Ellie, Park. 2003. Computers responsible for many health concerns. Retrieved on September 24, 2009 at http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workplace-health-safety-employment /641313-1.html
ABSTRACT:
This article discusses the Cumulative Trauma Disorders or CTDs which is caused by working too much – or not smart enough on computers. It is also called repetitive stress disorders. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which occurs when repetitive motion inflames the wrist, causing compression of blood vessels and nerves in a tunnel formed by the carpal bones is also mentioned. Aside from Ergonomics, this article suggests to maintain / keep good general health and posture, stay the right weight and not to smoke and use drugs to avoid development of such computer related casualties / illness.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
In our generation where computers play important roles in our everyday lives – work, entertainment, education, etc. It is not surprising to know that different illnesses are being developed. Ergonomics used to be a jargon to me, but since I started my career as a librarian I discovered what and how important it is.
Three things learned:
> It is important to take breaks (from sitting in front of computer) to keep moving. One should always take time to stretch and be gracious to his body.
> To avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is advisable to use wrist pad because it provides support and takes the stress off wrists.
> Never ignore any signs of pain experienced. Prevention is always better than cure.
I used to experience headache after a day of work. I’m a bit sure that it’s because of my day’s exposure to the computer monitor. I also cannot deny that my computer use doesn’t stop when I’m off from work. Most of the time, I still work with computers at home. To relieve this frequent headache, I was advised to use eyeglasses every time I have to be exposed to the computer’s monitor. It took me quite a hard time to adjust with using eyeglasses but after weeks of practice, it becomes customary and at least the headache I often experience is gone….
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
FORENSIC FILES: Times are changing: Electronic evidence is different
Sammons, John. 2009. FORENSIC FILES: Times are changing: Electronic evidence is different. Retrived on September 17, 2009 at. http://www.wvrecord.com/news/221039-forensic-files-times-are-changing-electronic-evidence-is-different
ABSTRACT:
Technology has shrunk the world we live in. Rules are being changed to help legal systems adapt to the exploding digital society. The article discusses major differences between electronically stored information and paper evidence. The author emphasizes that these two should be treated differently when used as evidence for they will cause confusion and may mislead if their differences are not addressed properly.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
From a traditional paper-based evidences, electronically stored information are introduced in the courtrooms. Because of this introduction, legislators are tasked to amend and/or change rules to adapt to changing environment. For example, here in the Philippines, we have A.M. NO. 01-7-01-SC.- RULES ON ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE which describes, defines and identifies accuracy and credibility of electronically stored information when presented to court as evidence.
THREE THINGS LEARNED:
> Metadata is simply "data about data." As valuable as metadata can be, it's important to note that metadata is not full-poof and can be removed all together.
> An issue in electronically stored information is its duplicability. It is easier to have multiple copies of a particular document through the digital technology. This is somehow related with issues on privacy. In this aspect, I would like to emphasize that librarians should be very careful in sending information.
> A witness presenting an electronically stored information need to prove that what he’s presenting is genuine and unedited / not modified. The question on his integrity can also be raised.
It is somehow hard to prove the authenticity of an electronic document especially if it’s being used to discuss sensitive issues or if it’s used as court evidence. In the Company I’m working for, every time an important request is made, I make sure that there are 3 signed copies of the document stored in different locations. Storing these requests electronically is not an essential part of my duties. My immediate supervisor keeps on reminding me not to damage the printed and signed requests because these are the ones which will be considered reliable and no more questions will be asked when used to defend a particular argument.
ABSTRACT:
Technology has shrunk the world we live in. Rules are being changed to help legal systems adapt to the exploding digital society. The article discusses major differences between electronically stored information and paper evidence. The author emphasizes that these two should be treated differently when used as evidence for they will cause confusion and may mislead if their differences are not addressed properly.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
From a traditional paper-based evidences, electronically stored information are introduced in the courtrooms. Because of this introduction, legislators are tasked to amend and/or change rules to adapt to changing environment. For example, here in the Philippines, we have A.M. NO. 01-7-01-SC.- RULES ON ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE which describes, defines and identifies accuracy and credibility of electronically stored information when presented to court as evidence.
THREE THINGS LEARNED:
> Metadata is simply "data about data." As valuable as metadata can be, it's important to note that metadata is not full-poof and can be removed all together.
> An issue in electronically stored information is its duplicability. It is easier to have multiple copies of a particular document through the digital technology. This is somehow related with issues on privacy. In this aspect, I would like to emphasize that librarians should be very careful in sending information.
> A witness presenting an electronically stored information need to prove that what he’s presenting is genuine and unedited / not modified. The question on his integrity can also be raised.
