As an English major at UNCW, I find it very difficult to believe that there are college students who actually believe that they do not need the library or any of its resources. In the four years that I have been a student, it seems that I have spent at least half of that time in Randall Library or on the library's website reading, researching, printing, copying, re-reading, re-researching...
In the article, "Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google," the author uses bad dieting as an analogy for the bad researching college students are resorting to. He refers to James Morris, dean of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, who "coined the term 'infobesity,' which nicely describes the outcome of Google-izing [allusion to Supersizing] research: a junk-information diet, consisting of overwhelming amounts of low-quality material that is hard to digest and leads to research papers of equally low quality." Naturally, the cure for "infobesity" is "infodieting."
In the article, the author discusses whether or not libraries and databases should modify their search engines to imitate Google's format. He claims that while at first he was in disagreement with this idea, he is now an advocate for it. I feel conflicted about the issue. It would be far more convenient to work with library catalogs and other databases that were consistent with one another instead of learning and re-learning how to use each database; however, should it really be made so easy? Isn't college supposed to be a challenge? Aren't we supposed to be LEARNING HOW TO LEARN?
I am disappointed that my generation of college students portrayed in this article is not being up to the task of learning how to use the materials that can help them get the information they need; information that is truly useful and applicable. While this may be true of many students, I know few who have discarded the library's resources. Perhaps it is because I am in the English department and am therefore around many other people who feel the same way I do about books, research and reading. The professors in the English department, I believe, instilled that in their students. Since declaring my major, I have not written a single research paper without a required number of "scholarly sources," and a limited number of "other sources." I think the professors in the English department have set an admirable example and standard for all professors. At the end of my senior seminar last semester, I wrote a twenty-some page research paper which did not include a single non-scholarly source, which was not a requirement, just a result of my own appreciation for "digestable, high nutrition information."
Don't get me wrong, though. I love Google just as much as anyone. As a matter a fact, I use it on a daily basis -- literally. But I think its important to know when to use it and when its just not quite up to par.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Universal Library Card
Universal Card for all Libraries
By: Mark Beaton
Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.radioowensound.com/news.php?id=9568
Marzio Apolloni is the director of the Bruce County Public Library in Ontario. He is currently requesting that a universal library card be issued to all Ontario residents that would give all members access to all public libraries in Ontario. Mark Beaton, the author of the article, records Apolloni as reporting that "the more libraries try to diversify the services they provide, the more they become attractive to their users... [and] libraries are becoming more active in economic development and tourism."
Although the idea seems convenient and as though it would universally accepted, Apolloni also reports that all the libraries in Ontario would need to change their data systems in order to accommodate the membership changes.
It is also recorded in the article that Ontario will not be the first province in Canada to initiate a universal library card and that several states in the US also have a universal library card.
There may be several states in the US that have issued universal library cards; however, North Carolina is not one of them. As I understand, there are universal library cards per county, but they do not extend past the county lines. I grew up in Onslow County, but have frequently spent time in Pender, New Hanover and Brunswick Counties. Because my library card is for Onslow County, if I were to choose to live in Wilmington after graduation, I would have to apply for a New Hanover County library card. The concept of a state-wide library card is an excellent idea. Why not even make it country-wide? When on vacation or visiting friends or relatives, why shouldn't all Americans have access to all US libraries?
By: Mark Beaton
Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.radioowensound.com/news.php?id=9568
Marzio Apolloni is the director of the Bruce County Public Library in Ontario. He is currently requesting that a universal library card be issued to all Ontario residents that would give all members access to all public libraries in Ontario. Mark Beaton, the author of the article, records Apolloni as reporting that "the more libraries try to diversify the services they provide, the more they become attractive to their users... [and] libraries are becoming more active in economic development and tourism."
Although the idea seems convenient and as though it would universally accepted, Apolloni also reports that all the libraries in Ontario would need to change their data systems in order to accommodate the membership changes.
It is also recorded in the article that Ontario will not be the first province in Canada to initiate a universal library card and that several states in the US also have a universal library card.
