Evaluation of Library Integrated System

UP iLib System

If we talk about Library Integrated System, we tend to associate them with great amount of money and long-term maintenance.  But with UP, these dilemmas are easy because they have developed a good system for a considerable price.

The UP iLib system or UP Integrated System is a web-based integrated system which uses open source technologies as what the University has been using for the past years. It serves the 33 unit libraries of Diliman campus along with all the other campuses in the country. Some features expected of the iLib are the capacity to make inventory and periodical indexing, including newspapers.  This system integrates all library processes, it is portable and configurable, accessible anytime and anywhere, more reliable and secure, They say that it’s more manageable, it lessen possible data redundancy.  I also find it to give consistent results, it is user-friendly and can be accessed online compared to other system that are just exclusive within their premises.

The expertise came from the great minds and works of UP professors who made the system possible.  As what Chancellor Cao stated, “We have the brains, the expertise, why don’t we make one.”  Since the University can’t afford in purchasing the commercial Library Integrated System.

In allocating budget for the library’s Integrated System, there are factors we need to consider. First, the physical price of the system, second, the installation fees, third the training for the use of the system and lastly the maintenance which is the very crucial part.  The iLib development started on 15 July 2004 and was implemented in June 2005 with a budget of Php 791,000 for 2004. It appears to be a very small amount for a great number of users and functions. With an ample amount of money, they can be able to maintain the system since the makers are already member of the University.  Compared to other universities/colleges and even to most companies, they’ve been purchasing the top of the line system with a large amount of money.  They will invest in buying the software itself, not to mention that they still need to allot a budget on its maintenance.

The iLib consists of six application modules with a Web-based program language and Java-based browsers, as follows: circulation, cataloging, Web OPAC, serials, acquisitions and administration.

Since its web-based, anyone can search in iLib but only members of the UP community like students, faculties, administrators and its other employees can borrow books from the libraries.  Since it can run on any platform and can be accessed anywhere. It has a very user-friendly interface, and it caters to what the students need.  Its easy to use and gives the users more option on where to find resources.

Reference:

http://uplibrarybulletin.wordpress.com/category/automation-of-libraries/up-ilib/

 

Web Information Retrieval System

LIS Powerpoint Presentation Web IR

Web-based Information Retrieval System

Title of the Article: Introduction to modern information retrieval

Author: Chowdhury, G.G.

Publisher:

URL: google.com

Critique on the use of web-based information retrieval system

I. Abstract

Since the World Wide Web is a massive collection of web pages stored on the millions of computers across the world that are linked by the internet, this is the easiest way to retrieve and gather information. The traditional information retrieval system seems to be so basic in nature where it only offers to search text but with the new methods of information retrieval, it caters to different kinds of media. Web information retrieval, being complex as it is, follows sets of standards. Several ways of indexing and retrieving information has been made to make each search better and that also makes more information available over the internet. But on the other hand, the web information system is able to handle and contain this information whether it comes into thousands of volumes of information. With the traditional IR system, it would take a lot of evaluation and examinations on how to maintain such a big collection as what the web contains. The growing interests of people for information increases as the web improve its variety of information by its format such as multimedia (like audio, video, images, and more). The highlights for web IR are the use of search engines, which are classified accordingly by subjects and categories.

II. Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment

First I have learned that Web Information retrieval is very complex in nature although retrieval of information is fast and efficient. There is no limit as to what and how many searches you perform what needs your judgment is the relevancy of information you will find or rather you have found. But then it came to me that there are standards which they follow to maintain organization and relevant information. Second, I discovered that there are several or even thousands of search engines available over the internet and these are classified according to fields or profession. For example, NexisLexis, this is a search engine which caters to legal research and business research, which can be very useful for professionals such as lawyers, legal officers, entrepreneurs, stockholders, and more. Thirdly, I discovered how search engines process/index websites through web crawling.

