Jollyjem’s Weblog

[ I was in the hospital writing the draft of this blog. I’m sad, worried, weary… Sad because I was not able to attend our last formal meeting in 260…. Worried because of my sister’s condition….  Weary because of this trial that I have to face and surpass….  A while ago, I broke down and cried.  I love my sister and my family so much…]

 

[I felt a little of everything then…. I had nothing but a thankful heart and spirit to Mam Shai, for allowing to me to attend to my sister’s needs immediately and for a hug and words of comfort which gave me strength; Ronn, for always being there for me, a friend I can always count on; Jen, Jing, and Leona, who had served as my crying shoulders and the rest of the 260 class for their prayers….]

 

My First Open University and Los Baños Experience

 

My first Open University experience was indeed, a fruitful one.  I came to fully understand how distance education works.  I was also made aware of the technical side of being a teacher and a student of an open university.  It is really practical but challenging.  It is more laborious on the part on the faculty-in-charge (FIC) but I’m sure, it is worthwhile, dynamic, and interactive.

 

How the Open University operates reflects how more technological this era is.  In general, it is a challenge for both students and professors in the way to come up with collaborative intelligence while shying away from the traditional classroom situation.

 

Surprisingly, there is still the presence of a physical library there.  I wonder then if students do come and visit the library personally.  But as expected, the materials, they requested from the library are delivered to their doorsteps for a fee. How remarkable!

 

My first flight to UP Los Baños was an enjoying one.  Being a “probinsyana”, I came to appreciate the fresh, sweet breeze which refreshes us.  The scene is a nice view… away from busy traffic lights and noise…. Far from city pollution….  Together with my buddy then, Kuya Raymond, the trip was not boring; having him on your side, inside the van, full of jokes, funny stories and neverending “tawaran portion” with the vendors of “RR” rambutan we passed by. 

 

When we had  our lunch, we were serenaded by the Beach Boys (Philippine version) with their own renditions of, take note, “Narda” and When I Met You. Our group then (jing, fair, ron, freya, joan, malou, Leona, jellyace and yours truly) were not only delighted with the fresh and delicious food served, (the “suso with pako” thing were enjoyed much by marie and malou) but also, with the hilarious and funny stories and punch lines and everything shared most by Freya.  Indeed, both our tummies and our hearts were filled and full then.

 

The 260 class is solid.  This is where I enjoyed most because all of us are always young at heart, regardless of age and looks.  We always support one another.  We help each other as well.  In this class, there are no dull moments….

 

 

260 classmates, colleagues, and friends,

 

lovable leona

respectful ronn

rockyraymond

mysterios mai

nice nhet

majestic marie

mighty mike

just judy

friendly freya

territorial tina

kind kareen

fantastic fair

jellyace joan

joyful jen

mellow mylene

mystic mabel

kitty kat

jittery joan

jingle jing

early erlinda

meticulous Melvin

            amiable adonna

 

Thank you so much for a happy journey towards being a web 2.0 librarian with an attitude…

 

More gratitude for being accommodating and making my first semester indeed, a happy and an enjoying one….

 

 

To Mam Shai,

 

Many thanks for all the learnings, sharings, time and consideration you gave us…

 

You are one special professor who has touched my life and inspired me most….

 

 

Jolly jem

http://www.iii.com/products/millennium_ils.shtml

 

Millennium Integrated Library System

 

 

The Millennium Integrated Library System designed by Innovative Interface offers libraries the most complete, comprehensive and continuously evolving solution that streamlines library operations to make librarians focus on being librarians.  It has become the most broadly accepted solution among libraries of all types and sizes, in over 40 countries.  Its modules reliably support simple, everyday library transactions while at the same time meeting the demands of the most sophisticated cataloger, circulation, manager or web librarian.

