how libraries are using RSS feeds can be found at the Library of Congress’ RSS web page. Users can sign up to receive several types of feeds from the LOC, such as events, or news on special topics. LOC also offers a feed that is delivered weekly that contains new and updated Subject Headings and Classification numbers, which is very helpful for those of us toiling away in Library Land.
Online databases are offering RSS feeds as a way to keep tabs on your favorite journals and most-used searches. When a new journal issue or content fitting your search criteria is added to the database, the RSS feed alerts you.
Additionally, library patrons can create an account on a web site like Library Elf, and the RSS feed will help them keep track of the library materials they have checked out.
Expected Social Impact
There is a wealth of information available out there, but it is only valuable if people can use it. In a world of information overload, RSS feeds are an enormously valuable tool in helping users manage the content and sift through to find what they need.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) makes it easy for users to go to a single place to view web content from many different sources. Rather than having to visit individual sites to see if they have been updated or new content has been added, users can subscribe to the sites using RSS, and when updates occur, the user is notified.
A user sets up an account with an RSS reader service (also called an aggregator), such as Bloglines. The user chooses which blogs and other sites he or she would like to follow. The user adds the feed for each blog to the reader site, then only has to go to the reader site to follow all his or her favorite sites. Some readers can even be set up as a desktop icon. It's like having the headlines of the newspaper delivered directly to you.
Common Craft's In Plain English series does a great job of explaining RSS:
Use in Libraries
A great example of how libraries are using RSS feeds can be found at the Library of Congress’ RSS web page. Users can sign up to receive several types of feeds from the LOC, such as events, or news on special topics. LOC also offers a feed that is delivered weekly that contains new and updated Subject Headings and Classification numbers, which is very helpful for those of us toiling away in Library Land.
Online databases are offering RSS feeds as a way to keep tabs on your favorite journals and most-used searches. When a new journal issue or content fitting your search criteria is added to the database, the RSS feed alerts you.
Additionally, library patrons can create an account on a web site like Library Elf, and the RSS feed will help them keep track of the library materials they have checked out.
Expected Social Impact
There is a wealth of information available out there, but it is only valuable if people can use it. In a world of information overload, RSS feeds are an enormously valuable tool in helping users manage the content and sift through to find what they need.
Podcasts
Description
The word Podcast comes from the words "iPod" and "broadcast" (any media player, not just an iPod, will allow you to listen to a podcast). “Podcast” usually refers to an audio recording that is posted online (sometimes the term is used to describe video recordings, but usually it means audio). Using podcasting software and a microphone, a podcaster records whatever he or she desires, and can then edit the podcast, add music, sound effects, and so on. The file is then uploaded to a podcasting site.
To listen to a podcast, you can either download it onto a computer or media player device, or you can go to the website and listen to there; at the website you may have the option to subscribe to a podcast "channel" through an RSS feed.
Here's the In Plain English explanation of Podcasting:
Use in Libraries
Libraries are using podcasts in some fun and interesting ways. The King County Law Library has a podcast channel that covers various legal topics and timely legal issues.
The word Podcast comes from the words "iPod" and "broadcast" (any media player, not just an iPod, will allow you to listen to a podcast). “Podcast” usually refers to an audio recording that is posted online (sometimes the term is used to describe video recordings, but usually it means audio). Using podcasting software and a microphone, a podcaster records whatever he or she desires, and can then edit the podcast, add music, sound effects, and so on. The file is then uploaded to a podcasting site.
To listen to a podcast, you can either download it onto a computer or media player device, or you can go to the website and listen to there; at the website you may have the option to subscribe to a podcast "channel" through an RSS feed.
Here's the In Plain English explanation of Podcasting:
Use in Libraries
Libraries are using podcasts in some fun and interesting ways. The King County Law Library has a podcast channel that covers various legal topics and timely legal issues.
The Denver Public Library has a children's storytime channel with recordings of children's books, which could be used to help kids (and adults) learn to read.
Additionally, the Library Success Wiki has a listing of libraries that use podcasting technology.
Expected Social Impact
While it seems that the internet is all abuzz with video and picture-based everything, there is still room for audio-based content. For one thing, people who have computer-based jobs and have to look at a computer screen all day long (and then, say, are also enrolled in virtual classes and have to look at a computer screen all evening...) may want to exercise their other senses once in a while.
Also, this technology holds some appeal to people who are visually impaired. Podcasts can also be downloaded and enjoyed during driving or working out.