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

Basically in my line of work we do most of the researching, with the use of search engines we can be able to simplify and control our search queries. In this way, we can double our outputs and can be more productive as a team. Since we do are the support team for the sales people, we need to do our best efforts to come up with new ideas, new updates and new interests of people, where we can sell more. Coming up with the best method of searching matters most with our kind of work.

Digital and Online Media

Use of Digital and Online Media

Delivering of information and the method of transferring such through different mediums makes a big difference in the way users define what would be the best relevant information they need considering the effective and efficient retrieval.

Digital media are channels of communication that join the logic of multimedia formats with the electronic system capabilities and controls of modern telephone. Examples of such are digital audio, digital video and other digital “content” can be created, referred to and distributed via digital information processing machines. Cellular phones, compact disc, digital video, digital television, e-book, internet, minidisk, video game, World Wide Web, and many interactive media are considered digital medium.

On the other hand, online media are commonly called websites or servers whose detail is accessible through web browsers. They are databases with interactive communication with the use of computers, communications channels through remote access. This medium is said to be much more accessible, time-saving and an effective searching method. Through this, updates are said to be in real time which is best for libraries especially those in need of new materials or resources for their dynamic kind of environment (in terms of line of work).

The use of these medium helps enterprises in many ways. In terms of time, output, accessibility and the efficiency it gives.

In the publishing world like in C & E Publishing Inc., we promote online resources. CE Logic which is an affiliate of the company caters to online resources. They promote online databases like Gale Virtual Reference Library, Academic One File, ebooks, InfoTrac Customs 100 for journals, and many more. These resources gives unique opportunity for every library to offer students and teachers a comprehensive collection of reference materials in electronic format, across a wide range of subject and curriculum areas in several subject areas like Arts and Humanities, Child Care studies, Fashion, Business and Finance, Tourism and much more. The company is confident to deliver these great resources to our clients because of its advantages it could give to the institution that will be using it.

In conclusion, digital and online are two mediums that can be very useful to libraries and being part of the publishing team.  These two offers almost the same service to users, their features doesn’t vary a lot.  Both of their capacity could improve library service, but not just in a library setting but in most enterprise.

References:

Chowdhury, GG. Introduction to modern information retrieval. 2004.

http://www.wikipedia.com

Critique on Dr. Resurrecion’s Forum

 

A Critique on Dr. Resurrecion’s Discussion on “Strategies in Effective Searching of Information”

 

The ultimate goal of this paper is to state all observations and correlations of the said forum to what we have been discussing in class.  Interesting new topics were highly anticipated by most of us to add on the knowledge we get from our graduate classes.  However, I can say basic information was fed to us and a little backwards from the topics we learn in class. 

 

The forum was entitled, “Strategies in Effective Searching of Information” which was presented by the Ortigas Center Library Consortium President, Ms. Angelina P. Resurrecion.  On the first few discussions, basic library services and search strategies used through the internet was laid down to us.  Overviews on each term were given, definitions, the problems encountered, sample images, and more.   One of the highlights of the forum was to present several search engines that can used by the libraries.  Sample screens were provided for clearer picture of the subject.  Search engines was one of the very important when it comes to the web information retrieval, Internet and the World Wide Web.  The speaker gave several examples and short descriptions of each.  There were a series of online resources that were cited and the information was quite good to get an overview on what it is all about.

 

Since the discussions we had in class and our profession involves retrieving information thought the Internet.  Although several examples were given, these were the common technologies existing in the libraries.  Modern libraries and most librarians were already introduced to these technologies couple of years ago.  New strategies or rather new technologies are what we aim for, to learn from the forum.  But on the contrary, the common systems, databases, internet technologies were discussed which the class did not appreciate.  The information was not well provided and not highlighted for the audience to get a good grasp of the whole topic.

 

The forum should have discussed “new techniques” that the libraries today could apply.  As librarians, we look for the updated resources we could use for the improvement of library service.  Our clienteles are our main priorities and supporting their needs emphasize the value of library service. Forums ought to impart to its audience issues and ideas that could increase knowledge, progress and can broaden their horizon on whatever subject matter.  In addition it’s the responsibility of every speaker to provide proper knowledge. 

