Pre-installed VM Versus Building My Own

To be quite honest, I think I liked building our own VM. At least for me this provided more insight so that I understood what the requirements were and what elements were needed to make a VM work. Having a pre-installed VM didn’t give me the complete perspective and especially the appreciation for a VM. The preconfigured solution did not mean that I dedicated more time to the collection. Instead I dedicated myself to other things that needed to be done. In having to perform the configuration I felt that I forced myself to be thinking of why certain configurations were necessary and how they would fit into the overall creation of the VM and add to the functionality. Yes, for me I would definitely have to say that loosing the opportunity to learn about how a repository is structured and modified from scratch prevented me from getting a better grasp on the repository as a whole and how there are different elements that provide differ features and also how some depend on each other, this forced me to think about the collection from the beginning. This is as opposed to dealing with a collection and not having an understanding of how it can be used within the repository and what a repository has as its main and potential features to enhance your collection or that limit your collection. I most definitely have to say that my preference is to build my own. This will remain true as long as the instruction tell us what we are doing and why.

Unit 8: Service Provider Review

The service providers I have selected are as follows:

1) METALIS: Service Provider for the Library and Information Science field. We harvest metadata from institutions that offer full-text papers and documents about Library and Information Science

2) OASIC : Search engine for french articles, memories and thesis in Communication and Information Sciences. It provides a single point of access to a significant number of Open Archives in these areas.

3) Scirus: Concentrates on scientific content only and by searching both web and (often proprietary) databases. Scirus' aim is to provide scientists with one comprehensive search platform covering both the web and the normally "invisible" databases. Scirus now harvests Open Archives data.

A good federated search I would offer has several characteristics. Some characteristics that come to mind are that a federated search should…

• Have a high level retrieval effectiveness of individual collections/resources. If each collection/resources does not have good metadata the results will also mediocre.
• Retrieving unique results across different resources
• The ability to be able to present the search results is a meaningful way to the user, either by categorizing the results that came from a specific collection, by a certain author and the like.
• Be sustainable as the number of collections being searched grows.

I do feel that the service providers were good overall examples of employing federates searches for the reasons discussed above and especially for the reason I address below in being a source of similar information and thus producing a better searh results page from a specified query.

Some sites may choose to index metadata from a large number of repositories and my outlook on this is that has both its advantages as it does its drawback. For example, if the College of Arts and Humanities is implementing a repository then it would serve a great purpose if the contents and collections were of relevancy and within a certain scope so that its community could make most of the information. An individual not seeking information in this area of expertise or interest would not find this repository of the highest value. In that sense, if a repository is made up of a large quantity of unlike and broad disciplines, then the usefulness to the focused user would diminish. Generally speaking, we categorize the like with the like and similarly my thought would agree with a repository. The amount repositories indexed is not a problem so much as that resource has a defined purpose. Have repositories of unique and unrelated meta data can slow things down and just present other challenges, such a process of elimination for search results for the user.

Unit 7: Catalog Record Challenges

There were two distinct challenges that I experienced in cataloging my items:

Challenge #1: Selecting the Subject Listing

This proved not to be as straight-forward as I expected, especially considering there is a wide range of possible subjects. In my situation where I found myself having to make a decision, and having to really consider what really my deposit was, was deciding the most appropriate subject. Specifically. for a couple of images I ended up deciding to choose “T Technology > TR Photography” as the subject. Technology really would not have been my first thought. Originally I started out thinking the subject that best suited the images of my children was “N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General)”. This is because such an image depending on what I may use the image for can be considered visual arts as it is an image that has a purpose to produce general feelings through the sense of seeing, the visual aspect of our senses. Ultimately I decided that the best subject was “T Technology > TR Photography” because the images will be many and not all of them will used as art, but instruments of memory and personal gratification that came through the use if technology, the digital camera which produced a digital image.

Challenge #2: Selecting the appropriate keywords

I had to ask myself if this was supposed to be something different than the text I inputted in the “abstract” field. Generally speaking, they were always the same because the words that were used depict the abstract were keyword terms that appropriately and most accurately described the image. I then decided the keywords needed to have a set of rules or guidelines, especially in the word tense and other grammatical distinctions. This is so that when that when I, or others, are attempting to search for an item the conventions will be set forth so that searches do not produce empty results as a consequences of choosing to input the wrong word choice, for example inputting a verb as or a plural instead of a noun or the single form of a word. This will increase search timing and increase system efficiency in locating and displaying the correct results.