Podcasts are also a great way to preserve and share oral histories, as can be seen on the Library of Congress channel dedicated to oral histories of those who endured slavery, Voices from the Days of Slavery.
Blogs
If you post a blog about blogs, do you break the internet?
Description
The word "blog" is a shortened version of the term "web log"; simply put, a blog is a website that is regularly updated. There are many different types of blogs out there. A blog may cover the news, or may focus on a specific subject. Blogs can be maintained by individuals or organizations; they often have a distinctive “voice” or “personality” that comes through. Beneath each blog entry, there is usually space for readers to comment, so each entry may evolve into its own subject-specific discussion. Blogs run by individuals can sometimes be treated like an open-access diaries, but truly good blogs are vehicles for the delivery of information and inspiration for lively discussion.
I love the In Plain English series by Common Craft. Here's a great explanation of Blogs in Plain English:
Use in Libraries
Many libraries use blogs to communicate with their audience. They may blog to announce information about their organizations, post relevant information on a timely topic, advertise collections and services, and so forth.
There are so many library blogs out there that it's hard to keep track. The Blogging Libraries Wiki keeps a list of all the libraries that blog.
Librarians as individuals have jumped on the blogging bandwagon, too, and there are blogs that cover all sorts of library topics, from cataloging to library humor (one of my personal favorites in the humor category is The Effing Librarian).
Expected Social Impact
Blogs are a primary source of information for many people now; however in spite of the popularity of their current form, this technology already seems to be evolving into something new. Once upon a time, society showed its thirst for knowledge by the desire to sit down and read an entire book. With the development of blogs, it seems we have transitioned to a point of wanting information delivered in small sips. And now with the explosion of popularity of the micro-blogging site Twitter, it seems that society is evolving into a preference for having information delivered one drop at a time.
Because authors are competing with millions of other blogs for an audience, blogs are often written with the intent of entertaining and captivating an audience. Therefore users may grow to expect that information will only be delivered in a highly entertaining, engaging fashion. While this sounds like a great idea, it might not always be the best or most practical means of delivery. This could quickly develop into a situation of “blogging for blogging’s sake,” and rather than providing solid resources for information will only add to the strain of information overload.
Description
The word "blog" is a shortened version of the term "web log"; simply put, a blog is a website that is regularly updated. There are many different types of blogs out there. A blog may cover the news, or may focus on a specific subject. Blogs can be maintained by individuals or organizations; they often have a distinctive “voice” or “personality” that comes through. Beneath each blog entry, there is usually space for readers to comment, so each entry may evolve into its own subject-specific discussion. Blogs run by individuals can sometimes be treated like an open-access diaries, but truly good blogs are vehicles for the delivery of information and inspiration for lively discussion.
I love the In Plain English series by Common Craft. Here's a great explanation of Blogs in Plain English:
Use in Libraries
Many libraries use blogs to communicate with their audience. They may blog to announce information about their organizations, post relevant information on a timely topic, advertise collections and services, and so forth.
There are so many library blogs out there that it's hard to keep track. The Blogging Libraries Wiki keeps a list of all the libraries that blog.
Librarians as individuals have jumped on the blogging bandwagon, too, and there are blogs that cover all sorts of library topics, from cataloging to library humor (one of my personal favorites in the humor category is The Effing Librarian).
Expected Social Impact
Blogs are a primary source of information for many people now; however in spite of the popularity of their current form, this technology already seems to be evolving into something new. Once upon a time, society showed its thirst for knowledge by the desire to sit down and read an entire book. With the development of blogs, it seems we have transitioned to a point of wanting information delivered in small sips. And now with the explosion of popularity of the micro-blogging site Twitter, it seems that society is evolving into a preference for having information delivered one drop at a time.
Because authors are competing with millions of other blogs for an audience, blogs are often written with the intent of entertaining and captivating an audience. Therefore users may grow to expect that information will only be delivered in a highly entertaining, engaging fashion. While this sounds like a great idea, it might not always be the best or most practical means of delivery. This could quickly develop into a situation of “blogging for blogging’s sake,” and rather than providing solid resources for information will only add to the strain of information overload.
IRLS 571 Unit 5 Assignment
The next four posts you'll see are part of my Unit 5 Assignment for IRLS 571, Introduction to Information Technology. I'll be discussing four technologies and how they are used in libraries.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, November 20, 2009
well hello there
Despite being sort of social network-y, I have never set up a blog. So...here we go.
Hi. Yes, you there. Hello. How's your day going?
Hi. Yes, you there. Hello. How's your day going?
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