 

Modules and Features

1. Circulation Module – frees staff from unnecessary tasks and provides patrons with a host of self-service options.

n      lets libraries link together without sacrificing local functions

n      keeps materials moving, minimizes staff workload and gives staff the power to customize service for maximum efficiency and patron satisfaction

a)      Priority Paging – directs items along the shortest route possible to their destination

b)      Mobile Collection – allows libraries to move collection around the system

c)      Floating Collection – a great way to keep items on the shelves rather than in sorting bins and cut the cost of staff time needed to keep collections fresh for patrons

 

1. Serials Module – enables staff to handle to all material types while the system automatically adjusts to changes in title and publication patterns with ease.

– provides a simple process for creating reports and updating batches of records without the need for a systems administrators.

a)      Check-In Card – at-a-glance window for everything a staff needs to know about a particular subscription.

 

1. Cataloging Module – provides the staff with the tools needed to create, edit, and refine the information that describes collections.

– allows for precise metadata handling, in-client connection to vendors and content providers and flexible reputing

a)      Millennium Editor – provides either guided record creations or work forms that cater to expert catalogers.

b)      Create Lists – provides customized reports or anything catalogers want to know about the database – without leaving the client or relying on systems administrators

c)      Global Update – allows staff to alter large number of records in a single stroke.

d)      Automatic Authenticity Control – keeps database safe

e)      Millennium Scheduler – makes library-selected updates without staff intervention

 

1. Acquisitions Module – delivers the technological sophistication necessary to bring print and electronic materials into the library quickly and easily.
2. Management Reports – provides direct access to statistical information across the entire system

a)      Create Lists – a powerful custom report generator, accessible from the command screen of cataloging, acquisition, serials and circulation

b)      Millennium Statistics – provides library staff with an efficient dashboard for tracking and projecting statistical trends

c)      Web Management Reports – allows staff to get a quick picture of critical library activities from an internet browser

d)      Millennium Administration – gives systems librarian and IT staff quick access to code changes, network access reports and options for changing behaviors and graphics on the public access catalog

 

1. Patron Services – a complete set of tools that efficiently handles all kinds of user interaction with the library.

a)      My Millennium Personalization Suite

b)      Web Pac Pro Online Catalog

c)      Express Lane Self-check

d)      Ecommerce Integrated Fine and Fee payment

e)      Program Registration

 

1. Campus Computing – simplifies the user experience and frees staff from unnecessary database maintenance, authentication and registration chores

a)      Single Sign-On Integration

b)      External Patron Verification

c)      Web Access Management

d)      Courseware Integration

e)      Patron Web Access

 

1. Discovery – helps users find what they need, regardless of format or location

a)      Pathfinder Pro – displays links to rich databases based on user search queries informed by rules the library creates

b)      Research Pro – provides elegant, simple searching across multiple databases

c)      Encore – brings Pathfinder Pro and Research Pro together with an array of Web 2.0 features

 

1. E-products – bring library management and patron discovery together

 

1. Electronic Resource Management – gives patrons access to e-journals and more through discovery tools and provides full administration capabilities for staff

a)      Content Access Service (CASE) – delivers coverage data and allows one-click

b)      WebBridge LR – guides users to full-text resources and even presents easy to understand terms and conditions for use of the material.

 

1. Digital Asset Management – offers the most sophisticated collection building and discovery tools available and make it easy to boost visibility of all kinds of content

 

1. Via for K-12 Libraries – provides a cost-effective single library automation that streamlines library operations over a large school district while customizing library service at individual schools

– a tool that includes everything needed to run the essential aspects of the library, including circulation with homeroom overdue notices, cataloging, management reports and the WebPac Pro online catalog.

 

 

Critique on Web-based Information Retrieval System

 

The world wide web has changed the way information users think, use and search for information.  Nowadays, the users deviate from the traditional approaches to information-seeking, which are time-consuming, tedious and very tiring.  The concept of web-based information retrieval system encompasses access and retrieval of information through or on the web.  The introduction of the Internet and its technologies has become a milestone in the information age. From then, technological advances follow suit.

 

Specifically, with the integration of technology to libraries, operations have become more complex, dynamic and innovative.  Users now confine themselves as active participants or collaborators of information.