It is somehow hard to prove the authenticity of an electronic document especially if it’s being used to discuss sensitive issues or if it’s used as court evidence. In the Company I’m working for, every time an important request is made, I make sure that there are 3 signed copies of the document stored in different locations. Storing these requests electronically is not an essential part of my duties. My immediate supervisor keeps on reminding me not to damage the printed and signed requests because these are the ones which will be considered reliable and no more questions will be asked when used to defend a particular argument.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Open-Source: Now is the Time!
Wadell, Penny. February 6, 2009. Open-Source: Now is the Time!. Retrieved September 9, 2009 at http://www.scribd.com/doc/12991861/Open-Source-The-time-is-now
ABSTRACT:
It cannot be denied that the life we have right now is more convenient because of computers. But, computers cannot function without a language. This persuasion speech delivered by Dr. Penny Wadell compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages of proprietary (paid) and open-source (free) software. The speaker generally proposes that users utilize different open-source software available.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> The problem with proprietary software is that it is rarely updated making the program less secure.
> Proprietary software often leads to piracy because of its high maintaining cost.
> There is no sense of “lifetime” commitment in using open-source software.
With the type of economy we currently have, it is important that we still get the best at a price convenient and affordable to us. Majority of the computers in the Company I am working for use Linux operating system due to its free access. Staff training was one of the problems that the Management faced upon Linux’ implementation.
I am privileged to have the Microsoft Operating System license retained, but I also sometimes use computers with Linux Operating System and I would say that its features are very similar to Microsoft, of course, there are modifications, but I would rather refer to these modifications as “innovations.” Innovations which lead to better discovery and utilization of computers.
ABSTRACT:
It cannot be denied that the life we have right now is more convenient because of computers. But, computers cannot function without a language. This persuasion speech delivered by Dr. Penny Wadell compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages of proprietary (paid) and open-source (free) software. The speaker generally proposes that users utilize different open-source software available.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> The problem with proprietary software is that it is rarely updated making the program less secure.
> Proprietary software often leads to piracy because of its high maintaining cost.
> There is no sense of “lifetime” commitment in using open-source software.
With the type of economy we currently have, it is important that we still get the best at a price convenient and affordable to us. Majority of the computers in the Company I am working for use Linux operating system due to its free access. Staff training was one of the problems that the Management faced upon Linux’ implementation.
I am privileged to have the Microsoft Operating System license retained, but I also sometimes use computers with Linux Operating System and I would say that its features are very similar to Microsoft, of course, there are modifications, but I would rather refer to these modifications as “innovations.” Innovations which lead to better discovery and utilization of computers.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
IRRI Library Tour: Learnings outside the Fours Corners of the Classroom
ABSTRACT
The IRRI Library has the world's largest collection of rice literature. Filipino scientists and students are the largest group of user of the library. With the Rice Bibliography, which contains more than 170,000 references on rice, in at least 80 languages, now available in the Internet, scientists in far-off countries can now avail of the library's information and references easily. (http://www.irri.org/about/faq3.asp)
The IRRI Library tour that we had introduced us to the different resources and services emphasizing on document delivery of the said library. It also introduced us to the different modules of the Millennium Integrated Library System.
THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
The Millennium Integrated Library System is not actually new to me. I was privileged enough to have experienced using and entering data to the Cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials and Circulation modules of the said system. I have also been using the OPAC module since college. And with my experiences using the system, I would say that it is one of the best and very user-friendly.
Three things I’ve learned with the library tour that the class had:
> Budget is the most important thing to consider in subscribing and maintaining a system. Though the Library is persistent in having the best system, it will still be the budget which will determine if that will be approved or not.
> I learned about the “Document Delivery” services more.
> Web 2.0 plays a very important role in improving the services of the library. The use of “Skype” in providing reference services to IRRI Library’s clients is a proof of how the new technology develops library services into a better and efficient one.
The Library is a dynamic entity which needs to regularly update and improve its services. The clients will always be given the primary consideration in these developments. As Ranganathan had proposed, “Save the time of the user”, we, as librarians need to stay abreast with the current trend and technology. We need to introduce services that will be very beneficial and of convenience to our clients.
The IRRI Library has the world's largest collection of rice literature. Filipino scientists and students are the largest group of user of the library. With the Rice Bibliography, which contains more than 170,000 references on rice, in at least 80 languages, now available in the Internet, scientists in far-off countries can now avail of the library's information and references easily. (http://www.irri.org/about/faq3.asp)
The IRRI Library tour that we had introduced us to the different resources and services emphasizing on document delivery of the said library. It also introduced us to the different modules of the Millennium Integrated Library System.
THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
The Millennium Integrated Library System is not actually new to me. I was privileged enough to have experienced using and entering data to the Cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials and Circulation modules of the said system. I have also been using the OPAC module since college. And with my experiences using the system, I would say that it is one of the best and very user-friendly.