 

 

Sometimes it’s not what you say; it’s how you present it.

 

 

Web 2.0 Technologies for Libraries

Title: What is Web 2.0 Anyway?

Author: Alexandra Krasne

URL: http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/archives/page9344.cfm

WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR ADVANTAGE TO LIBRARIES

People realized the need for an interactive relationship with the technology, they believe that they should be proactive by being active contributors who can share their inputs like their comments, suggestions, reactions,

Web 2.0 technologies are being manifested by the following: Google Adsense, Flickr, BitTorrent, Napster, Wikipedia, blogging, upcoming.org and EDVB, search engine optimization, cost per click, RSS, tagging and social bookmarking, widgets and ajax application, wikis, and more.

For Libraries, I suggest having the following web 2.0 technologies to develop interaction with their clienteles, and with that, the library can serve their needs and the clienteles can participate with library activities. They can also provide suggestions on how their needs be addressed.

Weblogs are online journals created by an individual or an organization and cover topics ranging from human rights to fashion and everything in between. They are a great example of how emerging voices not only being heard but amplified, this is through reading other’s posts, testimonials, and comments, it creates a massive network that is able to exert pressure on human minds and national media. Libraries can post comments and even their activities in blogs, this type of technology is user-friendly especially to the young generations.

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds gives you the latest headlines and updates from your favorite Web sites delivered to your desktop without even having to open your Web browser or visit any web site. And it is about getting the latest information from your website delivered to your supporters and constituents without having to send an e-mail or a newsletter. This is very essential to libraries so that they can easily provide latest news to their clienteles every now and then.

Tagging and Social Bookmarking where Social bookmarking is a method for Internet users to store, organize, search, and manage bookmarks of web pages on the Internet with the help of metadata.

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment

1.  I discovered how the web 2.0 technologies came into reality from the static information system. The web designers realized the need of interaction from the users to the designer and to the source of information.

2.  I gain knowledge about the Web 2.0 technologies, their usage, functions, designs, intent and purpose. Its importance to millions of people since Web 2.0’ principle is to amplify our thoughts, to give feedbacks on what we know is right or not so good based on our perception, to air our concerns to the better improvement of the system.

3. I have learned the importance of integrating Web 2.0 technologies to libraries. This way library can be able to reach out to their clienteles and even to their prospect clienteles. The clienteles can have access to information that they need by retrieving it a lot more easily and convenient enough for them. In return, the librarians can gain inputs from their clienteles by giving them the space to express their thoughts and feelings on specific issues which involves library service.

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

Being a librarian, these kinds of technologies can get interests from the clienteles of the library.  The more they share their thoughts to the library the more they give interest on the services that the library can provide them.  Giving emphasis on what they think is a better way to serve them is very essential and is also a very crucial part for the librarians.  Since the clienteles can voice out their concerns, the librarian should responsible to respond to their clienteles’ point of views for better improvement of the service.  This is also the same as my work, though I am not working in a library set-up, the procedures on how to provide information needs to the clients remains.  Unfortunately, being a growing company in the country, sad to say but we are still using the Web 1.0 technology.  Its just a one way process and static exchange of information.  Although being part of the company, I can recommend these technologies to achieve a dynamic, interactive and an effective tool for giving information.

Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Librarian 2.0

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

Author: Stephen Abram

URL: http://www.imakenews.com

Title: Do Libraries Matter: On Library & Library 2.0

Author: Michael Stephens

URL: http://www.techsource.ala.org

Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Librarian 2.0

Abstract

Web 2.0 is a term often applied to a perceived ongoing transition of the World Wide Web from a collection of websites to a full-fledged computing platform serving web applications to end users. It is said to be a complex, constantly in flux, and in “Renaissance” mode. It is more than just retrieving information from a database yet this concerns an interactive communication like conversations, interpersonal networking, personalization, and individualism. Essentially this is a social phenomenon not just about networked social experiences but about the distribution and creation of Web content itself, “characterized by open communication, decentralization of authority, freedom to share and reuse, and the market as a conversation.” The manifestations of Web 2.0 are the following: RSS, Wikis, New and revised programming methods like AJAX and APIs, Blogs and Blogging, commentary and comments functionality, personalization and “My Profile” features, personal media such as podcasting and MP3 files, streaming media audio and video formats, reviews and user driven ratings, personalized alerts, web services, instant messaging and virtual reference including co-browsing; folksonomies, tagging, and tag clouds; photos such as flickr, picasa; social networking software; open access, open source, open content, socially driven content, and social bookmarking.

