Future Concerns for Digital Trends

(Originally posted April 22, 2012)

Though the internet serves as an communication tool enhancing access to information, the opening of the proverbial floodgates comes with strings attached. As evidenced in the articles by S. Vaidhyanathan (2005), B. Gambles (2010), and K. A. Coombs (2005), there is reason to be concerned out future trends and the relative privacy of the consumer/patron.

In Vaidyanathan's "The Googlization of Everything and the Future of Copyright," the author addresses how Google's mass digitization efforts, while noble in intent, have received both resistance and criticism from authors, publishers, librarians, and the Copyright Office. The heart of the matter is the retention of the rights of intellectual properties. While Google hopes to make rare books available to the public through Google Books, there are concerns that the rights of the authors--even those who cannot be identified or located (creating orphaned works, still retain copyright ownership of their work (even if it goes unrepresented). Thus, the works sit in a virtual limbo.

Expanding on the notion of the digitized book is Gambles' "Rewriting the Book: On the Move in the Library of Birmingham" (2010). A project in the works, the Library of Birmingham is a novel concept which hopes to open in 2013. Just as the architecture is a fusion of old and new ideas, the premise behind the Library of Birmingham is to create an atmosphere which promotes emerging technologies which impact library patrons. Acknowledging the significance of Web 2.0 and tools/sites such as Google, Amazon, Twitter, and Facebook, the LoB views its mission as a place where users can make the transition to new technology and software--rather than to be restricted to aging means of research.

Just as Gambles demonstrates how one library is fully embracing the digital age, Coombs' "Protecting User Privacy in the Age of Digital Libraries" (2005) reminds us of the information libraries receive and are capable of retaining from users who connect online or use library computers. Though some of the information, such as browsing trends and site hits may prove useful in helping a library determine which products are utilized, there is the concern regarding personal information stored in the system. For this reason (and because of state and Federal laws which address the importance of protecting the privacy of users), Coombs emphasizes the importance of scrubbing library records and removing information which can identify a person or user.

Ultimately, accessing information on the Internet is a silent pact: the user agrees to make portions of their personal information available to a site in return for the privilege to view the information that site possesses. What kind of information that site retains, and what it elects to do with the information is the key, and while some organizations try to protect the rights of their users, others merely view their users as another product to be sold to a different customer or agency.
 

 _______________________________________________________________________________

Coombs, K. A. (2005). Protecting user privacy in the age of digital libraries. Computers in 

        Libraries, 25, 16-20.

Gambles, B. (2010). Rewriting the book: On the move in the library of Birmingham. 

        30-July-2010 Publication: Ariadne Issue 64: http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/issue64  

        /gambles.

Vaidhyanathan, S. (2005). The Googlization of everything and the future of copyright. 

        Retrieved from http://lawreview.law.ucdavis.edu/issues/Vol40/Issue3

        /DavisVol40No3_Vaidhyanathan.pdf.

Web ?.0

(Originally posted April 15, 2012) 

This week's readings can be broken down into two sections: "Fundamentals of the Internet and World Wide Web," and the "Emergence of Web 2.0." Jeff Tyson's "How the Internet Infrastructure Works" and Rich Tebb's "Introduction to the Web as a Platform" (2007) provide an overview of the history and underlying structure of the internet and how end-users connect and interact with each other through web sites.

Though not new, addressing the topic was a bit of a refresher and reminded me of terms I had not used in 17 or 18 years. I remember the squawk created from dial-up modems (and the word "baud"). Upon entering college, was given a crash-course in accessing the internet when I was manually installed the Ethernet card in my desktop (which operated at 33-50 mhz with a pre-Pentium processor and had a whopping 500 MB of storage on the hard drive). From there, I read a five-paged sheet which explained how I created identified my computer and connected it to the school's Local Area Network (LAN). I had no idea as to what I was doing, but with a little trial and error, I figured it out.

Updates in computers and computing technology followed. From the Ethernet and dial-up modems to cable to wireless: new technology brought more complications. While the original issue may have involved the computer, modem, or phone connection, modern problems include (but are not exclusive to) the computer, the connection to the router (password for instance), the router itself, the connection to the cable line, or the cable provider. (Fortunately, computers can identify the source of the problem and offer solutions.)

Wireless computing is but one of the catalysts for Web 2.0. As the clocked counted down to Y2K, the Internet bubble burst and millionaires became insolvents overnight. Thirty years in the making, the internet blossomed from a government-run project geared towards defense and research purposes to a place where anyone with a connection could socialize, shop, conduct research, and, yes, even play games. While O'Reilly is promoting innovations, his angle is what struck me.