As far as approaching the problem of consistency I believe it is important to set conventions and guidelines when inputting information in fields such as “keywords” and “abstracts” as well as “subject”. This will minimize the potential for error in search results and it will improve efficiencies and produce a well formed, balanced and predictable repository system. I mean this in the sense that if the user follows the conventions/guidelines in the text they input they can predictable results that correspond to their search terms.

Unit 5: Drupal Discussion

I installed the Link module, it is CCK content field which let me add a link to my content types. I was able to decide if I wanted to include URL, title, and optionally a target attribute.

Now that I have had the opportunity to experiment with some modules I can a much better grasp of how Drupal can help me manage my image collection. Different modules add to the cleanliness of the entering and updating data. Also, I like how I can prevent errors is making certain characteristics required or through the “Help” text box let the user know what I am expecting them to type in and how. Such error checking and specificity will allow me to confide more in others to enter data, and at the way that I and it, not how they happened to enter the information. I will not have to rely on if they remember how I wanted information entered. I also do not have to think about the potential deletion of items, I can specify what each user has the capability of doing. Overall, I have to say that I have a very positive impression of this product. Even though you provided the instructions, it was easy to use and navigate. Again, these assignments also allowed me to accomplish 2 things, very important at that. I can a now have a very real and likely option for my digital collection as well as a minor understanding of how this may work in an organization setting as with an intranet. Instead of having to hear a presentation of the prepackaged CMS, this allowed me to have a better understanding of the behind the scenes requirement of such a product. Very cool!

Unit 3: Thoughts on Taking 2 Classes

Taking two classes has definitely been much more challenging, especially because the majority of the students are adults with families and professions. Someone it is a much more unique than the undergraduate experience of a par-time job with no kids and other responsibilities. I have to say that what is most noticeable to me in the amount of reading that is done each week for each class. The technical portion of it I find to be less noticeable, I believe because I enjoy this aspect of the course. So as far as the pace of the technology assignments I think the pace is appropriate. The reading may be reduced a bit, but then again it may seem like a lot to me because both courses are requiring quite a bit. I think more discussion on such topics is more interactive instead of one specific discussion question and it will make it more interesting.

I know I have already this before, but I appreciate the clearness of the instructions when we are doing our technology assignments. The steps are very easy to follow and the fact that you provide the reason for such commands makes grasping the concepts and commands understandable.

Unit 2: CMS Article Discussion

In reading CMS/CMS: content management system/change management strategies I quickly related to the change concept. This is because the Phoenix Public Library is in phases of changing its virtual presence. Just like the article stated a "committee" has formed to make strategical and tactical decisions in the direction the virtual library presence will take. For this reason different people, at different levels and outlooks were selected as part of this group. Prior to this there was another group that was established with the best interest of the website. What ended up happening was that the meeting turned into brain-storming seminars about the cool things for the library website to employ. The problem was that this structure lacked fulfillment and responsibility to execute. Many ideas died at the table with the agreement that it was important and in addition upper management was not invested in the major direction or presence that the virtual environment had or could have. Now there is more fulfillment and execution with a priority in making this the best experience for the public, just like they value the experience of going to a physical branch.

If a content management system can help create a virtual environment that easily and conveniently facilities it target audience, the Library needs to invest resources, through finances, personnel and initiatives to create an understanding and support movement that such change is necessary because ultimately the goal is to provide the best experience and service level to its visitors, even if it is a virtual experience and electronically delivered service. In involving key people in the decision-making group, these change agents can relay the importance of the change and also express the other point of view to a management team that in many respects may be a bit divided between reality and their own agendas. Additionally, in agreement with the article, the CMS implementation needs to reflect an overall purpose not just an implementation of technologies and an outpour of databases and collections. It should be a reflection of the entity and its missions, community and also a coordinated and organized reflection of all its resources. What message, usability factors, and other elements are of value and needed to the users? I enjoyed this article very much.

Unit 1: Digital Collection - E Prints

The digital collection I have collected is comprised of digital images of my children. I like to have images of special occasions and holidays. I would most definitely access it the most for reason such as enjoyment, editing the images and updating the collection. My husband and I would love t share this collection with our immediate family and intimate friends. The term of access would be very strict. There would be a short list of people that would have complete viewing access, an even shorter list (just my husband) who would be able to manipulate and manage the database, and fewer people could receive special privileges as granted by us (for example long-lost family members).

Unit 13: PHP

When the course started I was at a superficial level, mainly because it had been years since I put any of this into practice. Like they say of you don’t use it, you’ll loose it. I think this could not be more true when it comes to technology, especially because there is tons to be on top of in terms of change and understanding. In the curriculum for my Computer Information Systems degree, a lot of these topics were covered and topics such as programming were covered more in depth, but again, I had not put them into practice so this was a good refresher for me.

