My Knowledge Portal

The School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) Library is located at the third floor of the Main Library, Gonzalez Hall. Its primary role is to serve the needs of the faculty, students and researchers of the university. And in order to provide the services that they offer, they are using different Information Retrieval Systems (IRS) i.e. UP Integrated Library (iLib) system and the Micro-CDS/ISIS.

iLib system is an in-house developed library system of the University of the Philippines. It replaced its predecessor, the Maelissa library system last 2008 since they were having serious problems with the latter. Even in migrating their collection, one of the problems raised then was that there were some data that were lost like for instance the location of the book and the type of material. After the restoration, they were able to use up to date the iLib system. They were able to save 300$ for the maintenance fee every year and other fees such as customization fee, etc.

In addition to those advantages, one of the benefits that Mrs. Soledad Fonseca, Head Librarian of SLIS Library, mentioned is the encoding system for cataloging. She said that once she encoded this particular book or bibliographic information, the system automatically saves the record so she needs not to retype it again and again. This is also true for serial collections. Aside from this, she also added that the interface of the system is good and easy to navigate. It has more search parameters like you can search using author, title and/or subject. You may also limit your search by publication year, type of material and/or format. The use of icons and sorting features also help the users to easily identify the library materials they are looking for. Furthermore, each and every user is given an account to check if the status of the materials they borrowed and even to reserve books. If they forgot to return the books on time, the system will send an alert to the UP Webmail account of the borrower to remind him/her about her overdue book. Other features such as add cart, sending feedbacks etc. are also present in the iLib system.

Aside from this one, another information retrieval of the SLIS Library is the Micro CDS/ISIS, a UNESCO produced software package. Its main use as of now is for thesis search but unfortunately, only Ma’am Sol is the one who can navigate and use it. Its interface is not that user friendly since its using DOS and the search parameters is also poor since it uses word-based index or only keywords may be used in searching. Most of the users are not familiar with the system and nobody is teaching how to use it, not unless you’ll ask the librarians to teach you how to navigate it. By the way, Ma’am Sol is still updating the thesis collection in CDS/ISIS J since it is much easier to copy-and-paste it into the website.

Above everything else, the number one problem that Ma’am Sol raised was that when the internet is down. Since the iLib is web-based, they cannot use it for a time but since they are near the server, they can still use it using Intranet.

It was my first time then to go in Lopez Museum and Library. And I didn’t think that I would be having a hard time looking for that building along Meralco Avenue. Anyway, upon entering the building, you’ll be surprised to the small but cool and should I say “weird” collection of the Lopezes. As a matter of fact, I did try some of the collection like the sound-wave thing and the sound-producing-metal-when-scratch (I’m sorry I can’t remember the names). But those were just side dishes because the main course was not the museum, but the library.

With all honesty, the library is not that impressive. It’s just a big box full of books and a small corner for the staffs. Not so much with decorations or any mentally-stimulating and good-place-for-reading feeling factor. Perhaps this is the case of most special libraries. But then again, the place or the ambience was not the main purpose of the trip, it was their collection and their digitization project.

It was my first time to see up close and personal the process of digitization. And all I can say is that, it’s boring. Forgive me for being so rude but I can’t imagine myself flipping the page, scanning, saving, flipping the page, scanning saving (until it 5:00pm). I know and I realize the importance of digitization. It’s not only for conservation and preservation purposes but also for multiple access of a material which is fragile and rare. Thank God their equipment is not that so old school.

However, during the question and answer portion, there were some points that I really pondered on. First, their library system or the way they search for a material. I forgot the name of the system but when a researcher was using that, (he’s looking for tobacco commercial, I think) I was shocked because the presentation of the search output was too broad. There’s no provision to delimit your search or even other search parameters that’s why you need to browse almost all of the search results (haggard).Second, it is not accessible on line. For me, it defeats the purpose of digitizing your collection if you cannot access it in remote areas. Just imagine that you’re in ABS-CBN (Quezon Ave., Quezon City) and looking for a book about the Lopez collection and you have to travel to Lopez Museum (Ortigas, Pasig City) just to search! And lastly, I also found out that their collection is not properly indexed since their indexing job is also outsourced from the company they hired for the digitization project.

Well, those are just my few sentiments / constructive criticisms regarding their digitization project. Despite of all those drawbacks (since there is no perfect system) I still salute the staff of the Lopez Museum for all the effort of digitizing their collection since it is a great start of improving the conservation practices as well as the promotion of multiple access. More than this, I also give high regard to them for opening their library and sharing their expertise to us. I hope for the improvement of their collection and their project.

