Conclusions for Software Evaluation

Here are the conclusions I drew after evaluating Greenstone Digital Library Software.

Overall, this evaluation has examined the utility of Greenstone Digital Library Software for the creation of a digital repository at the University of Western Ontario. As a large, academic institution, Western has many factors to consider when choosing appropriate software. Primarily this evaluation focused on how well Greenstone performs in terms of functionality, reliability, usability and support services. In terms of these issues, Greenstone seems to rate fairly successfully. With the exception of preserving metadata, Greenstone appears to function effectively as an open source option for libraries to build their own digital repositories for the benefit and use of administrators and patrons. However, attractive features and ease of use are not all that matters. This evaluation has also highlighted the practical implications Western will have to consider before deciding whether to adopt Greenstone as a software option. Issues of cost, time, staff and support may place limitations on Western’s ability to use Greenstone to meet their objectives. Thus, before selecting any software, Western needs to perform a needs assessment to be certain whatever program they choose is right for them as well as an evaluation of their resources to be sure they have the requirements to use such a program. If practical considerations are not made first it is likely such a venture into open source digital repository software will fail at high cost of time and money for the institution regardless of the quality of the software.

Open Source Software at the Archives

Before entering my studies at FIS I had no idea what open source software was. Several of my classes have introduced these programs and the concept behind them as well as how they could be used in a library setting. My interest is whether these programs would have the same utility for an archive. Open source software has been explained to have a customer service orientation to it, its openness allows it to be continually improved for user benefit. Arguably a primary function of libraries and archives is customer service and thus a program that they would own, operate, update and control would seem to best serve their clients' needs. However, open source software programs have a high-learning curve and less support than proprietary software meaning the archives would have to facilitate all the training and ongoing support themselves and that might not be practical for all institutions. So, although archives and their users might benefit from open source software to run databases or email service the practical cost might be too high, particularly for small institutions. Its too early in the game though to say for certain that it is impossible, particularly given I have done little research on the programs themselves or whether there are archives in the world that use such programs. Luckily I am about to start a open source software evaluation project. Stay tuned for my results.

Conclusions on Chad and Miller's Library 2.0 Article

For class I recently did a critical assessment of Ken Chad and Paul Miller's "Do Libraries Matter? The Rise of Library 2.0. Here are my conclusions.

In Do Libraries Matter? Ken Chad and Paul Miller tackle their subject matter in a clear and concise way that not only educates readers on particular issues, but gives them solutions for how these issues might be overcome. Although certain points may be uncorroborated and use of language overly dramatic, the value of the article is that it recognizes there are problems with the situation of libraries that must be addressed. Value is also found in the utility of Chad and Miller’s work. Chad and Miller not only highlight the issues, but offer solutions for library professionals about how libraries could, and should operate in the future. Some may contend however that the utility of these ideas is limited as library 2.0 is still a concept; Chad and Miller’s principles have yet to be fully implemented. Furthermore, do Chad and Miller’s principles speak enough to the practicality of implementing library 2.0? Although seemingly useful, library 2.0 appears as if it would be a very large undertaking. So even though this article reads like a solution, it lacks the guidelines for accomplishing that solution. To some extent however, Chad and Miller can be forgiven for these drawbacks. Its possible that providing all the steps and how-tos might be too monolithic an undertaking at this point in time. With this article, Chad and Miller have hemmed out a lot of important issues and made them accessible to any interested party. Chad and Miller should also be commended for taking the first step in dealing with these issues, opening it up to a wider audience and encouraging that audience to do something to make libraries matter. For these reasons Chad and Miller’s work is not only valuable but also utilizable for current, and future information professionals.

Using the Internet to Download Music

In my September 19th we discussed the internet and downloading music. I remember when my family got internet for our very first computer I attempted to download a Silverchair song and it took a really long time. I even went to the mall with my sister for a few hours and when I came back it still wasn't done! Now, its amazing to me that I can download entire albums in mere minutes and the amount of programs that exist for downloading music. Honestly, though, I don't download that frequently. If one of my favorite artists has a new album being releashed I often just buy it and upload it to my computer that way. The downloaded songs I do have are generally just one or two songs from different artists that I came across or someone suggested. I do find it difficult to navigate certain downloading sites however. I am not always the best searcher either. Recently there was a song from a movie I liked but I had no idea what it was called or who it was by. I was really interested in downloading it but had no way to know how to search it. My plan was to look at the soundtrack on the internet. I was amazed when not only could I do that but I found a site that played clips of the songs. I was able to figure out the name of the artist and title and successfully downloaded it. It might seem like such an easy task but for the technically unsavvy this is a big step!!!!

In the beginning

This is my very first post on my very first blog. To be honest, I am really not that familiar with blogs or blogging but was thrilled to find out that such a task would be a part of my course work at FIS. Equally so, I am pleased that starting a blog is not a difficult task at all. Throughout most of my life I have not been that technology savvy. My mother is a senior IT manager for an accounting firm in London, Ontario and so although I was exposed to many of the latest gadgets growing up, I never quite learned how to use them (I vividly remember being one of the first families in the neighbourhood to get internet, as slow as it was, but I was never quite sure what to do with it). If ever I had a technical problem with the computer or printer etc my Mom usually fixed it without teaching me or explaining to me what she had done. Now that I am out on my own I try and sort out my own technology problems and dabble a little in what the internet and software has to offer. Since moving in with my boyfriend I have also had to adapt to using a Mac and I have found it to be quite user friendly, especially for those not so technology inclined. Overall, I very interested in what FIS 1311 has to offer and the things I will learn for my own enjoyment and professional development.