There may be several states in the US that have issued universal library cards; however, North Carolina is not one of them. As I understand, there are universal library cards per county, but they do not extend past the county lines. I grew up in Onslow County, but have frequently spent time in Pender, New Hanover and Brunswick Counties. Because my library card is for Onslow County, if I were to choose to live in Wilmington after graduation, I would have to apply for a New Hanover County library card. The concept of a state-wide library card is an excellent idea. Why not even make it country-wide? When on vacation or visiting friends or relatives, why shouldn't all Americans have access to all US libraries?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"Canadian Students Test Nintendo Wii Workout"
"Canadian Students Test Nintendo Wii workout: Canadian students have given each other a Wii workout to see if the top-selling video game console can get couch potatoes to work up a sweat"
By Reuters
Published: January 23,2008
http://www.news.com/Canadian-students-test-Nintendo-Wii-workout/2100-1043_3-6227307.html?tag=cd.hed
The latest video game craze is Nintendo's Wii. The system provides an interactive, almost virtual experience of its games. For example, in order to bowl in WiiSports, the player actually has to mimic the motions that one would perform in an actual bowling ally. A device that attaches to the television screen senses the players movement of the Wii Remote which dictates the player's on-screen Mii. (A Mii is a personalized character on the game system).
In this news article, a Wii player, Justin White, who is also a fourth-year kinesiology student, while playing the Wii boxing game, he "'noticed how exerting it was.'" As a result, he convinced his colleagues to help him perform an experiment to discover if playing Wii could qualify as a cardiovascular workout. They "tested the impact of playing the Wii boxing game for thirty minutes against a thirty-minute walk in a local park and an equal amount of time doing a 'boxercise' video." For each activity, the participants' heart-rates were monitored for comparison.
The results were surprising: playing Wii does not qualify as a cardiovascular workout. The reporter quotes White saying, "If they're looking for cardiovascular fitness, I'd advise them to do something else because it's really not intense enough." Although the participants who played Wii boxing did not experience as much as exertion as those doing the "boxercise" video, they did experience more than those who were walking in the park.
Whatever the level of exertion, at least it is some. I own a Wii, and frequently find myself out of breath or with an elevated heart-rate after playing long sessions with friends. Although this activity may not be considered a cardiovascular workout, it is definately better than sitting on the couch sans movement at all.
The article also revealed that later this year, Nintendo intends to release "Wii Fit, an exercise game that allows the user to perform a variety of exercises" and even tracks their body-mass index. In Japan, Wii Fit has already sold over one million copies and I expect that it will be just as popular in the US -- I can't wait to purchase it myself.
By Reuters
Published: January 23,2008
http://www.news.com/Canadian-students-test-Nintendo-Wii-workout/2100-1043_3-6227307.html?tag=cd.hed
The latest video game craze is Nintendo's Wii. The system provides an interactive, almost virtual experience of its games. For example, in order to bowl in WiiSports, the player actually has to mimic the motions that one would perform in an actual bowling ally. A device that attaches to the television screen senses the players movement of the Wii Remote which dictates the player's on-screen Mii. (A Mii is a personalized character on the game system).
In this news article, a Wii player, Justin White, who is also a fourth-year kinesiology student, while playing the Wii boxing game, he "'noticed how exerting it was.'" As a result, he convinced his colleagues to help him perform an experiment to discover if playing Wii could qualify as a cardiovascular workout. They "tested the impact of playing the Wii boxing game for thirty minutes against a thirty-minute walk in a local park and an equal amount of time doing a 'boxercise' video." For each activity, the participants' heart-rates were monitored for comparison.
The results were surprising: playing Wii does not qualify as a cardiovascular workout. The reporter quotes White saying, "If they're looking for cardiovascular fitness, I'd advise them to do something else because it's really not intense enough." Although the participants who played Wii boxing did not experience as much as exertion as those doing the "boxercise" video, they did experience more than those who were walking in the park.
Whatever the level of exertion, at least it is some. I own a Wii, and frequently find myself out of breath or with an elevated heart-rate after playing long sessions with friends. Although this activity may not be considered a cardiovascular workout, it is definately better than sitting on the couch sans movement at all.