 

The way to access and retrieve information has been one of the bases in evaluating information retrieval systems.  Add to this is the relevance or usefulness of the “hits” to the given search query.  Subject authority and credibility also matter in the use of information found on the web.  As in the case of the book, there are experts in certain fields of study from whom we refer into.  But with the “chunk” of information provided on the Net, how can we know if it really matches our information needs?  To what extent they may be relevant? Are these information reliable enough? Or are they all trash?

 

I remember then this statement given by my professor, “Internet is 1% information and 99% trash.”  Back then, I do not really rely on the information posted on the Net, because somehow, he’s quite right.  Unlike books, anyone can post anything on the Net. On the contrary, the books don’t give us up-to-date information that we need which concludes to the advantage of the Net.

 

The thrust then is how to filter the right information which will be useful to our research needs.

 

3 things I’ve learned from my Reading Assignment

1. With my classmates reported about Web-based Information Retrieval System, I can say that my knowledge in information science has been in the intermediate level or has been improving as we dig deeper into the context of the field.  As what I’ve been telling all from my previous pages here, I’m not that really good in this subject.   But in the process, I’m learning the ropes; I’m enjoying learning the subject though I’m having a hard time at first.  Truly, some of the important lessons are learned in the hardest way.
2. There are many uses of web-based information retrieval systems.  With these, as most technologies do, they also have advantages and disadvantages.
3. There are also issues/concerns/considerations that need to be addressed; plagiarism, intellectual property, usability, relevance, authority/credibility, accuracy and permanency of data or information.

Implications of the Things I’ve Learned to me / to my Work

1. As my basic knowledge in information science, particularly in information search and retrieval has improved, I will be able to deliver better services to cater to my clients’ information needs.  I can also offer ways for them to improve information searching and become effective and independent users of information.
2. My foremost goal (and I think most of us do) to transform and become a web 2.0 librarian is in the process. With the lessons and learning offered and given in this subject, I’m looking forward to have those qualities of a web 2.0 librarian, the guru of the information age.  
3. Given the fact that the web is here to improve library services, we should not also forget the need to have librarians or in the future, information specialists, as what they will be called, because they are the authority to match materials/documents and users’ needs.  With the knowledge and attitude that we have — patience and subject cataloging – we are still inevitable in today’s hi-tech world.

 

Critique on the Use of Online and Digital Media

 

Online and digital media are two very useful forms or sources of information.  They have improved the idea of information interactivity and connectivity.  They have also contributed in different fields – education, business and industry to name a few.  They have changed people’s lifestyles, — living, studying, spending on the digital way.

 

To distinguish one from the other, online media covers websites, servers, browsers, databases much more accessible and time-saving.  On the other hand, digital media are digitized, electronic, multimedia channels of communication and information.

 

3 Things I’ve Learned from my Reading Assignment

 

1. Like most technologies, there are also pros and cons, flaws and considerations and consequences in deciding to use these mediums.  Cost is one consideration.  To utilize this kind of media, you have to have facilities.
2. Online media support real-time use and are accessible to a lot of people.  Digital media contain information lifted from the printed forms. That is to say, digital media are improved versions of print materials which come in digital formats.
3. These applications have greatly influenced the users of information and require knowledge in command languages to facilitate searches with satisfactory results.

 

Implications of the Things I’ve Learned to me / to my work

 

1. The trend in turning to digital and online media in search for information is a good option for all libraries.  One should see to it and understand the points that should be considered in following this trend. 
2. In our library, we offer these forms of services but I noticed that most students prefer the online than the digital one may be because the former is easier and time-saving than the latter.  I also got the chance to glance over the information they get from the Net and I found out that because they don’t devote a lot of time to do research, most of the articles they submitted are irrelevant or misleading articles.  And that’s the time that I teach them the ways of getting the right information from all those information available on the Net.  With this concern addressed, I should therefore be more equipped to better facilitate information searching and then, teach my users how.
3. As a researcher, I’m learning the ropes to better searching of information.  In the process of submitting my reading assignments, my knowledge and skills become better and better every time I do research and analysis.  This is one of the reasons why I really liked this subject.

