The Future of Libraries Beginning the Great Transformation
By Thomas Frey
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/page.php?ID=120
Libraries traditionally have been used to store a large collection of books and other materials that are available for people who choose not too or could not afford to purchase books for themselves. This usage of libraries has begun to change. Information is more readily available today than it has been in history. This is very relevant in everyday usage of the internet, such as reading this article right now. The availability of media online has changed the use of the public library and its appeal to people who read for pleasure.
According to Thomas Frey, there are 10 key trends that are developing the new libraries we will have tomorrow. Trend one is communication. Because communication is constantly evolving and becoming more efficient, the timeline of usage left regarding books and publications is unknown. Trend two is all technologies eventually are replaced by a newer technology, such as the radio, 8 track, tape, CD player, and then the Ipod. Trend three involves the mobility of the new technology. As old technologies are replaced by newer ones we continue to see the size of the unit to decrease. Trend four, technology continues to become more complex and requires a larger user manual as it develops. Trend five, today is faster than it was tomorrow. The day is still the same length, but we have even more to do. Trend six, people will be transition to a verbal society, and our technologies will inhabit these characteristics as well. Trend seven, more global information is being provided, and people are becoming more knowledgeable about foreign cultures. Trend eight, more global systems will be established in our societies. Trend nine, experiences are becoming a more popular way of understanding information. Trend ten, libraries will become more of a culture attraction than a place to obtain knowledge.
I believe these trends are very correct in the observations of how information evolves. This will affect libraries and their usage in our current and future cultures very much. I do believe that libraries will be around for many more years, and will be reborn. Just as in trends with technology and fashion, often past ideas are revisited and improved upon. Even though we view libraries how they are today, they may become a more critical part of our lives in the future in another form or use.
-TJ
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
News Report 3
Tech gurus use power of Web to help veterans
By: A. Pawloski
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/02/13/veterans.help.web.site/index.html
A group of tech savvy web designers have created USAtogether.org which enables veterans and active-duty U.S. troops to reach out to others for help. USAtogether is the child of Dave Mahler who was a former engineer with 13 years experience at Hewlett-Packard designing servers and software. A few years back Dave was in search of a new community service project, when he came up with the idea of creating a project that would help U.S. troops. The start of his project took birth in the Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto. He used select stories and needs of its residents to launch his site. Browsers could select which requests they wanted to contribute to or whom they wanted to support.
Dave tried to combine the elements of Craigslist which eliminated the bureaucracy of the process in combination with the micro-lending web site that allows users to browse profiles of entrepreneurs to choose someone to give a small loan to called Kiva.org. USAtogether allows users to find a person in need by zip code, branch of service or need, creating a one to one link with the contributor and the person in need. All help that is requested is screened by volunteers of the site and keep the requests to less than 1,000 dollars. They also try to focus the attention of help towards items that really benefit people, so you will not see posts for the purchase of a new stereo.
I really think this is a great opportunity for those who have extra income or desire to help someone in need. I believe the people posting for help truly need the attention and support due to the pre screening of a post. This ensures that the help goes to a good cause and is not a scam. The best thing about this site is that people are already contributing and has been successful in helping veterans in need out. I believe it is a great example of how technology can help improve the well being of others.
-TJ
By: A. Pawloski
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/02/13/veterans.help.web.site/index.html
A group of tech savvy web designers have created USAtogether.org which enables veterans and active-duty U.S. troops to reach out to others for help. USAtogether is the child of Dave Mahler who was a former engineer with 13 years experience at Hewlett-Packard designing servers and software. A few years back Dave was in search of a new community service project, when he came up with the idea of creating a project that would help U.S. troops. The start of his project took birth in the Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto. He used select stories and needs of its residents to launch his site. Browsers could select which requests they wanted to contribute to or whom they wanted to support.
Dave tried to combine the elements of Craigslist which eliminated the bureaucracy of the process in combination with the micro-lending web site that allows users to browse profiles of entrepreneurs to choose someone to give a small loan to called Kiva.org. USAtogether allows users to find a person in need by zip code, branch of service or need, creating a one to one link with the contributor and the person in need. All help that is requested is screened by volunteers of the site and keep the requests to less than 1,000 dollars. They also try to focus the attention of help towards items that really benefit people, so you will not see posts for the purchase of a new stereo.
I really think this is a great opportunity for those who have extra income or desire to help someone in need. I believe the people posting for help truly need the attention and support due to the pre screening of a post. This ensures that the help goes to a good cause and is not a scam. The best thing about this site is that people are already contributing and has been successful in helping veterans in need out. I believe it is a great example of how technology can help improve the well being of others.
