Readings for 9/22

Database: I did not realize that databases were so complicated. I had really expected something a little simpler, silly me. Also the amount variety of databases is astounding. Each different type is interesting in its own way, especially the In-memory database which is used for 911.

Metadata: What an intriguing name! Metadata! Sounds like a metal band. This article actually confused me greatly so I’m going to take a stab at what I think metadata is. So what I gathered about metadata is that it is all the information on a given subject creating a completely knowledge of said subject. It involves three aspects: one content which would be what the information on the subject is, context which would be in what format the information is, and structure which is relating information to the subject. (if I’m wrong, please please someone correct me.) Because of the intensity of metadata, its importance to the development of databases is exceedingly high.

Dublin: I am not the best at reading technical documents (I’m an English major for cryin’ out loud!) so please forgive me on the confusion with this article. What I understand is that Dublin is a type of database that collects cross reference materials so that the metadata on individual subjects is complete. The amount of work put into this project is astounding and lengthy. It is rather cool that this will be a continuing process as more information is gathered and created.

Muddiest Point

Why, when I try to post a url in my blog do I get this message:
ERROR
Your HTML cannot be accepted: Tag is not allowed:
Stop showing HTML errors for the body of this post
I'm not the best with computers at all, but posting a link worked before. What am I doing wrong?

Assignment Two

Hopefully these will take you to the site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42228697@N04/sets/72157622249815121/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42228697@N04/sets/72157622249815121/detail/
Any problems, please tell me.

Assignment One

I agree with Clifford Lynch when he says that “Both forms of literacy are essential for individuals to function and succeed in today’s society; they are distinct but inter-related.” I’ve worked in a public library for five years and have worked with older generations who do not know how to use computers. (Try explaining what email and the internet to a ninty year old man was one of these highlights.) You need to be able to know how to search for items online, since even my little library keeps their card cataloge away from patrons. From what I’ve seen most libraries are encourging people to learn how to use electronic means of finding items.

In Jason Vaughan’s Lied Library he speaks of many things (like laptop checks out colleges) that are familiar to me now and probably most other college students. These things seem to be taken for granted now. Even the Carngie went through a compter replacement for all its libraries.

Information Format Trend merely showed a development that has been happening for years. Slowly at first then explanding rapidly. I remember when my library had one computer (dial up too no less), now we have 10 in the adult library and 8 in the childrens with DSL hook up.