Seminar on Strategies in Effective Searching of Information: a Critique

 

A seminar on Strategies in Effective Searching of Information was scheduled last July 16, 2008, Wednesday at the Jose Rizal University Multimedia Section.  Said seminar was sponsored by the Ortigas Center Library Consortium Inc. (OCLC) and Jose Rizal University Library.

 

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the forum because I was sick and the weather was not fine.  I am very eager to attend the scheduled seminar that day.  Like what others had done, I also filed a vacation leave beforehand in order for me to learn new skills and knowledge in the field I consider I’m not really good at.  But as what I’ve said, I was not able to because of sickness.

 

I know the speaker by name.  I also had met her in my university but she never came to be a professor in any of my subjects in library science and I had never attended any of the seminars she facilitated.

 

First and foremost, I could not criticize the forum, the facilitator and the program as a whole because I was not around that time.  So this critique will be a reflection based on the critiques my classmates had posted in their blogs.  Most comments are negative criticisms.  My classmates were really disappointed about the outcome of the program, the speaker herself, and the time frame allotted.

 

After reading the blogs of my classmates and from the personal reactions drawn from them come Saturday of that week, the following realizations are made.

1. Objectives were not met.  Expectations may be too high.

 

In any program and in the teaching-learning process, objectives laid down should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-franed).  Objectives should be carefully though of and approaches should be in accordance to meeting those objectives.

 

My classmates could have not expected too much of the learning they will acquire.  We could not blame them.  I, myself, was regretting for not being able to attend the said forum (before hearing those comments from my classmates) because I know and expect that we will learn a lot; we are eager to learn more, to gain more.  But to my dismay, as what my classmates commented, it turned out that my regression became something that I should be thankful for.

 

The basics of information searching may have tackled but because we already know about, we find it boring to still listen about things we know well.  Could have been that new approaches or strategies are used so that we’ll find the forum interesting.  (Just like what Mam Sharon has done to our class when we discussed the History of Computers)

 

1. It started late but ended early.

 

Very surprising to start a program late but end it early.  Could have been that as the forum was started late, it was supposed to end later to make up for the lost hours that was consumed.

 

The habit we call “Filipino time” should not always be dominant in us.  Neither, should we always use this habit an excuse.  Instead, we look for a way to eliminate this habit and make a difference then.

 

1. Criticisms should make us grow but not destroy us.

 

Having experienced those shortcomings and mishaps, instead of feeling too mad, we should learn from the experience, most especially those who are involved in planning seminars and the speakers as well.

 

I know I’m not on the proper disposition and authority to reprimand the people concerned.  I’m speaking on behalf of my colleagues to learn from this incident instead of become too dismayed. 

 

To err is human.  Of course this cliché is true.  But after committing mistakes, we should not just accept them and learn from them; we should also find a way not to commit the mistakes and be in the situation again.

 

Let this be an eye opener.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading Assignment (Web 2.0 technologies and their use to libraries)

Title of the Article: Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries

Author: Jack M. Manness

Publisher: Webology (3)

URL: http://www.webology.ir/2006/v3n2/a.25.html

 

Abstract of the article:

 

This article provides definition and theory about Library 2.0.  It explains the substantial implications of the Web 2.0 technologies to libraries: synchronous messaging, streaming media, blogs, wikis, social networks, tagging, RSS feeds, and mashups.  These technologies will enhance the roles of libraries in providing users’ access to their collections and user support for that access.

 

Synchronous messaging or instant messaging (IM) allows real-time text communication between individuals and has been employed in libraries to provide “chat reference” services.  Blogs are HTML for the masses while wikis are essentially open web-pages.  These web-based publication and application enable social interaction among librarians and patrons.  Tagging allows users to create subject headings for the object at hand which makes lateral searching easier.