Michael Casey suggested that libraries, especially public libraries are at a crossroads where many of the elements of Web 2.0 have applicable value within the library community, both in technology-driven services and in non-technology based services. According to the article of Stephens, Library 2.0 is a concept of a very different library service that operates according to the expectations of today’s library users. Whereas Librarian 2.0 is the guru of the information age which strives to understand the power of the Web 2.0 opportunities and many more. Bottom line is Librarian 2.0 understands the clienteles of his or her library at a deeper level in terms of their needs (social and academic), goals, aspirations, and perceptions.

Three things I have learned from my Reading Assignment

1. The beauty of Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 is the level of integration and interoperability that is designed into the interface through your portal or intranet.
2. I learned that Web 2.0 is about human aspects of interactivity.
3. Library 2.0 uses Web 2.0 technology while Librarian 2.0 acts as a facilitator to make these developments in technology works based on the needs of the library clientele.

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

Being a librarian, web 2.0 makes a reason for us to evaluate and to examine library services to better see improvements and also to be proactive by acting upon these observations. I now thought of many things in terms of interactive retrieval system in my work. Although my work is not situated in a library setting, I still provide some basic library services to our clients and even to the account executives as we act as their support group. After learning my reading assignment, I can now give recommendations to create an interactive retrieval of information and not just through email. I can suggest more ways of communication to make it more fun and interactive like blogs.

Computers: How It Works!

Title: Discovering Computers, 2007

Author: Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat

Publisher: Thomson

 

Title: Understanding Computers 2007

Author: Morley and Parker

Publisher: Thomson

 

  

Computers: How it works!

 

Abstract

 

Each time we discuss on computers, “basic” computer literacy follows, which means that we know about and we understand computers and their uses.  This is very important to everyone since we deal on computers in every transaction we make in most companies.  Computers are the primary means of communication for billions of people.  They are computers to correspond with businesses, employees with other employees & customers, students with teachers & family members with friends and other family members.

 

According to Shelly and Cashman, computer is an electronic device that is operating under the control of instruction stored in its own memory, that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for future use.

It process data and information thaw will be used to relate with businesses and in other fields.  There are four primary operations of a computer, input, processing, output and storage. 

 

 

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment

 

1. I have learned about the new trends in computer development, computers which they can use at home, in their office and many more. Many people have access to the internet at home, to retrieve information, play online games and exchanging communications through email. It also offers entertainment and shopping but then with the use of the internet.  Acts as a central hub for delivering digital media such as photos (digital), music downloads and recorded TV shows. It can also be done in your own kitchens; you can control the oven remotely even if you are not physically at home.  In schools, computer labs and classrooms have computers available in the lab and in the library.  In this way they can interact with one another and learn from others ideas.  
2.  I discovered about word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, games, web browsers, email programs, multimedia programs and other application software that is relevant in every transaction.
3. I also came across the new technologies we have today and will have in the near future like artificial intelligence where computers will be created to think, reason, and learn.  Voice recognition and optical computers will be the focus of the next generation computers.

  

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

 

            Since in most companies, computers are very essential in processing, retrieving and generating output in no time. Like in most people, computers are very important to me in terms of producing output in my work and my studies.  Without it life would be sluggish and will be producing less output and will never lead to development.

