Week 1 notes

1) OCLC report: Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers (2004). http://www.oclc.org/reports/2004format.htm

The most interesting concept brought up in this article is that people are coming “format agnostic”; that is, they don’t care what medium their information in delivered in.  I would argue, though, that they aren’t completely agnostic. Yes, there are many formats to choose from, but people have a preference.  Some like to read information, while others like to listen to it.  Fortunately, they often have the choice.  The news industry has been adapting to this “format agnostic” model in the past 10 years or so; most newspapers offer online content such as videos and podcasts in addition to their print additions.  It allows consumers to choose their preferred format.

The implications of self publishing are enormous as well, as we discussed in depth in LIS 2000 (Understanding Information).  Anyone can be an author, whether it’s online through a website or blog or in print with a “zine.”  Having no gatekeeper such as an editor or publisher is powerful, because although it’s easier for people to get ideas to the masses, it also makes it easier for a lot of bad or wrong information to go out.

I thought the information about phone use was particularly interesting.  I read an article recently that predicted that GPS devices and digital cameras will soon fall into obscurity because new smartphones have these capabilities built in in qualities that are just as good as the separate counterparts.


2) Clifford Lynch, “Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture” http://www.cni.org/staff/cliffpubs/info_and_IT_literacy.pdf

The two levels of information technology literacy were clear-cut.  Most people learn how to use technology. But the most successful people learn how that technology works.  The comparison to learning to type was effective.  Now, if typing is the only skill you have, you won’t get far.  Learning how computer systems work make it easier to adapt as technology advances.

3) Vaughan, J. (2005). Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still. Library Hi Tech, 23(1), 34-49. Athttp://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/ViewContentServlet;jsessionid=C5A0E976F56F442F9919082BF1F79360?Filename=Published/EmeraldFullTextArticle/Articles/2380230105.html

This article offered many common technology  problems among libraries and some solutions.  When the UNLV library first opened, the librarians didn’t have to worry about disrupting users’ needs because it was closed.  In 2003, when they replaced all the computers, they had to think about how to do it with the least possible interruption.  This was important because, as they article said, the computers have a high level of usage; sometimes they are all being used, and there is a waiting time.

I thought designating certain computers, such as the laptops, for student use only was fair.  Students pay a high price for tuition, so they should be able to use the school’s facilities with relative ease.  The library did have some security problems, though, and I could see how letting students check out laptops would make them an easy target for theft.

The library’s space problem is a common one across the country; this makes digitization an appealing choice.  Libraries might be wiser to spend more on computers and digital files than on print materials.  It’s more space-effective.

Kristen Huth