I can honestly say that when I was earning my CIS degree at no time did I ever really associate it with a library setting. Through this course I can see that technology is in every realm of businesses and organizations and that people with this know-how are needed to bring their entity’s forward, or they will stay behind and in a sense be useless because people are demanding everything digitized, electronic and more importantly…fast and now!

As a result of this being a technology course that applies to libraries, I have most defiantly heightened my understanding of the role technology plays in libraries carrying out essential functions in today’s’ world. More than anything, I am almost scared that there are not enough individuals with a strong technology foundation in librarianship. In order for us to remain vital and survive, we need to able to support and fight for such technologies that the public is expecting now, we have no choice if we want to remain relevant as an information institution.

Unit 12 - Review of Articles

The main point I interpreted from the article was immense need for project management using a specific style. It was interesting to have the message and examples brought out about how an academic library was piloting such management technique to not only smaller scale projects but to larger ones as well. The testimony at the end that this was the best way they could have gone and this is the way that they will go when implementing projects is very powerful coming from a person that did not use it before, used it and loved it. It’s kind of like a before and after. All the articles relayed pretty much the same message, project management is necessary and library projects are not exception, it no longer just applies to corporate projects or only to large scale projects.

I particularly enjoyed reading the article about why you should not use project management. It is catchy and you are able to discern the necessity of implementing different technique and following and adapting to style to reach success. Otherwise it easy to see how many components can effect you project and even cause its failure. I like the point by point, it made it easier and more interesting to read. All in all I also understand the responsibility and complexity of being a project manager, don’t know that I envy that responsibility.

Assignment 13 – SQL

When I am doing the video tutorials, everything seems to make sense, They always seem to be a great supplement with the readings. From last weeks assignment when we had to create the ERD, I noticed that when I get tot the point of conceptualizing a database, I seem to be over thinking it and making it more complicated than it should be. What has been more of a challenge for me is remembering that designated SQL keywords associated with a specific action. It is obvious when I see it done, but because I do not have tons of practice, at the moment when I sometimes try to think of unique scenarios I find it difficult to remember the syntax and what word/phrase goes where in the query. I can see how SQL is very powerful to a company because you can’t keep a separate database for each type of information you want to provide, instead creating a maintaining a good database will provide you with more useful information because the type of information needed may constantly change especially as the data changes also.

Remembering the syntax and being able to apply keywords to more complicated queries is where I need to take more time and practice. In particular, the SQL GUI user interface, like Webmin, are obviously more comfortable to me because GUI’s are what I am used to, but the conceptualization whether I am using a GUI or not is the underlying foundation for a good database.

Unit 10: Thoughts on DB's

There are some items that I find a bit confusing, I am sure that with more practice it will make more sense. I am thinking that the image collection I created which is of my family is a “is a” type. I am still a bit confused about the attributes for the daughter, sin and husband tables, in the sense of if they are supposed to incorporate the Person_ID, considering that they are all a “person”. I am going to have to further study this type of relationship through readings to see how this is explained so that I can apply. I am going to go through one additional tutorial to get a better grasp.

Unit 9 Assignment 2: Article Analysis

The reading I will focus on is from the library Journal, “Technoplans vs. Technolust”

I could definitely see the points of both the “technoplans” and the “technolust”. This is because I am part of a big library system that has groups of people that want to push technology initiatives in a timely and fairly efficient manner. Then there are some decision making individuals that are the ones that seem to bottleneck the process due to fears, not understanding the benefit, not knowing how to deal with inquiries from the public or because they do not know how to market such technology the key decision-making individuals in the City government.

One great point made in the article is that those individuals that are technology hungry need to understand that not all technology fits in every organizations and its purpose and/or mission. Many factors need to be considered like how and who will benefit, will the technology provide a service that will benefit the community? Many such questions need to be asked and answered in order to have a good fit between the technology and the community. It is a benefit to have such individuals in out organizations, especially libraries, because they will bring issues and technologies forth that may otherwise go unnoticed and in the long run be a detriment because we did not serve our communities needs.

The above was just one good point made. Several other points were made because smaller libraries may not take many of the factors discussed into account because they are just trying to survive with the technologies that they can afford and maybe their community needs and demands are not as great as those of a larger city.