Maybe I'm a cynic, but in reading Tim O'Reilly (and John Battelle)'s articles on Web 2.0, I felt like someone was trying to sell me something. Sure enough, looking at O'Reilly's background, one learns he has been involved in tech marketing for over 30 years. So what's O'Reilly trying to sell? Reassurance. He wants the public and investors to feel optimistic about the future of the internet and technology related to it by pointing out its flexibility and growth potential through products like Facebook, Twitter, and Flckr. True enough, Apple has grown from a floundering company to the wealthiest corporation in the world--riding high on the promise and potential Web 2.0 offers.

Are libraries taking notice? Obviously. It's hard to find an institution which does not have at least a Facebook page for outreach purposes (though more aggressive organizations also make use of Twitter and the development of mobile apps.) So is O'Reilly right? Yes and no. There is not really much of an argument. Technology improves. It's innovation. It's not isolated to internet technology (cars, movies, and even light bulbs have made considerable advances). Labeling this change, Web 2.0, as something new is more of an advertising campaign to further separate the success of the current innovations from the dot-com bust.

Computers for Libraries 2012: A Travelogue

(Originally posted March 25, 2012)

For Week 10, students in LSC-555 were asked to visit the Computers in Libraries Conference, held in the Hilton Hotel in Dupont Circle. Held over three days (March 21-23), the conference offered registered members and visitors the opportunity meet with vendors from across the library tech spectrum and examine their offerings.

Timing was an issue. Because of my schedule, it was not possible to attend the conference on Thursday or Friday, so I left work early on Wednesday and spent a few hours at the conference before going to class. Consequently, my ability to absorb the information and speak with vendors was rushed (and matters worsened when a big presentation let out--filling the exhibition floor with visitors). However, I managed to meet with, and speak to vendors from five different organizations (EBSCO Host, OCLC, TLC, VTLS, and Emerald). 

For starters, I was drawn to organizations with which I already possessed a level of familiarity. Being in closest proximity to the entrance, EBSCOhost drew me in first, and I spoke with two individuals about the products (or journals) they offered, services to universities and public libraries, and their role in the CIL Conference. While I mentioned familiarity with e-journals, I was informed that EBSCOhost also provided eBooks and audiobooks. (I should have asked if these were accessible via smart phone or tablet.)

 

EBSCOhost Booth

After walking down one of the vendor isles, I spotted an image on a screen I had previously seen on the NHC Public Library's web site (which I thought was designed by NHC). 
(http://srvlibpac.nhcgov.com:8080/kids/)

As it turns out, this page was designed by The Library Corporation (TLC). It made sense, because NHC turned to TLC when the library updated its ILS from VTLS's Virtua. However, it seemed I gave NHC too much credit for developing their own children's page. This created a new question, because the NHC library is using both OCLC software (particularly WorldCat and CONTENTdm) and running on TLC's LS2PAC. When examining possible ILS to update to, my former supervisor requested that CONTENTdm be part of any package, and I asked the vendor for TLC if there was a relationship/partnership between TLC and OCLC. He could not confirm it, but given the special circumstances, it was entirely possible some deal had been made in order to fulfill NHC's requirements and get the deal made.

TLC Vendors and LS2PAC

 Given the new mystery, I decided to take the matter up with OCLC. Unfortunately, the vendor was busy (and I was pressed for time). However, I did pick up some brochures.

Busy OCLC Vendor

While I am sure vendors are fully capable of working together to make a deal with a customer, I wondered what kind of problems might arise in the IT side should programs not interact well with one another (or are the programs structured so that they can function alongside products from possible competitors). Conducting a quick Google search for LS2Pac (TLC ILS used by NHCPL) and CONTENTdm, I was hoping to see other libraries which used both products--suggesting that such a partnership was not a novel concept. The result made me smile:
 http://ls2pachelp.tlcdelivers.com/1_11/UserApp/I_Want_To/Understand_and_Search_Digital_Collections.htm

The images included in this page are taken from collections I created ("that's my metadata up there!").

 I also made brief stops by VTLS and Emerald--not so much to talk, but to look over products, brochures, and see if anything jumped out. Prior to starting at CUA, I never used Emerald. The main journals for historians are Jstor and Project MUSE. 

Ultimately, it was the experience at the TLC booth which proved to be the most enlightening. Beyond learning more about LS2PAC, the vendor also told me how TLC offered two ILS plans--the mentioned LS2PAC (for small libraries) and CARL X for larger library systems.

I was hoping to learn more about ExLibris, but they were not listed (or simply were not there). Based on the recent research paper, I had some questions regarding the specific differences between Rosetta and DigiTool and I was hoping someone could explain them to me. (Always next year!)