Three things I’ve learned with the library tour that the class had:
> Budget is the most important thing to consider in subscribing and maintaining a system. Though the Library is persistent in having the best system, it will still be the budget which will determine if that will be approved or not.
> I learned about the “Document Delivery” services more.
> Web 2.0 plays a very important role in improving the services of the library. The use of “Skype” in providing reference services to IRRI Library’s clients is a proof of how the new technology develops library services into a better and efficient one.
The Library is a dynamic entity which needs to regularly update and improve its services. The clients will always be given the primary consideration in these developments. As Ranganathan had proposed, “Save the time of the user”, we, as librarians need to stay abreast with the current trend and technology. We need to introduce services that will be very beneficial and of convenience to our clients.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
IFLA/UNESCO Internet Manifesto
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. IFLA Internet Manifesto. 2002. Retrieved on August 11, 2009 at http://archive.ifla.org/III/misc/im-e.htm
ABSTRACT:
The IFLA Internet Manifesto is grounded / consistent with United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, focusing particularly to Article 19 which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” This stresses that library users have the right to expect the same degree of freedom of expression and freedom of access to information on the Internet as they do with print materials. With the changes and development continuously happening with the Internet, librarians are given the primary responsibility to train and educate users to effectively and efficiently access information on the Internet.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> The values of different cultures also had to be considered along with questions of cultural bias toward western liberal democratic values.
> The idea of the Internet as a tool to reduce social exclusion has gained credence, thanks to its ability to open access to government information and communication channels and libraries have contributed to this concept by making collections and catalogs available online for those unable to physically access library resources.
> Libraries should take citizens from awareness to empowerment.
Librarians should work collaboratively with the government in developing and implementing a clear policy on Internet use. IFLA Internet Manifesto emphasizes that access to information on the Internet should not be hindered by a person’s race, age, sex, gender, culture, etc. Simply put, “Internet is for all.” It unlocks barriers to information because it provides access anytime, anywhere. It connects people to all places around the world. But, Internet provides vast information which may cause a user to access inaccurate details. Librarians should provide trainings for Internet Literacy, they should clearly state to users the realities of Internet – that some of information from it may be misleading.
As a librarian with clients concentrated in the medical fields, I make sure that the Web sites I recommend for them to access really provide scholarly information. I do the selection through consultation with the Medical Research team of my department. It should be remembered that “Internet access is for everyone, but access should be coupled with responsibility.”
ABSTRACT:
The IFLA Internet Manifesto is grounded / consistent with United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, focusing particularly to Article 19 which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” This stresses that library users have the right to expect the same degree of freedom of expression and freedom of access to information on the Internet as they do with print materials. With the changes and development continuously happening with the Internet, librarians are given the primary responsibility to train and educate users to effectively and efficiently access information on the Internet.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> The values of different cultures also had to be considered along with questions of cultural bias toward western liberal democratic values.
> The idea of the Internet as a tool to reduce social exclusion has gained credence, thanks to its ability to open access to government information and communication channels and libraries have contributed to this concept by making collections and catalogs available online for those unable to physically access library resources.
> Libraries should take citizens from awareness to empowerment.
Librarians should work collaboratively with the government in developing and implementing a clear policy on Internet use. IFLA Internet Manifesto emphasizes that access to information on the Internet should not be hindered by a person’s race, age, sex, gender, culture, etc. Simply put, “Internet is for all.” It unlocks barriers to information because it provides access anytime, anywhere. It connects people to all places around the world. But, Internet provides vast information which may cause a user to access inaccurate details. Librarians should provide trainings for Internet Literacy, they should clearly state to users the realities of Internet – that some of information from it may be misleading.
As a librarian with clients concentrated in the medical fields, I make sure that the Web sites I recommend for them to access really provide scholarly information. I do the selection through consultation with the Medical Research team of my department. It should be remembered that “Internet access is for everyone, but access should be coupled with responsibility.”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What is not available online is not worth reading?
Jamali, Hamid R. (2008). "What is not available online is not worth reading?" Webology, 5(4), Article 63. Retrieved: August 1, 2009 at http://www.webology.ir/2008/v5n4/a63.html
ABSTRACT:
Scientists and astronomers' quest for information is more reliant on online access. They rather want to have a PDF copy of an article and save / print it rather than go to a library and access the physical copy. In the survey conducted, most respondents had the library as the second option, but a number of respondents had this notion, "If an article is not available online, it's probably not worth the effort to obtain it."
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> Physics and astronomy are among pioneer fields in scholarly communication and electronic publishing and the rate of online availability is very high.
> A pressure in publisher, information providers and librarians to make more and more information available in digital format.
> Ease of access and the principle of least effort play a part in the choice of information sources.
