Post 4
I’ve been excited about the Semantic Web since I first learned about it in LIS 703. The concept of interconnected information seems like a natural progression towards a user-centric World Wide Web. When I began the readings for this module, I realized that the Semantic Web has not come up in any of the other courses I’ve taken since my first semester at Dominican; I am over halfway through the program. Perhaps it is due to the types of classes that I have taken: second level cataloging and reference courses, as well as courses that focus on youth services. All of the courses I have taken in the program have concentrated on user needs. However, as Robert H. McDonald and Chuck Thomas stated in “Disconnects Between Library Culture and Millennial Generation Values” (http://bit.ly/fNCB8R), user needs as related to the physical space and services provided when physically present at the library. With high-speed Internet access and the ever increasing amount of information accessible online, libraries must also pay attention to their online presence. Are websites easily navigated? Is information that is commonly sought findable? Are OPACs easy to use and meeting user needs? By examining these facets of library service, the patron experience can be enhanced and users may have a better chance of quickly and painlessly solving their information problem. Achieving Tim Berners-Lee’s vision of the Semantic Web, involves re-annotation of the Web: adding machine-readable metadata to webpages (see “Web 3.0” article, http://bit.ly/9AjcTI). Obviously, this is a massive project that may not be achieved for many years or not at all. While waiting for the technology to be developed that will enable search agents to “do the work” for information seekers, libraries can ensure that its patrons have easily findable and quick access to its resources.

Post 3
It’s obvious that “high-speed” access to the Internet is steadily increasing (see statistics at OECD Broadband Portal, http://bit.ly/exdD3K). From free Wifi offered at the closest Dunkin Donuts to mobile broadband, high-speed Internet access through a mobile device (e.g. a cellular phone or through tethering, http://bit.ly/EwZSs), people can access information quickly and from nearly anywhere. Patrons no longer have to physically go to the library to access information or to use the Internet. What does this mean for libraries? Some think that the library’s role in a digital information environment is diminishing. However, this shift provides an opportunity for libraries to service and reach more patrons. Libraries can provide pathfinders and tutorials on Internet research. With an abundance of information resources available, patrons need help finding the most reliable, current, and appropriate sources to solve their information problem. See San Bernardino County Library’s Pathfinders (http://1.usa.gov/gAte4u) for an example of how a library can help it’s patrons navigate the information superhighway. A section like this on a library’s website can assist patrons within the walls of the library, as well as those that choose to use free WiFi at a business, or at home. The Truxal Library at Anne Arundel Community College (http://bit.ly/dYL2pZ) and the UC Berkeley Library (http://bit.ly/4CWkWm) provide online tutorials to assist users in searching for online resources and assessing their quality. For patrons in rural areas, libraries may be their only means to high-speed Internet access. As cited in the Wikipedia Broadband Internet Access article (http://bit.ly/67zbO), less than half of Americans in rural areas had an Internet connection in 2009 according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Due to the equipment costs, Internet service providers are reluctant to provide service in rural areas. The Columbia County Rural Library District (http://bit.ly/goYVOr) in Washington just recently announced that they will be receiving fiber optic connectivity so that patrons will be able to access streaming content. The Maine State Library (http://bit.ly/hyOdTs) is not only increasing broadband access at over one hundred libraries, but also is providing computer literacy training. This is critical in a state where 60% of its population lives in rural areas.

Post 1
I never really thought much about copyright until I began working on my MLIS at Dominican University. We went over it the third or fourth week in LIS 701 – Introduction to Library and Information Science. After the lecture, I thought back to all of the presentations I created during my undergraduate and professional career; I never cited any of the images, videos, or songs that I used. I was alarmed to say the least. When I write, I find myself citing sources all the time. I always want to make sure that I credit the person whose idea I am stating or building upon. I never really thought about giving credit to the person who created an image or video I found online.

My thought process has completely changed since I realized how much copyright law affects my profession and information sharing in general. Librarians not only have to be aware of patrons copying CDs and DVDs, but also, books and journals as they become more widely available electronically. As copyright holders try to exert control over their works using digital rights management (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management), librarians must also consider whether “purchased” digital resources will still be accessible if database subscriptions are discontinued. It seems ludicrous to me that libraries and librarians have come under fire during copyright battles, but as Miriam M. Nisbet stated in “Librarians targeted in latest copyright battles,” (http://www.zdnet.com/news/librarians-targeted-in-latest-copyright-battles/116275) libraries strive to ensure access and copyright law is designed to restrict access.

I’ve come a long way from that evening in LIS 701. Whenever I deal with any document, whether it be an image, video, or website, I consider my use of the document and decide how I should credit the creator or copyright holder. I constantly suggest that my husband and friends do the same. I’m pretty sure they’re annoyed with me!

Hi everyone! My name is Patricia. This is my third semester and I plan to graduate in December 2011. I am interested in youth services in public libraries.