The article also revealed that later this year, Nintendo intends to release "Wii Fit, an exercise game that allows the user to perform a variety of exercises" and even tracks their body-mass index. In Japan, Wii Fit has already sold over one million copies and I expect that it will be just as popular in the US -- I can't wait to purchase it myself.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
"Zap to do Three-Wheeled Car in 2009"
"Zap to do Three-Wheeled Car in 2009: Zap, the electric car company based in Santa Rosa, Calif., is adding another electric car to its lineup"
By Michael Kanellos Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Published: January 31, 2008
http://www.news.com/Zap-to-do-three-wheeled-car-in-2009/2100-13833_3-6228614.html?tag=nefd.lede
In recent years, and definately recent months, Americans seem to be becoming more concerned with ways to protect the environement, at least in theory if not in practice. Because of this movement, there has been an increase in the production of more environment-friendly products, such as electric cars. While the latest model from Zap which will debut in 2009 is not the first of its kind entirely, it is different because its a high speed model which sits on only three wheels. The model is called "Alias" and will have a "top speed of over 100 miles an hour and go 150 miles on a charge, according to Zap." The sophisticated electric tricycle, however, will come at a price of $30,000.
The company has decided to make their electric model at three-wheeler because of the decrease in weight of the vehicle; because it is lighter, it will be able to travel further and last longer on a single charge that previous electric cars.
In the article, the author boasts that these three-wheeled vehicles will reach the market faster than possibly expected because they are technically considered motorcycles. Because of this classification there is "less safety testing." While this view is presented as an advantage, I think it quite the opposite. A vehicle that functions so differently from the majority of the cars on the roads today should be subject to vigorous safety tests in order to insure maximum security to its drivers and passengers. The electric cars may be beneficial to the environment, but what good is that if they turn out to be harmful to human beings' safety on the road.
The company will begin work on the Zap-X later this year which is an electric SUV. Because America appears to be obsessed with gas-guzzling SUVs hopefully this will be an economically-friendly way to satisfy the craving.
By Michael Kanellos Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Published: January 31, 2008
http://www.news.com/Zap-to-do-three-wheeled-car-in-2009/2100-13833_3-6228614.html?tag=nefd.lede
In recent years, and definately recent months, Americans seem to be becoming more concerned with ways to protect the environement, at least in theory if not in practice. Because of this movement, there has been an increase in the production of more environment-friendly products, such as electric cars. While the latest model from Zap which will debut in 2009 is not the first of its kind entirely, it is different because its a high speed model which sits on only three wheels. The model is called "Alias" and will have a "top speed of over 100 miles an hour and go 150 miles on a charge, according to Zap." The sophisticated electric tricycle, however, will come at a price of $30,000.
The company has decided to make their electric model at three-wheeler because of the decrease in weight of the vehicle; because it is lighter, it will be able to travel further and last longer on a single charge that previous electric cars.
In the article, the author boasts that these three-wheeled vehicles will reach the market faster than possibly expected because they are technically considered motorcycles. Because of this classification there is "less safety testing." While this view is presented as an advantage, I think it quite the opposite. A vehicle that functions so differently from the majority of the cars on the roads today should be subject to vigorous safety tests in order to insure maximum security to its drivers and passengers. The electric cars may be beneficial to the environment, but what good is that if they turn out to be harmful to human beings' safety on the road.
The company will begin work on the Zap-X later this year which is an electric SUV. Because America appears to be obsessed with gas-guzzling SUVs hopefully this will be an economically-friendly way to satisfy the craving.
"Information Navigation 101"
"Information Navigation 101: New programs teach undergraduates how to use the Internet and the online card catalog in search of the best sources"
By Andrea L. Foster
In the article, "Information Navigation 101" by Andrea L. Foster, the author argues that although today's college-aged students may appear to be technologically savvy, they are seriously lacking knowledge when it comes to using resources in the library to find appropriate academic information. Frances A. May, a library coordinator of user education and outreach states, "'students think they know more than they do.'" While this comment may seem harsh, I think it holds a great deal of truth. There are many avenues of research that most students have not even begun to tap into.