 

 

Three Things I Learned from my Reading Assignment

 

1. The impact of Web 2.0 technologies had improved library services and linkages.
2. The trend of library 2.0 is more on collaborative discovery systems where users also help out in creating systems and services for themselves.
3. Web 2.0 technologies and libraries recognize that human beings do not seek and utilize information as individuals, rather, as communities.  The emphasis is more on finding and sharing of knowledge and information to a larger group of people.

 

Implications of the new things I learned to my work / to me as a person:

 

1. Understanding Web 2.0 technologies made me realize to improve myself and become a “techy “person.  I admit I only know basic skills on computer applications but as I realize the ever-changing role of technology to my profession, I see a need for me to better catch up and keep abreast with these technologies to further improve library services.
2. Web 2.0 technology has revolutionized librarianship as a profession.  Gone are the decades of a culture of control and predictability.  The shift is towards facilitation and ambiguity.  With this paradigm shift, Web 2.0 librarians must be aware of the more complex roles they play in today’s Web 2.0 world.
3. Blogs, social networks, streaming media are of great help in my endeavor as a librarian, teacher, library club moderator and a researcher.  Said technologies will help me be heard of my opinions, utilize and share information, improve library linkages and networks, enhance library instructional sessions and continually adapt to technological advancements in the field.

READING ASSIGNMENT (WEB 2.0, LIBRARY 2.0 AND LIBRARIAN 2.0)

Title of the Article: Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Librarian 2.0: Preparing for the 2.0 World

Author: Stephen Abram

Publisher: SirsiDynix One Source

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

Abstract of the Article

This article provides a clear definition about Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Librarian 2.0 and their implications to the 2.0 World. Web 2.0 technologies include RSS, Wikis, blogging, personalization, podcasting, streaming media, ratings, alerts, folksonomies, tagging and social networking software. Library 2.0 is a modernized approach which integrates the use of Web 2.0 technologies to library services and encourages interactive feedback and participation of library users. Librarian 2.0 is considered the guru of the information age who understands and learns how to integrate Web 2.0 technologies to library services and develops a multi-faceted, active, relational and multi-directional library service offerings.

Three Things I Learned from my Reading Assignment

After reading this article and other articles related to this, I have come up with the following realizations:

1. Web 2.0 technologies which are listed above have helped improved library services.
2. The emergence of Library 2.0 requires that librarians should improve and enhance their skills and competencies more specifically in the use of Web 2.0 technologies.
3. The aspects and roles Librarians 2.0 are challenging, complex but worthwhile since they cater to a great number of users who are relative to the general consumer.

Implications of the Things I Learned to my Work / to me as a Person

1. With the advent of Web 2.0 technologies, library service offerings should now be interactive and covers a wider range of user participation; thus making delivery of services more modernized and improved.

2. With the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies, I foresee a need for me to enhance myself, as a librarian, in order to harness library 2.0 services and make library 2.0 users participant, co-creator, builder and consultant.

3. Web 2.0 technologies can help me improve other aspects of library services like cataloging and classification without doing away from the traditional approach.

4. After learning about Library 2.0, Librarian 2.0 and Web 2.0 technologies and their effects to library and information services, I will reach out to our colleagues and friends for them to understand the said concepts and their worth to the profession.

READING ASSIGNMENT (Information Retrieval System)

Title of the Article: “In the catalogue ye go for men”: Evaluation Criteria for Information

Retrieval Systems

Author: Julian Warner

Publisher: Information Research, 4 (4)

URL: http://informationr.net/ir/4-4/paper62.html

Abstract of the Article:

The underlying principle behind ideal information retrieval is when information system has delivered all the records relevant to a given information need. The criteria for evaluating information retrieval systems are the concept of relevance, precision and recall and exploratory capability or enhanced capacity for informed choice. Introspection supports the idea of exploratory capability. The effectiveness of information retrieval systems is measured by comparing performance on a common set of queries and documents.

