I remember the moment when I got hired as archivist of our company. I really wanted the job! The funny thing was I didn’t know much about archives management. I developed an interest in the field quite late in my undergraduate years, and I took only one subject on it. But what the heck! I was excited anyway. And the HR people probably thought that libraries and archives were run exactly the same way. J

I practically groped my way through the job during the first two months. Since I didn’t have access to the university library at that time, the only salvation I had was the Web. I searched through numerous sites, downloaded manuals, read through hundreds of pages and learned practical “How-Tos,” 90% from the web. The only thing I had to do was verify the credibility of these sources, which I didn’t find very hard at all.

What I’m trying to say is that the information I retrieved from the Web, have immensely helped me perform my job. I basically learned from references I got with just a few clicks. The presence of the Web and the Internet has made information more mobile and more accessible to those who need it. I did not have to go on leave on my first week at work to get the information I need from libraries. That wouldn’t have made a very nice impression on the boss. And before my thoughts stray, I want to emphasize the ability of web-based information retrieval in presenting the most current information faster and more efficiently. Imagine physically scanning through the whole issue of today’s newspaper for the one article you’re looking for, when you can go to the online issue and search your way through! Web-based retrieval has definitely made our work easier and faster. And because we are able give timely, relevant and current information, our clients recognize the value we put into the organization.

The forum was entitled “Strategies in Effective Searching of Information.” Ironically, the speaker did not discuss strategies. Although she did mention several open access sites, they were recited quickly without giving us enough time to digest each one of them. I would really have appreciated it had she demonstrated search and retrieval techniques in the two or three sites that she presented. Despite the fact that most of what she mentioned are found on the Internet, it is surprising to know how reserved she feels about Internet sources in general. Though we may all share the same “cut-and-paste” nightmare in terms of the usage of these resources, we cannot ignore the fact that the Internet is a very helpful tool in retrieving information for research, reference queries and other purposes. Though not all the things published on the Internet are true and accurate, it is still possible for us to verify the authority of these references. Setting aside the “fear” of Internet sources, we must bear in mind that it is our greater responsibility to make available authoritative and quality references in whatever format they maybe.

As for the Q&A, which should have been a chance to redeem the whole lecture, the speaker failed to answer questions directly. In fact, I had the impression that the speaker did not understand the question. That in turn, did not encourage more questions from the audience.

Personally, I feel that the forum failed because of two things: (1) what was delivered, and (2) how it was delivered. There was no significant amount of new information that was imparted and the speaker apparently had difficulty communicating with the audience. I would have left the issue on the venue and the weather, and the lack of certificates but then, that would be complaining!J It is said that “All is well that ends well.” You and I know how it ended.J

The beauty of online and digital media is that they are current and constantly updated. Once updates are published on the Web, it becomes instantly available to those who have access to it. In our experience, our journal subscriptions in the past were all in print format. Now, user requests for subscriptions to digital editions and online site access have become increasingly common. This is because, the users have become more adept to technology and are now fully aware that the digital version is just a few mouse clicks away as opposed to the print version that still has to be sent via mail/courier. 

Digital and online media makes the library’s current awareness service and document delivery more efficiently carried out. Because this type of media is easy to share, copies could be sent simultaneously to intended recipients. On the other hand, the print version which arrives by mail will be physically routed to the recipients. The last person queued in the routing list will have to wait a few more weeks to maybe a month (depending on how long the list is) before the item could reach him. In that waiting period, it is possible that a new issue has again been released.

One more advantage of online and digital media is that you can do full-text searching. You could instantly see where a certain term or concept was discussed without reading the whole text.

Despite the advantages however, are some problems posed by online media. Since anyone can put up content or publish anything on the Internet, problems of authority tend to arise. It is therefore imperative to verify the authority of these resources specially when used for research and scholarly works.

While many people benefit largely from the use of digital and online media, there is still a large group who cannot enjoy its benefits mainly because they don’t have access to it. This widens the digital divide, the rift between those who have access and those who don’t. This is a challenge for us information professionals, to help bridge the gap even in our own organization. This can be done by promoting the use of digital and online resources through increased number of portals for access, user intervention and library literacy programs among others.

I believe that weblogs or blogs would very well help the image and services of the library. Through blogs, we librarians, would be able to promote our library to as wide an audience as possible. We could make our presence in the organization more felt by informing our clients of our services, our collections, and our present and upcoming programs. We could publish here our newly acquired materials, new subscriptions, new facilities, book reviews, etc. Simply put, we could think of blogging as a marketing strategy. And the best thing about it? It’s free! Users in turn, could post their experiences with using the library, the problems they may have encountered, their general impression of library and its services and what they expect from it. Through this interaction, we will be able to learn more about our users and use this information as inputs for planning future programs and library acquisitions.

Another tool that the library can take advantage of is a strategy called Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Subscribing to RSS feeds would be very helpful to us librarians, especially when providing current awareness service. In our library, we are expected to give timely updates on issues involving the company. These updates can be gathered from news websites, blogs, etc. Through RSS feeds, the latest headlines, updates and relevant materials subscribed to, will be delivered to our desktop without us going to individual websites. This saves staff time and ensures that our clients are sent the most current information available. Moreover, the latest information published on our library’s site will be delivered to our users without having to send an e-mail or a newsletter.