Understanding Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

(Originally posted, March 3, 2012)

In this week's collection of readings, we examined Integrated Library Systems (ILS) and the challenges faced by libraries as they try to balance between staying abreast in the latest technology and ensuring that an update to a new ILS will not tax the libraries' existing resources.

Marcia Deddens's "Overview of Integrated Library Systems" (Deddens, 2002) provides a glimpse at the evolving market for ILS and the relationship between vendors and libraries. Citing examples from Endeavor Information Systems, Innovative Interfaces, Inc., and SIRSI--all of which promise products which ease the library's task of making information digitized and accessible online. Deddens brings up an excellent point in questioning whether the term ILS has become dated, and offers an appropriate replacement: Digital Access Management Systems (DAMS) (Deddins, 2002).

Marshal Breeding's (2005) "Re-Integrating the Integrated Library System" delves into issues facing the increasingly convoluted waters of the standard ILS. In an effort to meet the information demands of their users and to keep up with the simplified browsing capabilities of sites such as Amazon.com and Google, libraries expand the offerings on their ILS by including Add-ons and links to e-journals (Breeding, 29). Though Breeding notes how the dated history of a traditional ILS creates compatibility issues with new, digitized resources, and while Breeding calls for a means of improving the integration within the existing ILS, he confesses there is no realistic solution (Breeding, 30).

Like Breeding, Andrew Pace pushes for integration and interoperability (Pace, 2004). Likewise, Pace also touches on ideas offered by Deddens, in that the old notion of an ILS is dead--particularly because as vendors push new and improved systems for digitized collections, the advances make the traditional ILS less integrated (thus making the name itself a contradiction). Pace also raises the question of exactly how much of an existing system needs to be updated/revamped. Is it necessary to start from scratch (Pace, 2004)?

Stephanie Taylor's "A Quick Guide to Z39.50" (2003) highlights the issue surrounding dated ILS practices by discussing the history of the development of Z39.50--a clint-server protocol which which functions as a translator between two ILS. Though Z39.50 serves as a tool which provides the interoperability and integration libraries desire, there are questions about whether Z39.50 itself requires an update. If so, would such an update force libraries to update their existing ILS accordingly?

While the question raised by these scholars is simple, the answer is complex. Should libraries update when they run the risk of further isolating their existing/future systems in an attempt to gain increased visibility and usage? Does upgrading run the risk of being counter-productive? Technology evolves, and people adapt accordingly. Imagine Microsoft and Apple were based on the same programming and hardware. Imagine the Sony Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii could all play the same discs. For users, this would be advantageous, because they could pick a computer or system without feeling a sense of risk. However, for the companies, this would prove disastrous, because it is the unique quality and character of their products which appeals to different users. Vendors depend on that uniqueness to stay competitive and develop products which appeal to some libraries (who, in turn, hope the final product will appeal to their targeted patrons).

---

Breeding, M. (2005). Re-Integrating the integrated library system. Computers in Libraries, 25, 28-30.

Deddens, M. (2002). Overview of ILS. EDUCAUSE. http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/DEC0201.pdf

Pace, A. (2004). Dismantling integrated library systems. Library Journal.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA374953.html

Taylor, S. (2003). A quick guide to …Z39.50. Interlending and Document Supply, 31, 25-30.

Fathoming the Depths of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

(Originally posted February 18, 2012)

The focus of class this week was understanding the fundamentals behind the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Though there are varying types of SDLCs, the Traditional method involves five essential steps: investigation, analysis, detail, implementation, and maintenance/review (Kim, Lecture Notes, 4/16/12). In his article on SDLCs, H. Frank Servone (2007) mentions eight steps (expanding on analysis and adding a construction step) as he examines SDLCs in the context of a digital library. Pragmatic, Cervone asks the important questions any reasonable person assessing an information system should take into account--particularly possible constraints which may hinder a project--specifically matters such as time and budget constraints, and whether the public would be able to adapt (Servone, 150). In short, researchers must simply determine whether a project is feasible.

Zhang et al's "Integrating Human Computer Interaction into the Systems Development Life Cycle" (2005) does not bring about a particularly revolutionary idea. In short, end users need to be involved in the SDLC process. This only makes sense, because just as businesses regularly seek feedback from their customers on ways to improve service, so too should IT specialists and developers look to feedback from the patrons of the information system. What is startling is that this does not happen enough. Zhang et al provide charts and explanations for why users should be involved in the experience--making heavy use of the term, "human computer interaction" (HCI) (Zhang et al, p. 512). Recognizing that the emphasis was not necessarily on just humans, but the end users, I was fascinated to see that that term was not used once in article. Written in 2005, the article is slightly dated, because a new field has emerged which focuses on such a study of HCI.