Three Things I Learned from my Reading Assignment:

1. Information retrieval requires selective/discriminatory capacity of transforming a query into a set of records given a universe of information.
2. The performance of an information retrieval system is measured by its capacity to deliver relevant records in response to deliberately articulated queries.
3. Criteria and alternative principles behind information retrieval systems has proved that its theory and practice do interact.

Implications of the New Things I Learned to My Work / to Me as a Person:

1. As a librarian, knowledge of the principles and criteria for evaluating information retrieval systems will help me develop that discriminating power more to match documents from a given query.
2. Library and information science has come a long way; thus, emphasizing skills/knowledge required by librarians and information specialists to achieve an effective delivery of information service.
3. Understanding information retrieval systems has made me realize the roles the librarians play in the very complex world of information research.

READING ASSIGNMENT (Critique on Boolean search and retrieval)

Title of the Article: The Extended Boolean Model Versus Ranked Retrieval

Author:

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: http://nlp.stanford.edu/IR-book/html/htmledition/the-extended-boolean-model- versus-ranked-retrieval-1.html

Abstract of the Article:

The comparison between Boolean retrieval model and other retrieval models is highlighted in this article. The Boolean retrieval model has been the main and only search option used though it has the following limitations: only records term presence or absence; Boolean queries retrieve a set of matching documents; and Boolean search tends to produce either high precision but low recall or low precision but high recall searches. The thrust of a successful document delivery lies on the effective retrieval system model.

Three Things I Learned from my Reading Assignment:

1. Boolean search and retrieval is a powerful tool for information access and has become the dominant form.
2. Boolean search requires the use of operators for specificity, a good vocabulary, and right choice of keywords to achieve successful searching.
3. Information retrieval encompasses browsing or filtering documents and further processing a set of retrieved documents which others will find complicated as it coincides with the other aspects of information science not only searching.

Implications of the New Things I Learned to My Work / to Me as a Person:

Understanding the scope and limitations of Boolean search and retrieval has helped me:

1. realize the appropriate form/tool of information access I can use to provide the most particular answers using the most specific search tools; thus giving a better quality of information service;
2. become equipped as a librarian and researcher in filtering/clustering the important and relevant information I need from the irrelevant ones; and
3. become aware of the emergence and/or convergence of technologies to library and information services; thus improving library operations like indexing, cataloging and other aspects of information analysis, access and retrieval.

READING ASSIGNMENT (Inside a computer—how it works)

Title of the Article: How PCs Work

Author: Jeff Tyson

Publisher: HowStuffWorks, Inc.

URL: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm

Abstract of the article:

This article cites the pieces and parts of a computer and the roles they play in the basic operating session. The physical and internal components of a computer are the case or enclosure; the electrical system including power supply and cabling; the central processing unit (CPU); storage or memory which can be random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), basic input/output system (BIOS), caching and virtual memory; motherboard; hard disk; operating system; input devices such as keyboard, mouse, etc.; output devices such as monitor, speaker, printer, etc.; and interface cards like sound card and graphics card. The basic information-processing session happens when information, as inputted through keyboard or mouse travels from a device like a floppy disk or CD or from the network or through a modem or a network card and process it. The processed information can be shown on the monitor, stored in the memory or sent somewhere else through the modem or network card. Computers are general purpose devices which can perform different things but with certain limitations.

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment:

The readings I’ve done about how a computer works – its components and operation gave me:

1. a clearer perspective of the internal parts of a computer
2. a better understanding of how information is processed
3. a deeper appreciation of the parts and the roles they play and a projection on its effect to mankind

Implications of the new things I learned to my work / to me as a person:

1. The knowledge about the components of a computer and how they work together will be my gauge in solving minor technical problems or minor causes of computer malfunction.
2. As applied or metaphorically implied to the library organization, appreciating the parts of a computer and their roles is like deeply realizing the importance and worth of my co-workers as they take part in the successful performance of our daily operations. And thus, commending them in the performance of their duties and motivate them more to achieve excellence.
3. Understanding the functions of a computer will help me perform my computer-based tasks with ease.

 

 

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