One more tool that can prove to be beneficial is an online library forum. This will enable exchange of ideas and information between us (library staff) and the users, and users amongst themselves. These forums may contain many different categories/topics, and users may create their own topics as they deem necessary. Users could post their reference queries and personal book reviews. They could discuss the relevance of reference materials they have used, while we can provide tips and strategies on how to search for information. We could also add an online poll or survey about a certain topic where users could see and comment on the results.

Apart from the three (3) mentioned above, there are more Web 2.0 technologies that can be adopted in our own libraries. It’s up to us to choose which one/s would suit our needs and which are aligned with our organization’s thrusts. Gone are the days when libraries and librarians are passive participants, reacting only to stimuli given to us. This is the age where we become proactive, anticipating our users’ needs instead of simply waiting on them. We provide the stimuli! One thing for sure is that we cannot ignore the potential of these technologies and the possible benefits we could derive from them. It would be unthinkable to let these technologies pass us by!

(1) Title:      Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for                  the 2.0 World

      Author: Stephen Abram, MLS,

      URL:      http://www.imakenews.com/sirsi/e_article000505688.cfm/

(2) Title:    Web Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications                                               for Libraries

       Author: Jack M. Maness

       URL:    http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html?q=link:webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html/

(3) Title:    What Is Web 2.0 Anyway? Indispensable tools your                                               nonprofit should know about

      Author: Alexandra Krasne

      URL:    http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/archives/page9344.cfm

Abstract

“Web 2.0” was first conceptualized and made popular by Tim O’Reilly and Dale Dougherty in 2004. It refers to a set of new and emerging Internet-based technologies and the accompanying philosophy on how to use them. The Web 2.0 tools or technologies include, but are not limited to Blogs (short for web logs), Wikis, Tags, RSS (Really Simple Syndication), Social Bookmarking, and Mashups. The philosophy centers on the idea that people who use the web should be active contributors and help customize available media and technology for their own purpose and for their community, rather than passively absorbing what’s there.

In his paper, Jack Mannes defined Library 2.0 as “the application of interactive, collaborative, and multi-media web-based technologies to web-based library services and collections.” He further presented four essential elements of Library 2.0 : (1) it is user-centered, where users participate in the creation of the content and services within the library’s presence in the web; (2) it provides a multi-media experience; (3) it is socially rich, where the users’ presence is felt as much as the library’s; and most importantly (4) it is communally innovative, where the library and its environment adapt to each other’s changes, while allowing itself to be changed by the other.

Jack Mannes defines Librarian 2.0 as the “Guru of the Information Age”. This Guru endeavors to learn and understand the potential of Web 2.0 technologies. The Librarian 2.0 does not fear these new technologies, but rather takes advantage of these services to provide better library services, as well as satisfying experiences to library users.

Things I’ve learned from my reading assignment:

1)  I realized that the blogs, tags and wikis that I frequently access everyday are in fact Web 2.0 technologies.

2)  Web 2.0 technologies can be great tools in making our information centers’ presence more felt in the community. It can help us “sell” our services to our clients and encourage them to interact with us librarians/information professionals and with one another.

3) With the changing times, I need to prepare to become a Librarian 2.0. To be able to do this, I should learn, understand and adopt Web 2.0 technologies in our own library, museum & archives.

Implication of this to me and my work (What’s in it for me?)

I feel the importance of Web 2.0 technologies particularly blogs and RSS feeds to my job as a member of an education and knowledge management team. Through these technologies, we are able to gather information on how people or the public perceive our company in the light of the issues being hurled at us. We get an idea on what questions the people need answers to, and what issues are accurately or inaccurately understood. These blogs contain commentaries, opinions, criticisms, show of support, etc. that aid us in developing information drives/campaigns that would properly and successfully address the issues.

As an archivist, I believe that blogs and RSS feeds will greatly help us in promoting our Museum to the public. Although our museum is a frequent destination for student field trips, and gets visited by thousands every month, our popularity is shaped only through word-of-mouth and occasional features in publications. I am aware though that this is not a sustainable strategy. I believe that through blogging, we will be able to inform people about our museum and update them of what’s new. Who knows, we might be able to further enrich our collection by reaching out to people who may have relevant items and are willing to donate them to us!

Through blogs (and Web 2.0 tools), visitors will have the chance to interact with one another and with us. We will be able to learn more about them, what they think about the Museum and what they would like to see in it. These could serve as input in planning our future exhibits and programs. And the nicest thing about this technology? It gives free publicity!

I’m really getting excited with the prospect of applying this technology to my work. One major challenge though, is the preparation of the blog’s initial content. But through diligence, consultation and lots of patience, I am optimistic that it will be made possible!  

Title of Article  :           Boolean Search Model

Author              :           G.G. Chowdury

Book Title        :           Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval. 2004.