Citation:

Ylvisaker, C. (2010). Greening the library: collection development decision. Journal of the New Members Round Table. Vol. 1 Number 1. Retrieved October 3, 2011 http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres/endnotesvol1is1/3greeningthelibrary.pdf

Abstract

Many writes in the library literature have addressed sustainability of the collection with regard to increased prices, user need and format stability. To this list of concerns librarians should add the environmental impact of the different resources libraries choose. The article of Ylvisaker considers three facets of collection development: selection of materials whose content informs and assess green practices; de-selection processes that emphasize reusing and recycling materials; and a selection of a material format, specifically print or electronic, that honors the green dictum to reduce the carbon footprint an institution makes. The problem of reducing a library’s carbon footprint is perhaps the most complex and most contentious when it comes to the format of the collection. It is in the issue of print versus electronic resources that the present discussion of environmental sustainability will devote most of its focus.

3 Things I Learned

1. Collection development is not all about increasing the collection; we should also take into consideration green practices.

2. We could help promote a green library and green information through seminars, fora, selecting materials which contain green information, etc.

3. Weeding out of books, especially those which are worn out and outdated should not only be thrown away but should be reuse and recycle.

Application

Though we are now in the advent of fast changing technology where almost everything is introduce in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), we should not also forget that making our library “green” or making it environmentally sound institution is also a must.

Citation:

McKimmie, Tim, and Jeanette Smith. "The ELF in your library." Computers in Libraries Sept. 1994: 16+. Academic OneFile. Web. 24 Sep. 2011.

Document URL
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CA15767977&v=2.1&u=phdiliman&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w

Abstract

Although evidence of risk is not clearcut, public concern has prompted an increase in funded research about Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation. Along with very low frequency (VLF) electric and magnetic fields, ELF radiation is emitted from computer video display terminals (VDTs) and other video display units (VDUs) such as televisions.

In the library setting, employees may be exposed to ELF radiation through a variety of computer applications during a typical workday. These include use of OCLC terminals, personal computers, online catalogs, and CD-ROM and local area network (LAN) workstations. Library patrons are also exposed to ELF while using online catalogs or CD-ROM/LAN workstations, or at public-service areas such as circulation or reference desks. Concern regarding the health effects of computer use was suggested in the library literature more than ten years ago.

Libraries today are dependent on the use of computers in many ways. From ordering materials to cataloging them, from seeking reference information to communicating with colleagues via email, we can hardly do without our computers. In order to obtain a baseline figure for how much time we spend before computers, a survey was undertaken for all full-time employees at the NMSU library. The questionnaire asked that each employee document how many minutes he or she spent before a computer terminal during each hour of the workday for three consecutive days.

Medical conditions reported to be associated with computer use include birth defects, miscarriages, cataracts, menstrual cycle disturbances, skin rashes, fatigue, and headaches. Complaints regarding vision problems and eye strain appear to be increasing. Although clusters of miscarriages among female VDT operators were reported by a Kaiser Permanente health maintenance orgaization study, no conclusions could be drawn concerning the health risks to pregnant women.

To reduce risk or satisfy employee concern in the library setting, measurements may be taken, work spaces rearranged, purchases modified, and information shared. In order to determine the level of radiation with which you are dealing, you may wish to take measurements with a gaussmeter.

Computers (at least monitors) should be turned completely off when not in use; don't just dim the VDT or use a screen saver. In public-service areas the same proximity precautions should be taken, and at public-service desks, patrons and staff alike should be discouraged from leaning on or next to the front, back, top, or sides of VDTs.

Three Things I Learned

1. Technology will make our life and work easier but too much of it is bad enough.

2. Proper use of computer and health safety should be prioritized by the administration for the benefits of their employees.

3. Being informed regarding different health concerns is very important because some health risks are not easily detectable.

Application

As a librarian who spent 75% of time in front of computer, I will take more precautionary measures to reduce the health risks in the utilization of computers. On the other hand, I will help inform my co-workers as well as colleagues.

Citation:

DiMaria, F. (2011). A New Textbook Publishing Model for the Internet Age. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education. Vol. 21, Iss. 14; pg. 8, 3 pgs

Abstract

Open- publishing is gaining its popularity nowadays. Since many students are renting or borrowing textbooks from their friends who took up those subjects, the publishing industry of textbooks is gradually decreasing its income. Due to this incident, many publishers are turning their business to open publishing-- an industry which eliminate those barriers that prevent economically disadvantaged students from accessing information and continuing their education by providing openly- licensed textbooks.

Many students and professors prefer using open publishing since it saves a lot of money for students, and it allows professors to customize their lessons, integrate videos or any variety of formats. In short, the providers of this services give the the leeways or let the professors and students to take control of the over-all content of the textbook.

3 Things I Learned

1. Open publishing should be introduced to students and professors so that they will have more chances of modifying and learning the way they are more comfortable.

2. Learning styles of different students would be reinforced with the use of open publishing.

3. More accessible textbooks would be used by economically challenged students by providing lower costs of open publishing.

Application

I never use an openly-license textbook before, that's why with the presentation of all the advantages of open publishing, I think it would be a great idea for all the members of the academe specifically in improving and innovating of different lessons.

Citation

Lavazza, L., Morasca, S., Taibi, D. (2011). A Survey on open source software trustworthiness. IEEE Software. September/October 2011.