Foster informs the reader of the dramatic increases in digitally available text over the last several years and indicates that because of the increase "students are drowning in information." As a college student, I find this to be a very true statement. There seems to be so much information existing literally at my fingertips that it can become overwhelming to even think of sorting it all out. The entire process can become frustrating and as a result many students are turning to Google and Wikipedia for the easiest answers. While Google and Wikipedia remain constant references of my own (because I feel like I am at least somewhat capable of determining relevancy and authority), I think it's also important to understand other systems of "information navigation."
The article goes on the discuss a "kind of instruction [that is] occuring at colleges all over the country as part of 'information literacy,' a growing librarian-led movement to make students more adept at locating and evaluating electronic data." I experienced such instruction on more than one "class field trip" to the library during my college education. Although with each session (they were the same lesson repeated) I was able to get a better grasp on the concept of navigating, in my now senior year of college, I feel that I have only just now gained a level of understanding that could truly be useful to me in research projects. It may have been more effective if, instead of only one library session per class per semester, there were follow-up sessions. This way the information would not have to be so condensed into one 50 minute session. However, the ideal is not always the attainable. Its unrealistic to think that on top of all other duties, librarians should also make time to become full-time teachers university-wide.
By Andrea L. Foster
In the article, "Information Navigation 101" by Andrea L. Foster, the author argues that although today's college-aged students may appear to be technologically savvy, they are seriously lacking knowledge when it comes to using resources in the library to find appropriate academic information. Frances A. May, a library coordinator of user education and outreach states, "'students think they know more than they do.'" While this comment may seem harsh, I think it holds a great deal of truth. There are many avenues of research that most students have not even begun to tap into.
Foster informs the reader of the dramatic increases in digitally available text over the last several years and indicates that because of the increase "students are drowning in information." As a college student, I find this to be a very true statement. There seems to be so much information existing literally at my fingertips that it can become overwhelming to even think of sorting it all out. The entire process can become frustrating and as a result many students are turning to Google and Wikipedia for the easiest answers. While Google and Wikipedia remain constant references of my own (because I feel like I am at least somewhat capable of determining relevancy and authority), I think it's also important to understand other systems of "information navigation."
The article goes on the discuss a "kind of instruction [that is] occuring at colleges all over the country as part of 'information literacy,' a growing librarian-led movement to make students more adept at locating and evaluating electronic data." I experienced such instruction on more than one "class field trip" to the library during my college education. Although with each session (they were the same lesson repeated) I was able to get a better grasp on the concept of navigating, in my now senior year of college, I feel that I have only just now gained a level of understanding that could truly be useful to me in research projects. It may have been more effective if, instead of only one library session per class per semester, there were follow-up sessions. This way the information would not have to be so condensed into one 50 minute session. However, the ideal is not always the attainable. Its unrealistic to think that on top of all other duties, librarians should also make time to become full-time teachers university-wide.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
News Article #2
"Facebook Makes a Friend on Wall Street" By Seth Sutel
January 30, 2008 7:48 am
TechNewsWorld
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Facebook-Makes-a-Friend-on-Wall-Street-61438.html
TheFacebook.com began as an online community comprised of college students enabling them to chat, join groups, share photos, etc. TheFacebook appeared to be an immediate success and apparently this continues to remain true, as reported in the news story "Facebook Makes a Friend on Wall Street" by Seth Sutel early this morning.
The online community, which has fairly recently opened membership eligibility to everyone, not limiting itself to college students, now includes hundreds of available applications allowing the users to individualize their page and providing new ways for the users to interact with one another. The latest application? It's called "SeenThis?" and its sponsored by the Wall Street Journal Online, Facebook's newest "friend." According to Sutel, the feature "will allow readers to see which Journal stories are popular among that user's Facebook friends," serving as a type of recommendation to the user, hopefully prompting them to visit the article online or purchase a copy of the Journal, a method of advertising that has been proven successful by companies such as Amazon.com. Sutel reports that Daniel Bernard, the general manger for Wall Street Journal Online explained that each Facebook user will have to opt to have the application; it will not start immediately on its own.
Another application that will be available is "widget" defined by Sutel as "a small, self-contained application that does a specific task." In this case it will show "video and other material from Cnet and other providers." This widget will be visible to others who visit the pages of those who do use the widget, hopefully enticing even more users to add the application.
