Thursday, July 23, 2009

Visualize the Perfect Search

Visualize the Perfect Search
Tenopir, Carol. Library Journal. New York:
March 2009. Vol. 134, Iss. 4,p. 22 (1 pp.)

Abstract of the article:

The article pointed out that when it comes in searching, visual interfaces are much more visually appealing than a simple search box.Combining visualization with interacting allows researchers to discover, not just retrieve.Learning through exploration and letting kids to discover new things by themselves.A cited example is the International Children's Digital Library, it was designed by a team that included kids, as we all know kids are really amazed in seeing colorful pictures, moving objects etc., it provides search filters for things like color of covers, types of stories, happy or sad books, length of books, and more.PhotoFinder was mentioned (now Photomesa) displays thumbnails of all photos in a collection, allowing users to go over images to see larger versions, zoom in to regroup photos this allow children in learning by exploration.They could manipulate and explore new things by themselves. it really help them to discover new things by experiencing it.
Three (3) things I learned from the article:
1. Visual interfaces that display the entire contents of a database matters most and allow manipulation than searching in a simple search box.
2. It is a habit of the student to search first to Yahoo or Google whenever they need something for research therefore, it is advisable nor we should encouraged them that the library databeses has a high quality and authoritative content.
3. Even in food we have different preferences, when it comes through their taste. Just like in learning some people are visual learners who learn best by seeing; others are auditory learners while others are kinesthetic learners. Let's respect every learners/users choice.
Implication to my work:
Whenever I received a query I always recommended or ecouraged students to check first their references through the use of OPAC or the databases that we display and present in the library web page because these are all pre evaluated and pre selected by librarians. Instead of visiting first to Yahoo or Google better used the databases in the library because of their authoritativeness, currency, style and organization are much better.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Library 2.0 Theory : Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries

Library 2.0 Theory : Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries
Maness, Jack. Library 2.0 Theory : Web 2.0 and Its Implications
for Libraries [Electronic Version].Webology 3(2), June 2006.
http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Abstract of the Article:

Libraries are cornerstone of a knowledge society, that puts them at the center of learning, culture and community life. Now libraries and librarians have the opportunity to take part in existing knowledge communities. As we all know technology is expanding every now and then just like in our libraries. Libraries are moving into web 2.0 and it only has just began. Web technologies allow us to converse and communicate with library as never before. Through these online communities, people are not only creating and publishing content but also sharing it with others. These includes blogs, wikis, tagging, RSS feeds, mash ups. The article point out the four essential elements of library 2.0, It is user centered, it provides a multimedia experience, it is socially rich, it is communally innovative. We should not forget that librarians have used various mechanisms for social interaction and knowledge exchange over the years. This can be the start of a new library technology.

Three (3) things I Learned from the article :

1. Web 2.0 is an easy ways to connect with other libraries and librarians. To reach people on their comfort zone especially for those people who spend time online.

2. Web 2.0 applications enable libraries and librarians to build a powerful web based tools such as search engines. It discovers information about specific technology, For instance, as a user browses through ceratin resources, repeating steps and moving on it again and again, by using web 2.0 these could be avoided. In a way web 2.0 will know when users are lost, and will offer immediate assistance.

3. Today, people from all walks of life can share their stories, participate, make friends and be heard and express their feelings, thoughts, share opinions on a certain things through online.

Reflections/ Implications :

Web 2.0 is a social phenomenon concerned with linking people to people, not just through information. These social tools offer the opportunity to form relationships with patron. It is also useful in a library setting because it can assist libraries and librarians who work in partnership from distant libraries. It much easier for the staff members who are located in separate building and still have a continous communication through the use of this technology web 2.0.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Computer Ethics / Netiquette

Abstract of the article :


Network usage is growing exponentially. Learning how to use a system properly involves more than simply learning the mechanics of how to make it do things. Learning how to use a system to its maximum potential without offending others, involves etiquette. In academic settings it is very often the librarian to whom faculty and staff turn for initiation rites. As public libraries begin offering internet access to patrons, it is once again the librarian who is faced with the challenge of making some order out of the chaos. Ethics involves behaviors which have useful or adverse effects on society as a whole or on its members. A discussion of ethics centers on issues of greater magnitude than good manners or common sense.


Szofran, Nancy. Internet Etquette and Ethics.

[Electronic version]. Computers in Libraries,14(1),2005


3 Things I learned on my Reading Assignment:


1. It is not just nice to have an etiquette on line but also it is necessary just like in dealing with our clients we should consider their feelings, thoughts to avoid offending them personally and for them to feel comfortable in dealing with us.


2. When it comes to communication it is better if you meet personally or face to face meeting because it has the most impact, then phone call, then voice mail, and lastly email. Still remember that the first one is the most important thing.


3. Do not do unto others on what you do not want them to do with you. Don't send abusive insulting email. Treat each person with respect like what you want them to treat with you.


Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work:


In a personal manner if you feel a new user is abusing the use of the system and you are the appropriate person to point this out, do so and do not be afraid, but not something that you will post on a bulletin board or in a way that the public could see, this is a disrespectful manner of informing the person. Better try to communicate to the person and set face to face meeting with him/her.




Friday, July 3, 2009

Techniques in Information Retrieval

Abstract of the Article :


Many search engines have adopted a new standard and tag URLs to help with the problem of multiple URLs pointing to the same page with identical content.To have only one specific version of the page indexed the following like Google, Yahoo!, Live and Ask now support a standard way of designating the "canonical URL" with the header of the web page. They have mentioned here several updates take for example the Google. Google has cancelled or stopped developmentr on several lessused projects, mostly non search related. The site now redirects to the main Google page.Yahoo! is using its search monkey technology to create enhanced listings in its result for certain websites. While Hakia released a new version of the Hakia scoopbar for both Internet Explorer and Firefox. The new version has a highlight button that can result from Hakia, Google, Yahoo!, Live or other search engines.There is an unending search of the development of technology for the convenience of the user.


Notes, Greg R. Search Engine Update . Online. 33, 13. Retrieved June 30, 2009, from ProQuest database.


Three things I've learned from my Reading Assignment



  • How can we measure the quality of information retrieval? maybe we can include : the relevance, ease of learning, ease to use, user acceptance, and satisfaction of the user.


  • Learning to use retrieval techniques such as Boolean operators, truncation, natural language, field and keyword searching. ( Oulanov, Alexei, Pajarillo Edmund."Academic Librarians' perception of Lexis-Nexis .The Electronic Library. 21,123-129. Retrieved June 30, 2009, from ProQuest database)


  • To keep updated on the development of the latest technology it is advisable to read or search through journals in technology and have an open access to the mentioned system. Having enough time to explore for application, because for me application is different from theoretical.

Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work


Technology today has been regularly updated they find ways to make it easier for the user to cope up with the latest trends.To keep updated on the development of these latest technology I think we should apply them to our work on the positive side and not abusing the system. Let's find a way of helping or teaching our library clientele on finding information in doing their researches through the application of search engine.