Abstract

Trustworthiness is a crucial characteristic when it comes to evaluating any product, even more so for open source software, which is now becoming widely used. The authors conducted a survey to identify the reasons and motivations that lead software companies to adopt or reject open source software; they then ranked, according to importance, the specific trust factors used when selecting an open source software component or product. The motivations and importance ranking of factors might be useful for both developers of open source software (to make their products and components more useful for other stakeholders) and to future prospective open source software users.

3 Things I Learned

1. Most of the users value functionality and reliability when it comes to open source software.

2. The trustworthiness of a software is highly subjective since it depends on how, when and by whom it will be used.

3. Ethics and profit are among the least things that open source software supporters seemed important in evaluating the trustworthiness of a software.

Application

There are some features of open source software that are vague to me. I think a more in-depth discussion of the software itself must be published so that information professionals will taje it into consideration when it comes to catering library and information services.

Citation:

Shuai, Z., et al (2010). Cloud computing research and development trend.IEEE Computer Society.

Abstract

Cloud computing is a new term that introduced itself as a solution to one of the perennial problem in computing, i.e. to reduce the costing on storage, power and hardware. In fact, most of us do use cloud computing in our everyday living unwittingly, like using the webmail and other applications online such as Google docs. This article discusses the characteristics as well as the trending topic about cloud computing.

Aside from being extremely inexpensive, one of the characters of cloud computing that's why it is widely used by most of the enterprises is its high extendability. Provided you have internet connection, even in remote areas, you may access your files and applications as long as its part of cloud environment. It saves the time of the user to access his file in a server and even to install applications in his computer. But even in this time, security is always an issue for it opens the data and pertinent information of the company to third party, in this case, the provider.

3 Things I Learned

1. Cloud computing is a new form of technology meant to be used wisely. That's why we need to consider always the pros and cons of using it.

2. Cloud computing saves a lot of money and effort to the company. But on the other hand, it is also susceptible to information leaks and privacy issues.

3. In terms of education, cloud computing is very helpful for the administrators in monitoring their files and in providing access to their employees.

Application

I, myself is still weighing the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud computing. I need to read more articles and journals about the use of cloud computing so that I know if I will promote its utilization.

Citation:

Park, Ji-Hong. and Qin, Jian. "Exploring the Willingness of Scholars to Accept Open Access: A Grounded Theory Approach." Journal of Scholarly Publishing 38.2 (2007): 55-84. Project MUSE. Web. 21 Jan. 2011. .

Abstract

The prevalence of open access journal is very evident nowadays. Open access as defined in the study of Park, Ji-Hong and Qin, Jian is the free-access model for publication of peer-reviewed, full-text scholarly articles free of charge to users. The goal of their study is to determine whether scholars are more incline in publishing their works in an open-access as well as to know their perceptions in using articles and researches in an open access journal. The researchers used, semi-structured interview and qualitatively analyzed the answers of their respondents, i.e. Phd students and faculty members.

The study yielded results which show the significant relationship of willingness factors and their perceptions in publishing their works in an open access journal. The identified factors that affect their willingness are the following: (1) journal reputation, (2) availability, (3) content quality, (4) topical relevance, (5) career benefit, (6) cost and (7) ease of use. The study concluded that it is very important to consider the factors mentioned above for scholars in deciding whether to publish their work on an open access journal.

3 Things I Learned

1. Open access journal is very helpful for scholars since it is free of charge and help in the dissemination of information.

2. Many things are to be considered in publishing your work in an open access journal so that your work will be recognized and help other scholars.

3. Open access will eventually play an essential role in the mainstream publishing. Factors mentioned in this study must be studied very well.

Application

As an information user and scholar, it is part of my duty to educate my colleagues as well as patron on the advantages and disadvantages of using open access journal, whether in publishing or accessing it.

Citation:

Aguirre, V. (2011). Ensuring access to information: a librarian’s dilemma. Journal of Philippine Librarianship, UP Diliman : Q.C.

Abstract

Since librarians and information professionals play an important role in the dissemination of information, they must be equipped and they must learned the very concept of information ethics such as plagiarism, intellectual property and censorship. Atty. Aguirre discussed the reasons on how authorship as well as other information ethics serve as barriers in information access.

The study presented the distinctions between copyright and intellectual property. Copyright is a legal term describing rights given to creators for their literary and artistic works while intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. On the other hand, she also delineated plagiarism from copyright infringement. Using even a small amount of a work written by someone else without attribution is plagiarism, but to be guilty of copyright infringement, the amount copied must be in some sense substantial. Part of the study also mentioned the roles of the librarians in balancing access and restrictions.

3 Things I Learned

1. As an information professional, it is my duty to provide access to information as well as to protect the intellectual property of the authors.

2. There are plenty of ways to balance copyright and access to information such as proactive role in the development of fair use doctrine, library instruction, etc.

3. Information literacy should be integrated in the curriculum so that students will be able to know how to properly access information.

Application

It is my duty as a librarian to balance information access for our students. And it is my duty as an information user to practice these principles by heart and with the best of my intention and ability.