Week 1 Notes

2004 Information Format Trends: Content, Not Containers:

This article I found to be really helpful towards giving me an insight into how the distribution of information in libraries is changing. I was shocked that in 2004 e-books were becoming an increasingly important part of information distribution and even more shocked that today in 2010 we still do not have an adequate way to distribute e-books through the public library systems.

I also found it quite telling that the article was telling libraries to pay attention to how content is being created and advises them to make more of the content they have available online. Its shocking how many libraries still have not done this. The article advises libraries to make, "information available to users in their digital workspace". It is still very hard to find a public library that, besides allowing you to search their reserves online, allows you to access movies and other content through the web. Perhaps though, this is more about copyright issues than anything else.

Lied Library @ four years: technology never stands still

This article illustrates how well a library can do when it is adequately equipped with the proper technology. The UNLV library has made itself a model for how a library can operate in the age of digital media and the internet.

The article mainly focuses on the technology and the improvements that have been made since it opened. The library plans on updating the computers every three years and they have updated the internet connection speed. The article does raise the issue of technology security both in the physical and digital sense. The UNLV library has not had much theft although adware, malware, viruses etc have been somewhat of an issue.

The article also mentions the issue of how since the internet is 24/7/365 the library essentially has needed to become open the same amount of time. I think this is reflective of how, if libraries want to remain relevant and keep up with today's consumers, they need to devote more time and resources towards technology, offer more options, and remain open longer.

Information Literacy and Information Technology Literacy: New Components in the Curriculum for a Digital Culture

This article basically summarizes the importance of everyone having some understanding and knowledge of information technology. Not only the basics, such as how to use programs like Microsoft Office, but also of how computers and technology in general works. The article also advocates giving people enough confidence in their technology skills so that in the future they will be able to learn about new technologies by themselves.
I am just a little confused as to how this article is pertinent to the others.