In my overall opinion I enjoyed this particular reading because I can identify the “technoplans” and the “technolust” at my library systems that are at both sides of this spectrum. The article clearly outlined concrete aspects to consider and offered food for thought. The concepts were important but presented in a very real manner. I get more from articles that are straight to the point and do not need to tell a long story to drive the point home. This reading was straightforward and I was able to understand the mission of t

Unit 8: Assignement 6 (XML)

Learning XML was pretty cool. In my opinion it was funner learning this than it was HTML, I understand there are differences in their purpose but it the rules are much easier and logical to abide by. The tutorials from w3schools are very good. I had previously used these and I think they are very direct and are made to be easily understood while being very effective. The video was also helpful, but I was able to understand the w3schools tutorials so the video tutorial was an enhancement in a sense a review. As of today I have not yet explored the advanced modules, but there is no question that I will make time to do this.

As far as the installation of my demo system, things seems to being good, although late last night I ran into some difficulties when executing some commands that were required for the homework. I have posted to the activity section and am sure this will help.

Unit 7 - Assignment 8

Well, this week was quite fun. It had been a good while since I did anything with using HTML. I was glad that we got into it. I used the tutorials that were suggested on the assignment. I also found myself going out to the Internet to see how to do other things like setting the background and changing the size of the text. I also looked at the tutorial for CSS. I wish I would have a little more time to do this for this page we posted. I know it is incredibly useful for formatting. I will make an effort to find time to fit it in so that I can review it and create some CSS's. I hope that we get a chance to do more with HTML. I think actually coding instead of using a software product is much more of an experience. Though Dreamweaver and Frontpage easily allow for a more eye-pleasing page, especially if you did not do a lot with the HTML for this site that we just created.

As far as the progress on the installation of my demo system, I am happy with how things are going (I better go knock on wood). There have been some bumps but fortunately with the help of the professor and other students, I have been able to resolve them in a fairly quick amount of time.

Unit 5 - Adding Users

I think that it went well, overall. There was a good time I had to spend on troubleshooting, then come to realize that the trouble was a result of a typo. Though I hate to say that these problems actually help me understand things a little better and make me be more careful at the command line. Overall, I think it is cool to be learning this. I am impressed with everything that can be done, who would have know? I think that this is going to benefit me in the future greatly, at least the exposure and not being scared or intimidated to try such tasks when I need to, Not to mention the ability to have a greater understanding of what Unix/Linus and the general overview of how they are used. I actually have an admiration for Unix administrators, and those the write scripts, there is a lot to learn and I am sure it takes a great while to master it enough that you can maintain an good system. I have to say, it was so much better adding users with a GUI interface, I guess when this is what you grew up using it is hard to open your eyes to see that there are other effective ways of doing things.

Unit 4: Reflections on using Commands

The hands on assignments are definitely necessary. Practice helps. The readings before hand are essential so that when you get to doing the assignments you are not totally lost, at this helped me. I have to admit that I was a little weary of starting the actual commands. I think i understood it and the tutorial really helped. I most definitely need more practice to become more comfortable. I am excited about learning though. Some of the commands i practiced were from the tutorial like seeing the list of files under a directory and creating a backup. This is all easy to do with instructions but wonder if at the moment when I don't have them in front of me how will I remember the command and the proper syntax. All in all, everything went well. I am excited to earn and practice, hopefully I retain most of it because it does seem to become more intimidating as we get more into it. I guess I am so stuck the GUI interface that it is going to take some getting used to reprogram my head.

Unit 3 - Booting Ubuntu

As of right now I have not had much success with booting Ubuntu. I went into my system's BIOS to change the boot order and as of yet that has not helped. I am going to try once again to download the product and save it to another CD and see what this does.

I hope to have full access to the tutorials very shortly. I have been having many issues creating my net ID. Just a few minutes ago I spoke to Coleen and the Grad college and everything should be done by today. I will happily start doing this tutorials as this will hopefully signify that there will be no more access issues. Right now..off I go to try to download and install Ubunto again.

Unit 2: Assignment 1

Good afternoon,

I will address the "Why does Windows OS's prone to Viruses or always a target by hackers?" post.

I was attracted to this post because at work, especially with individuals that are technically savvy, we regularly have discussions on a PC environment versus Apple. I understand all the points made by the different users, especially as far as the percentage of market share they hold, their own platform administrative rights and the such. To me, all and all, any deficiencies that may be in a system still do not not provide others the right to maliciously hurt/damage other individuals property by means of viruses and the such. I do not want to defend one certain type of operating system or a PC versus MAC, but if Microsoft is used by the large of a segment, then it is so unfortunate that they are at the highest risk for damage. But, we should all take precaution to protect our property and valuable items, as we would with our home.

Mara