Combining qualities of computer and cognitive science is "human factors." This field does not just study HCI, but the interaction between humans (with regards to all the senses and the body as a whole) and all devices. Through this field, examining how a human interacts with a car can lead to improved ergonomics, increased comfort, and a safer, more pleasant driving experience. The same can be said with regards to computers. It's still an emerging field, and there is still a level of disconnect between developers eager to push a new idea and a wary public which attempts to adjust.

Tony Drewry's "Data Flow Diagrams" is an online instructional tool the breaks down the complexities of the information exchange on the Internet through diagrams. Reassuring readers that there is indeed a system by which data is received and disseminated after it is sent, Drewry reminds his readers that the Internet has a magical way of effectively turning online exchanges into the electronic bureaucracy.

To be honest, much of this information is common sense, and I suppose it derives from an understanding of physics and an understanding of how information is exchanged. However, tying a simple idea to computers and the Internet complicates things and, while the philosophy is easy to grasp, it becomes unnecessarily complicated by the increasingly "pedantic semantics." Because IT specialists/Web developers are anatomically human and naturally involved in the update and revision process, a more accurate term than HCI would be "EUI" (End User Involvement).

To paraphrase Mark Twain, "eschew obfuscation."

_______________________________________________________

Cervone, H. (2007) "The system development life cycle and digital library development", OCLC Systems & Services, Vol. 23 No. 4, p.348-352.

Drewry, T. (2005). Data flow diagrams.

Zhang, P. et al. (2005). Integrating human computer interaction development into the systems development life cycle: A methodology. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, No.15, p. 512- 543.

Evaluating Academic Libraries

(Originally posted February 4, 2012) 

Whether simply updating an existing Web site or conducting an overhaul to a new Integrated Library System (ILS), information specialists and library staff make a conscious effort to reach out to users and conduct evaluations in an effort to produce a new Web layout which adds to the user experience. However, depending on factors such as library type, user demographics, and the amount of online content up for revision, evaluation methods will vary. Through the evaluations conducted by Robert Fox & Ameet Doshi, Beth Thomsett-Scott, and Robert L. Tolliver and his colleagues, readers are exposed to different strategies which serve primarily as templates to take into account when planning future evaluations.
 
Note that, as case studies, the articles lack a central argument, but serve as documentation of experiments. Though they formulate conclusions for "what works," much is left to the reader. For instance, Fox & Doshi (2011) functions primarily as a reference source--providing answers to a 31-part survey in which Fox & Doshi sent a 31-part questionnaire out to members of the Association of Research Libraries. In transcribing the answers from the 74 responding participants, Fox & Doshi provide a view of the degree research libraries interact with their patrons and how these libraries incorporate feedback from the public into updates and revisions in their Web presence.

More hands-on are the studies conducted by Thomsett-Scott (2004) and Tolliver et al. (2004). In the case of Thomsett-Scott, undergraduate, graduate, and on-line learners were hired to assist in evaluation the Web site at the University of Northern Texas. Through usability studies, focus groups, and a cognitive walkthrough students provided feedback on what worked and what did not (with a little assistance from chocolate). Ultimately, Thomsett-Scott's focus is on the means of evaluation method moreso than the results, and explains just as much in her closing. "Libraries serving off-campus users will find user satisfaction with their Web site increase through the use of Web site usability testing." (Thomsett-Scott, 483)

Conducting similar-but-different evaluations is Tolliver et al. (2005). With the help of a consultant, the University of Michigan Art, Architecture & Engineering Library examined how to best make the transition from a dated Web site to one which moved all the data to a content management system (CMS) (Tolliver et al., 157). After assessing costs, the library went with a testing approach which included sector interviews, card sorting, and a paper prototype test (Tolliver et al., 161). Comprised of both library staff and students, the testing process effectively sought feedback from the groups who would utilize the Web site. The most confusing and interesting process was the card sorting. Almost a game, it afforded participants with an opportunity to organize cards under subjects (which ultimately would be used in designing the site map). 

Ultimately, Tolliver et al. make an excellent point by noting that consultants can serve as a valuable resource in that they come to the project without bias (Tolliver et al., 165).