-TJ
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
News Report #2
Google Latitude keeps tabs on friends’ locations
By: Stephen Shankland
2 – 4- 09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/02/04/google.latitude/index.html
Google announced the launch of their Latitude software on Wednesday that will allow mobile phone users the ability to share their location with close contacts. The intent of the mobile application is to provide users with the ability to find and track close friends out on the town. To use the new application, users are required to sign up for the service selecting the detail of information they wish to share with others. Current options include the precise location, city, or nothing at all. From testing Google has found that most users are in a give take relationship. Often users share their location with only each other, rather than the single ability for users to only track them. This new technology is strengthened by the practiced skills of Google’s ability to develop mapping and location technology. Google has hopes of their new mobile technology expanding to location based advertising use, allowing an increase in revenue from advertisers. You may be asking, “Will I be able to use this new app?” For non mobile users, you will be able to log into Google from your computer and track your friends. For use on your mobile, requirements are narrowed to BlackBerry phones, Windows Mobile 5.0, or Symbian-based devices. Google is looking to expand their market to more phones soon.
I have always been amazed by the applications and ideas Google has produced. The new application does not fall short of my expectations of the quality and originality Google creates. It does raise some privacy issues to my mind. While Google has claimed to take users privacy into consideration, I think it is always important to approach these new technologies with a bit of hesitation. I think the use of the application has many capabilities, which is a positive, as well as a negative. The adaptability of this information is great when used for its intent, such as keeping in touch with close friends and family. I do have concern for stalkers, privacy, as well as safety of users. I will be interested in the adaptation of the technology for advertisements based off of your location.
-TJ
By: Stephen Shankland
2 – 4- 09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/02/04/google.latitude/index.html
Google announced the launch of their Latitude software on Wednesday that will allow mobile phone users the ability to share their location with close contacts. The intent of the mobile application is to provide users with the ability to find and track close friends out on the town. To use the new application, users are required to sign up for the service selecting the detail of information they wish to share with others. Current options include the precise location, city, or nothing at all. From testing Google has found that most users are in a give take relationship. Often users share their location with only each other, rather than the single ability for users to only track them. This new technology is strengthened by the practiced skills of Google’s ability to develop mapping and location technology. Google has hopes of their new mobile technology expanding to location based advertising use, allowing an increase in revenue from advertisers. You may be asking, “Will I be able to use this new app?” For non mobile users, you will be able to log into Google from your computer and track your friends. For use on your mobile, requirements are narrowed to BlackBerry phones, Windows Mobile 5.0, or Symbian-based devices. Google is looking to expand their market to more phones soon.
I have always been amazed by the applications and ideas Google has produced. The new application does not fall short of my expectations of the quality and originality Google creates. It does raise some privacy issues to my mind. While Google has claimed to take users privacy into consideration, I think it is always important to approach these new technologies with a bit of hesitation. I think the use of the application has many capabilities, which is a positive, as well as a negative. The adaptability of this information is great when used for its intent, such as keeping in touch with close friends and family. I do have concern for stalkers, privacy, as well as safety of users. I will be interested in the adaptation of the technology for advertisements based off of your location.
-TJ
Monday, February 2, 2009
Reading Report #2
Can Wikipedia Ever Make the Grade?
The Chronicle of Higher Education
From the issue dated October 27, 2006
By Brock Read
I believe Wikipedia has been a great addition to the world of information, providing the public with easy to access information in a timely matter. I found the study by Mr. Halavais to be a great example of how a community as a whole can still correct its self and provide accurate information that is geared for quick information. I do think when using Wikipedia it is good to question the validity of the information being conveyed, but I do believe it does communicate effectively the main idea and broad definition of the topic being researched. I do not think Wikipedia should be considered as a scholarly bank of knowledge and information, but I would state it does have a great chance to help successfully than misinform a person regarding a subject. This belief is reinforced by the average that Britannica articles would average three errors, and Wikipedia post would average about four errors.
I found the information regarding how a person more prone to the computer science/information world would be geared to post, than compared to a writer or poet. I do believe if more promotion within our higher educational classes to contribute and post would help increase the participation from a broader range of educational backgrounds.
I believe only time and increased number of users attracted to being able to publish their hard work of education online will only attribute to a more reliable and informational resource. While it is well on its way, perhaps soon Wikipedia will gain more of a respected reputation within the scholarly community.
- TJ
The Chronicle of Higher Education
From the issue dated October 27, 2006
By Brock Read
I believe Wikipedia has been a great addition to the world of information, providing the public with easy to access information in a timely matter. I found the study by Mr. Halavais to be a great example of how a community as a whole can still correct its self and provide accurate information that is geared for quick information. I do think when using Wikipedia it is good to question the validity of the information being conveyed, but I do believe it does communicate effectively the main idea and broad definition of the topic being researched. I do not think Wikipedia should be considered as a scholarly bank of knowledge and information, but I would state it does have a great chance to help successfully than misinform a person regarding a subject. This belief is reinforced by the average that Britannica articles would average three errors, and Wikipedia post would average about four errors.
I found the information regarding how a person more prone to the computer science/information world would be geared to post, than compared to a writer or poet. I do believe if more promotion within our higher educational classes to contribute and post would help increase the participation from a broader range of educational backgrounds.
I believe only time and increased number of users attracted to being able to publish their hard work of education online will only attribute to a more reliable and informational resource. While it is well on its way, perhaps soon Wikipedia will gain more of a respected reputation within the scholarly community.
- TJ
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