Evaluation of Information Retrieval Systems

 Title of the Article: In the catalogue ye go for men”: evaluation criteria for information retrieval systems.”  Information Research,; Information Retrieval

Author: Warner, Julian

URL: http://informationr.net

www.wikipedia.com

 Evaluation of Information Retrieval System

Abstract

Information Retrieval is the science of searching for information in documents, searching for documents themselves, searching for metadata which describe documents, or searching within databases, whether relational stand-alone databases or hypertextually-networked databases such as the World Wide Web. The actual process begins by a user entering a query in to the system. In evaluating the performance of IRS there should be ready queries and documents, one of the measures is precision, which is the fraction of the documents retrieved that are relevant to the user’s information needs. Second is recall, the fraction of the documents that are relevant to the query that are successfully retrieved. Another one is fall-out, the proportion of non-relevant documents that are retrieved, out of all non-relevant documents available. The idea behind the evaluation of Information Retrieval systems is to evaluate the systems considering the dynamic natures of information needs and its relevance to make it an interactive information searching and retrieval processes.

Three things I have learned from my Reading Assignment

    1.  I have learned that the use and goal information retrieval is to provide users with those documents they need and that the users can formulate their information need in a form that can be understood by the retrieval mechanism.

    2.  I have learned that precision and recall are classical measures to evaluate the performance of IRS.

    3.  Lastly, Information Retrieval also supports browsing and filtering queries and documents and further processed it.

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

Evaluating Information Retrieval system is very important to me especially in my work since we retrieve all our documents and details in our system. The system should be evaluated for further improvement, make it compatible enough with its users and it is very important that the users can easily use it to save time and energy. During evaluations I can also give my recommendations on what to include in the IRS since we, the employees uses the system in almost all company transactions.

Information Systems and Information Technology

Title of the Source: Information Technology In theory; Systems Analysis and Design For the Small Enterprise

Author: Pelin Aksoy and Laura Denardis; David Harris

Publisher: Thomson Course Technology

URL: http://www.is.umbc.edu

www.wikipedia.com

Information Systems vs. Information Technology

Paper on their Meaning and Impact to Society

Abstract

Information System is a well coordinated collection of resources that gather and transform data into information products and services that help the enterprise perform its designed functions (Harris, 2003). Also it is a set of practices, algorithms and methodologies that transforms data into information and knowledge that is very useful for individual and group of users in an organization. This system can involve a combination of work practices, information, people, and technologies organized to accomplish goals in an organization. In most companies and schools like University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), they define information systems as the study of a system and how technology can be incorporated into that system to make it fully functional and efficient (Department of Information Systems, 2008).

On the other hand, Information Technology is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems and has focused on software application and computer hardware. (Aksoy&Denardis, 2008), Information technologies are systems of hardware and/or software that capture, process, exchange, store, and/or present information, sung electrical, magnetic, and/or electromagnetic energy.

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment

First, I have learned that Information System is the study of a system and how technology can be incorporated into that system to make it fully functional and efficient and that is when Information Technology comes in.

Second, , Information System and Information Technology works together to improve quality of work and make a big help in people’s lives. Information systems integrated with information technology gives an efficient output in terms of time, pressure, and ease of retrieval.

Lastly, The sets of information, rather the collection of information should be put into action and with these information technologies takes place being the processor of all these information. It plays a very important role in medicine in getting fast and reliable result on illnesses. For example, Xrays, CT Scan, CAT, MRIs where the computer produced pictures in three dimensional (except xrays) the images of the body’s organs. Furthermore, in keeping business and financial records are vital. Most companies keep their records in large databases and are managed by computer programs. Practically all the information companies need to do business with the use of computers and information technology.

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

Information system and information technology affects me in terms of my work, on how I manage my work. For example, I collect information, like details about a certain title on different subjects and more. However, collecting information is not the end of my work but to make this information accessible to others, to my co-workers. With the use of IT, like computers, system portals, emails, and other means of transferring of files I can easily distribute and make the information I entered into the system. In our line of work, consistency is very important since we do business in several regions in the country. It is really important that we transcribe the right and accurate information to all our clients and prospect clients to maintain credibility. And that is also to most companies.