Pages              :           172-174

Abstract

The Boolean search and retrieval model is based on a system of symbolic logic devised by George Boole (1815-1864).  It allows a user to combine search terms in a given search prescription with certain conditions imposed. The three operators of Boolean logic are AND, OR, and NOT.

Because of its simplicity, Boolean retrieval model has formed the basis of most databases and information retrieval systems. It has certain limitations though. One is that users are not able to formulate an exact search statement by combining AND, OR, and NOT operators especially when several query terms are used.  Either the search statement becomes too broad or too narrow.  When search statements are too broad, the number of retrieved items may be several hundreds and it may be quite difficult and time consuming to find the exact information required. If the search statement is too narrow, the user may miss some relevant items.  Also, Boolean search identifies an item as relevant by finding out whether a given query term is present or not in a given record in the database. Thus all retrieved items are considered to be of equal importance.

Three things I learned from my reading Assignment:

(1)     Through Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT, one can streamline the search process by imposing conditions in the search statement..

(2)     Boolean search model has formed the basis of most databases and information retrieval systems.

(3)     Although Boolean search is very widely used, there are also certain limitations with regard to the results it produces.

Implication of this to me and my work

I have used and am very familiar with the Boolean search model and I have experienced the benefits of using it. I have used it with the OPAC and other remote databases that I try to access. By learning of its limitations, I will be more aware in the operators and search statements that I use. This will greatly help me to more successfully retrieve relevant references.

Author              :           D. Morley

Book Title        :           Understanding Computers. 11^thed.  2007.

Abstract

A computer is an electronic, programmable device that performs four primary operations: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage. The computer accepts data (Input), performs operations on that data (Processing), Presents information and results (Output), and saves data and results for future use (Storage). This series of operations is referred to as the information processing cycle. In addition to these four operations, today’s computers perform communications functions, such as retrieving data from the Internet or other networks. Because of this, Communications is considered the fifth primary computer operation.

Computers have hardware and software components. The hardware are physical parts of the computer such as keyboards, CPUs, monitors flash memory cards and modems. There are hardware devices associated with each of the five computer operations. Software refers to programs or instructions used to tell computer hardware what to do. There are two basic types of software: the system software, which are programs that allow a computer to operate (i.e. operating systems); and the application software, which are programs designed to perform specific tasks or applications (i.e. word processing, game playing, database management and Web page viewing).

Three things I learned from my reading Assignment:

(1)     The computer performs four primary operations – input, processing, output and storage.

(2)     Due to the increasing capabilities of today’s computers, it is able to perform one additional vital function which is considered as its fifth primary operation – communications.

(3)     The hardware and software components of a computer are very essential for it to function. One cannot operate without the other. However, one must never forget the human component which makes it all possible.

Implication of this to me and my work

Computers have become an everyday thing for most of us. In fact, it seems almost impossible for some to do work if computers suddenly become unavailable. We use it to process, store, and retrieve information related to our work, so much so that it has become somehow an extension of our minds.  I could just imagine how hard it will be if suddenly our computers and servers stopped working. I would have to resort to the dear library catalog again, with hopes that someone in the staff still updates it. Reading this assignment made me appreciate the computer more, knowing that it has definitely made my work easier.

Author              :           G.G. Chowdury

Book Title        :           Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval. 2004.

Pages              :           243-253

Abstract:         

In evaluating an Information Retrieval System (IRS), there are certain criteria that need to be met. Several proponents identified the following evaluation criteria: (1) Recall and Precision, which is the ability of the system to present all the relevant items and screen out irrelevant references; (2) Response time, or the average time needed to obtain a response from the system; (3) User effort, whether physical or intellectual, required from the user to obtain answers to search requests; (4) Form of presentation; and (5) Collection coverage or the proportion of potentially useful literature that has been analyzed. Most of these criteria can be measured easily except for Recall and Precision, which rely largely on the relevance judgment of the user. Aside from these criteria,  Many information scientists agree that an evaluation study should always be user oriented, focusing on opportunities toprovide better service to users.

F.W. Lancaster identified 5 major steps in evaluating an information retrieval system: (1) Design of the scope of the evaluation program, including its objectives; (2) Design of the evaluation program, which includes identification of parameters and preparation of a detailed plan of action; (3) Execution of the evaluation, which involves data gathering and identification of areas for improvement; (4) Analysis and interpretation of results; and lastly (5) Modification of the system in the light of the results of the evaluation study.

Three things I learned from this reading assignment

(1)     We need to evaluate our IRS to determine how effectively and efficiently the system is achieving its objective.

(2)     Properly evaluating the IRS before implementation and through the prescribed set of criteria such as the ones mentioned above will greatly contribute to its success.

(3)     The evaluation of IRS should always be user-oriented. The user will ultimately be the judge of the effectiveness of these IRS.

Implication of this to me and my work:

In our library and archives operations, it is very important to have an effective and reliable IRS. Our clients are mostly employees. Since their information requirements are work-related, they also tend to be immediate in nature. An effective IRS will greatly speed up retrieval of information since time is of the essence. The article made me think that our existing IRS needs to be evaluated. By this, we will be able to identify areas for improvement and make appropriate steps to address these.