I think its a great way for the Wall Street Journal online to advertise. It's helpful for its users and it will probably also be beneficial for the company. As a user of Facebook, however, I'm a bit overwhelmed at the hundreds of different applications that are available. I have even stopped using them. I think it would have been more effective if it had come along a bit earlier in the game.
January 30, 2008 7:48 am
TechNewsWorld
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Facebook-Makes-a-Friend-on-Wall-Street-61438.html
TheFacebook.com began as an online community comprised of college students enabling them to chat, join groups, share photos, etc. TheFacebook appeared to be an immediate success and apparently this continues to remain true, as reported in the news story "Facebook Makes a Friend on Wall Street" by Seth Sutel early this morning.
The online community, which has fairly recently opened membership eligibility to everyone, not limiting itself to college students, now includes hundreds of available applications allowing the users to individualize their page and providing new ways for the users to interact with one another. The latest application? It's called "SeenThis?" and its sponsored by the Wall Street Journal Online, Facebook's newest "friend." According to Sutel, the feature "will allow readers to see which Journal stories are popular among that user's Facebook friends," serving as a type of recommendation to the user, hopefully prompting them to visit the article online or purchase a copy of the Journal, a method of advertising that has been proven successful by companies such as Amazon.com. Sutel reports that Daniel Bernard, the general manger for Wall Street Journal Online explained that each Facebook user will have to opt to have the application; it will not start immediately on its own.
Another application that will be available is "widget" defined by Sutel as "a small, self-contained application that does a specific task." In this case it will show "video and other material from Cnet and other providers." This widget will be visible to others who visit the pages of those who do use the widget, hopefully enticing even more users to add the application.
I think its a great way for the Wall Street Journal online to advertise. It's helpful for its users and it will probably also be beneficial for the company. As a user of Facebook, however, I'm a bit overwhelmed at the hundreds of different applications that are available. I have even stopped using them. I think it would have been more effective if it had come along a bit earlier in the game.
"Are Librarians Totally Obsolete?"
The article "Are Librarians Totally Obsolete?" by Will Sherman gives "33 Reasons Why Libraries and Librarians are Still Important." In a culture in which the internet seems to rule all, many people are thinking that at some point there will no longer be a need for libraries or librarians. This article proves the contrary, giving 33 valid reasons why this will never be the case. The reasons are believable and substantially supported, easily convincing the reader of its argument.
One important point made in the article is that libraries and the internet are not the same thing. I think it is great to point out a fact that although obvious is often overlooked. Because libraries and the internet are not the same thing, it would be impossible for one of those to replace the other. There may be people who believe that the internet is an updated, more efficient form of the library. This is not the case. The internet is just a different way to gather different types of information (not "better" or "more accurate" information, just different). It is important to remember that libraries are integrating the internet as an additional form of research; the two are working together, not against one another.
One of the reasons that I found interesting, and even a bit humorous because of the should-be obviousness of the idea. Reason number fourteen states, "We just can't count on physical libraries disappearing." Well of course we can't! Not only because of their importance in filing and preserving important archives and various forms of information, I can hardly imagine a time that the internet will be able to replace everything a library provides. A computer screen will never be able to replicate the atmosphere, the reliability, the comfort, or many other aspects of a library. I believe that there will always be a need in our society for libraries.
One important point made in the article is that libraries and the internet are not the same thing. I think it is great to point out a fact that although obvious is often overlooked. Because libraries and the internet are not the same thing, it would be impossible for one of those to replace the other. There may be people who believe that the internet is an updated, more efficient form of the library. This is not the case. The internet is just a different way to gather different types of information (not "better" or "more accurate" information, just different). It is important to remember that libraries are integrating the internet as an additional form of research; the two are working together, not against one another.
One of the reasons that I found interesting, and even a bit humorous because of the should-be obviousness of the idea. Reason number fourteen states, "We just can't count on physical libraries disappearing." Well of course we can't! Not only because of their importance in filing and preserving important archives and various forms of information, I can hardly imagine a time that the internet will be able to replace everything a library provides. A computer screen will never be able to replicate the atmosphere, the reliability, the comfort, or many other aspects of a library. I believe that there will always be a need in our society for libraries.
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