The methods practiced in each article are similar to those used by exhibit specialists and museum educators when either anticipating possible revisions to an existing exhibit or creating one from scratch. When creating a new exhibit, specialists go through three steps: the preliminary, formative, and summative evaluations. Specialists conduct interviews with the public at large--based on the targeted demographics, and try to gauge both the interest and level of knowledge in an idea or theme. Then, a mock-up exhibit is created and specialists conduct a secondary survey to see how visitors respond to the collection and display--an effort to see what works and draws interest, and what does not. After looking over the results, the final exhibit is crafted, and, over time, educators conduct studies to examine the number of visitors, the amount of time spent either in the exhibit or at a particular display. Additionally, some visitors are asked to participate in surveys to, again, determine what they liked and what they did not. 

Comparing the task of museum specialists and educators with that of library Web (re)designers, a stronger role--one with greater authority and responsibility--when the designers are implementing a new program/exhibit from scratch and seeing the process through to its final phase. 

For library and information scientists, these articles touch on topics which must always remain imbedded in their minds: just as technology continues to evolve, the public at large continues to adapt and seek out the latest trends--those which fail to stay abreast will be considered obsolete and discarded. With that in mind, because libraries ultimately serve the public, their survival depends on their ability to stay in touch with public tastes and innovation.


_________________________________________________________________
Fox, R., & Doshi, A. (2011). Spec kit 322: Library user experience. (p. 199). Washington, DC: Association  of Research Libraries.
 
Thomsett-Scott, B. (2004). Yeah, I found it! Performing web site usability testing to ensure that off-campus students can find the information they need. Journal of  Library Administration, 41, 471–483.
 

The Future is Now: The Evolution of Technology and the Growth of Virtual Libraries

(Originally posted January 19, 2012)

Point young researchers in the direction of the card catalog, and they may well have a puzzled look on their faces. Though card catalogs served as the primary search tool in libraries for over a century, the wooden vessels of information now function primarily as dusty shrines from a forgotten age. With continued innovations in technology, libraries look for new ways to stay abreast in order to both appeal to the technologically literate while continuing to provide all patrons with accessible means of locating the materials they seek. In articles by Arnold Hirshon and Shu Liu, the scholars seek to identify emerging technological trends and address how academic libraries have attempted to respond accordingly. 

In "Environmental Scan: A Report on Trends and Technologies Affecting Libraries", Hirshon examines the dynamic role of developing technology and its impact on society. Acknowledging how Generation Y has been influenced by its immersion in the new digital age, Hirshon plays on the symbiotic relationship between consumers of information and developers of new technologies. 

Early on, Hirshon addresses the futurist's role in predicting the direction in which technological trends will lead, and though the article was published in 2008, it is already considerably outdated. For instance, Hirshon acknowledges the potential demonstrated by Amazon's Kindle and suggests that the iPhone may have a role in the increased usage of eBooks. While one can download and read an eBook on his or her iPhone, the biggest development in the last three years is the iPad. What curiosity the Kindle created, the iPad took to a whole new level. Tablets are now the "big thing." Hewlett-Packard acknowledged as much when their own tablet failed and the company temporarily made a tactical retreat in the computer industry. (The logic behind the decision was that laptops had a finite future, and while tablets showed considerable promise, Apple, Inc. essentially controlled the market.)

What is the significance of this? The exponential growth of the tablet market means more users with the potential to download eBooks. With a larger market of potential users, there is, in turn, more pressure on publishers to produce eBooks and on libraries to make eBooks available for checkout. Recently, schools and universities have made a push to introduce iPads into their classrooms, and in breaking news, Apple has announced that textbooks will be now be available for download on iPads--a move which streamlines the learning process (and reduces the weight of backpacks).

With regards to libraries, Shu Liu's"Engaging Users: The Future of Academic Library Web Sites"can be seen as an expansion on Hirshon's ideas. In conducting an investigation into Web sites for 111 academic research libraries, Liu studied each site for content and innovation and formulated a series of recommendations for a Web site template which would boast increased interaction, improved aesthetics, and a simplified interface.

Absorbed as complimentary pieces, the articles by Hirshon and Liu provide thoughtful analysis into the direction in which information technology (particularly that found in academic libraries) is heading. The pressure to both appeal to and meet the needs of its patrons /consumers is not necessarily exclusive to academic research libraries--nor libraries in general, for that matter. However, in order to remain viable and socially, academically, and commercially viable, an organization or enterprise must, at the very least, "keep up with the Joneses." In the words of Lee Iacocca, "lead, follow, or get out of the way."

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Hirshon, A. (2008). Environmental Scan: A report on trends and technologies affecting libraries. Retrieved January 12, 2012 from http://woodlands.lib.mi.us/handbook/nelinetscan.pdf

Liu, S. (2008). Engaging users: The future of academic library web sites. College & Research
Libraries, 69, 6-27.