Results of the meeting

The first half the meeting today was talking with the people from ProQuest Databases systems. I was rather impressed by the interface of the database. They had some nice features that I have not seen done before. One was having different areas of the database (history, art, religion, etc) displayed as pictures on a sidebar so the user could switch between the areas easily. Another thing that they did that I was surprised to not see before was having YouTube videos demonstrating how to use the database. The libraries could also ask for copies of the videos to modify them to fit the individual library better. I think this with some way to have the students let the library know what they want for the databases themselves and the instructional videos would be a great boost for the library's digital use.

The other have of the meeting was about the coalition of community libraries in California. This coalition is getting a database for all the community colleges in California, paid for by the state. The database will cover newspapers and magazines only, but it is a database that a library will not have to buy on their own anymore. They have not decided on a provider yet, but they may be getting discounts on other databases from that provider because of the newspaper database.

Overall, it was really interesting to be in that meeting. It gave me a glimpse into what Librarians actually have to deal with, instead of just talking about it.

Meeting

For my Collections Development class, we have to study a library's collection. Talking with the librarian about the project, she offered for to come and sit in on the CCL San Diego and Imperial County eResources Librarian meeting. At the time I was not sure if I could because my work schedule is rather chaotic. Today is the meeting, I was able to take the day off from work and now I am looking forward to sitting in on this meeting.

The topics for today are a presentation by ProQuest database systems and then a discussion on the general state of the libraries' eResources. Maybe not the most exciting meeting, but I am looking forward to it. I may be able to find out if any of them are planning on using any Web 2.0 technologies or start loaning eBooks.

Anonymous commentators

Earlier this week, my local paper had an article that they would no longer allow anonymous posting on their web site. Here is the article. Basically, their reasoning was that anonymity helped people say things that were rather unpleasant, attack other people or groups, or say things that they would not say openly any where else. Their hope is that by having the commentator's name posted, that the comments and following discussions will be more civil. The commentators are split on this decision. Some are happy with the change, while others feel that they are now being censored or denied their freedom of speech. While using Facebook commenting tool does help keep most people for posting anonymously, a fake Facebook account can be made. Though that does break Facebook rules, it would not prevent someone from doing so.

I do not think that Archives have this kind of problem. But it something to think about. Does anonymity allow us to carry on a better discussion with someone that has a differing opinion? Or do the owners of the web sites have to take the role of the parent and force us to be nice to each other?

The electronic age

Being one of the many people affected by the recent black out in the south west, it made me think about a few things. While we are pushing for more collections and information to be presented digitally, we must try to keep the physical collections for as long as we can. Even as digital storage keeps getting cheaper, meaning that you can have multiple backup copies of a collection, you still cannot access them without power. And thinking that you can still use your smartphones, the Verizon network was down for a couple of hours after the blackout started. I could not even send a text message. I know the AT&T network was also jammed with users (though it was still working), that trying to use the internet was slowed down.

Cooking for friends

On Saturday, I was asked to make manicotti for a gathering of friends while we watched some bad barbarian movies. One manicotti dish that I have to make is bacon and shrimp Alfredo. The challenge with that is two fold: I do not eat red meat myself (so cooking with it is not that pleasant) and one of my friends has just been diagnosed with an allergy to cow's milk. I normally use heavy cream to make Alfredo, so I needed to find an alternative. I first tried coconut milk, because it is actually the most similar to cow's milk for cooking. The taste was a little too light, but the consistency was almost just right. So I figured I would use goat's milk instead. The taste came out right, but it wound up being to watery (even with using a rue). So, to really make an Alfredo sauce with cow's milk, I just need to find a heavy cream that is made from goat's milk. Which may be easier now than it was a few years ago.

Achives and blogs

The book for the LIBR 284 class "Web 2.0 Tools" by Kate Theimer gives a really good break down on how archives should implement a blog and what they should expect from doing so. The archive should consider what they are going to blog about and how often they will do it. I like that she also pointed out that an archive should not be afraid to change how the blog is being done if it does not seem to be working that well.

The San Diego Historical Center uses Facebook as their main blog. While it uses it to post about new collections or special events, it mostly uses it ask trivia questions about San Diego's history. This is great way to get people interested in what the archive houses. It also allows the archive to keep generating posts when they do not have much to post about otherwise. 

The lack of consistent posts is what will kill a blog. If the SDHC did not do those trivia questions, I am sure people would not try to keep track of their posts and they would lose out on the point of having the blog. I do not know how many people actually go to someone's wall to see all of their posts or just look at the most recent posts from the list of friends.

Starting again

I am starting a new blog for my LIBR 284 class, as my last one was hosted on Professor Ebey's site for LIBR 240. I think I enjoy setting up a blog more than actually writing one. I like to see all the different options I have for the blog and what changes I can make. The name for blog is the translation of my last name. Taka(i) is tall or expensive and Sugi is (Japanese) Cedar.