When the new technology was introduced and integrated in providing library services, librarians were faced with the challenge of coping and being familiar with it. Librarians were required to shift from a simple typewriter to a more interactive computer. Now, librarians are again faced with the challenge of providing not just books or journals but digital format of information as well. I often receive requests from my clients to make a PDF copy of the journal holdings of our library, but, there are issues and concerns (copyright, subscription, access, etc.) that I need to consider before I can actually say "yes" to this request. I guess there's nothing wrong with making journal articles available online / digitally as long as the respect and credit for creators and publishers remains. More importantly, I as a librarian should prove to my clients that this statement is not true, "What is not available online is not worth reading."
ABSTRACT:
Scientists and astronomers' quest for information is more reliant on online access. They rather want to have a PDF copy of an article and save / print it rather than go to a library and access the physical copy. In the survey conducted, most respondents had the library as the second option, but a number of respondents had this notion, "If an article is not available online, it's probably not worth the effort to obtain it."
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> Physics and astronomy are among pioneer fields in scholarly communication and electronic publishing and the rate of online availability is very high.
> A pressure in publisher, information providers and librarians to make more and more information available in digital format.
> Ease of access and the principle of least effort play a part in the choice of information sources.
When the new technology was introduced and integrated in providing library services, librarians were faced with the challenge of coping and being familiar with it. Librarians were required to shift from a simple typewriter to a more interactive computer. Now, librarians are again faced with the challenge of providing not just books or journals but digital format of information as well. I often receive requests from my clients to make a PDF copy of the journal holdings of our library, but, there are issues and concerns (copyright, subscription, access, etc.) that I need to consider before I can actually say "yes" to this request. I guess there's nothing wrong with making journal articles available online / digitally as long as the respect and credit for creators and publishers remains. More importantly, I as a librarian should prove to my clients that this statement is not true, "What is not available online is not worth reading."
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Digital Dilemma: Intellectual Property in the Information Age
Committee on Intellectual Property Rights and the Emerging Information Infrastructure Computer Science and Telecommunications Board Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Applications National Research Council. Ohio State Law journal vol. 62(2001). Retrieved on July 24,2009
(http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/lawjournal/issues/volume62/number2/nrc.pdf)
ABSTRACT:
This article mainly discusses violations against copyright laws as digital information continues to proliferate. The different issues and concerns on Intellectual Property are presented. The Committee proposes possible solutions / amendments to existing laws for the authors and publishers to be distinguished and recognized accordingly in this world where digital technology continues to progress.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> Information in digital form has radically changed the economics and ease of production. Producing digital format of information is much cheaper and easier. Buy a book and with the use of scanner / software, you'll have a digital copy of it which can be shared and accessed by anyone.Hence, the expensive cost of publishing is avoided.
> Laws and practices vary worldwide, yet networks have global reach. What is forbidden in the Philippines may not be forbidden in the US or any other countries. It is somehow hard to establish Intellectual Property / Copyright Laws that can be implemented worldwide. Laws are territorial, but digital information is global.
> Digital information is in some ways becoming a service rather than a product. Buy a book and you own it forever; pay for access to a digital book and when the period is over, you often retain nothing. Archiving faces a big issue on this.
In the modern world where technology runs the lives of everyone, it is sad and alarming to accept the fact that authors and publishers are given less credit for their works. I work for a company which produces own instructional and review materials for clients, as part of indicating our ownerhip to our authored materials, we put watermarks at the center of our products. I guess as a librarian, I need to suggest ways and at the same time respect Intellectual Property for it to survive the digital age..
(http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/lawjournal/issues/volume62/number2/nrc.pdf)
ABSTRACT:
This article mainly discusses violations against copyright laws as digital information continues to proliferate. The different issues and concerns on Intellectual Property are presented. The Committee proposes possible solutions / amendments to existing laws for the authors and publishers to be distinguished and recognized accordingly in this world where digital technology continues to progress.
MY THOUGHTS / REFLECTION:
> Information in digital form has radically changed the economics and ease of production. Producing digital format of information is much cheaper and easier. Buy a book and with the use of scanner / software, you'll have a digital copy of it which can be shared and accessed by anyone.Hence, the expensive cost of publishing is avoided.
> Laws and practices vary worldwide, yet networks have global reach. What is forbidden in the Philippines may not be forbidden in the US or any other countries. It is somehow hard to establish Intellectual Property / Copyright Laws that can be implemented worldwide. Laws are territorial, but digital information is global.
> Digital information is in some ways becoming a service rather than a product. Buy a book and you own it forever; pay for access to a digital book and when the period is over, you often retain nothing. Archiving faces a big issue on this.
In the modern world where technology runs the lives of everyone, it is sad and alarming to accept the fact that authors and publishers are given less credit for their works. I work for a company which produces own instructional and review materials for clients, as part of indicating our ownerhip to our authored materials, we put watermarks at the center of our products. I guess as a librarian, I need to suggest ways and at the same time respect Intellectual Property for it to survive the digital age..
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