Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and Librarian 2.0

WHAT IS WEB 2.0?
WHAT IS LIBRARY And LIBRARIAN 2.0?

TITLE: How to use web 2.o in your Library
AUTHOR: Bradley, Phil (2007)
PUBLISHER: Facet Publishing

TITLE: Library 2.0
AUTHOR: Wikipedia (date retrieved: July 10, 2008)
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_2.0

TITLE: Web 2.0
AUTHOR: Wikipedia (date retrieved: July 10, 2008)
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0

TITLE: What is Web 2.0? : Getting Beyond the Hype of Web 2.0
AUTHOR: Kyrnin, Jennifer. About.com (date retrieved: July 10, 2008)
URL:http://webdesign.about.com/od/web20/a/aa021306.htm

ABSTRACT

Web 2.0 deals more on the combination of the technology and programming languages on resources and services available on the World Wide Web which allow users to interact or collaborate with each other, thus creating a social network. It paved way for the development and changes of different web- based communities that have undeniable applications to libraries.

As response to this development, libraries would adhere to create a modernized library services that mirrors the progress in libraries on how services are delivered to users with web as its platform, allowing clienteles to interact with the available information, thus creating a likeness called Library and Librarian 2.0 concept which follows some of Web 2.0 essential philosophies, such as: encouraging the application of Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) systems and increase dynamic participation of users in the design and implementation of services through their feedbacks---- a scenario indistinct to the traditional services of libraries today.

Most of the advances would more or less should be taken into considerations, and learn to be utilize properly by information professionals in order to progress into a Librarian 2.0 equipped with knowledge that could go along with the fast paced development in information, society, and technology.


THINGS THAT I HAVE LEARNED

Web 2.0 can be consider as an abridge representation of the present web based innovations. It allows us to have a control over the information that we create and access it through web. Encouragement for the active participation of the users is the primary idea of its development. Librarian plays important role towards the development and creation of the future Library 2.0 in which the services should be constantly evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs of its users with the aid of the concepts presented by web 2.0.


As information professionals we should make an effort to learn Web 2.0 applications especially now a day that development of information and web services is very fast. Whatever inputs we will get there should not be consider as something that would totally divert or cease our traditional functionality as librarians or information providers. Instead we should take this opportunity as a chance to break away from old service set-up towards the more dynamic and interactive library that would definitely encourage more participation from the end-user of our services.

IMPLICATIONS OF WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Despite of my unfamiliarity with the various existing concept of Web 2.0 technology I can still say that this had never been a hindrance to me to learn it. There is this eagerness in me to be more participative and be knowledgeable about these advancement concepts.

I believe that knowledge on this is a good foundation towards the improvement of services for my library. Being part of a TV Broadcasting company, it is vital to have a grasp of this, for me to be adequately view its possible applications on the nature of my work.

I believe that we can use this Web 2.0 learning not only to improve our library, but also, to develop ourselves as information specialist and as a being. With these advances, we have a chance to also actively participate with the social networks by freely expressing our point of views on issues, and also share and have a glimpse of the ideas from the other members of the network.

However, as we partake on this development, we should not forget that technology has also its fallback, hence we should prepare ourselves with back ups of everything that we have----- the classic or traditional way of service is still important.

Being skilled with the web applications, it would be easier for us to join whatever advancement would happen in the future. I guess what is really important is that we are prepare and willing to learn.

BOOLEAN SEARCH AND RETRIEVAL

BOOLEAN SEARCH AND RETRIEVAL

Title: Boolean Searching. Understanding computers: today and tomorrow.
Author: Morley, D. & Parker, C. (2007)
Publisher: Thomson

Title: Computerized information searching. How to find information in science and technology. 4, 51-71.
Author: Lambert, J. & Lambert, P. (1991)
Publisher: Library Association

Title: Searching and Retrieval. Introduction to Modern Retrieval System. 4, 170-191
Author: Chowdhury, G. G. (2001)
Publisher: Library Association

Title of Article: Beyond recall and Precision: From System – Oriented to User- Oriented Evaluation
Author: Hersh, William (retrieved June 26 ’08)
URL: http://davinci.ohsu.edu/~hersh/user-studies.pdf

Title: Information Technology. 2006 Board Review for Librarians, 6-10.
Author: Esposo, S. S. (2006)
Publisher: Institute of Library and Information Science

ABSTRACT:

One of the most important skills for internet searchers today is to how successfully they can search for information on the internet. But since most people are keen to search for specific information on the internet, often than not, most of the useful information available online is not utilized because it could not be found in time of need. However, Boolean operators aided to make these information retrievable, it is use as part of the search strategy for accessing this vast array of information.

Boolean is use to further specify what a search engine to find. Its rule varies from search sites. It plays an important role in the coordination of the search concepts. Results relevancy to the concept being searched varies, basically, results can be too narrow or too broad depending on how concepts are presented. With the use of Boolean operators, search results could focus solely on one concept excluding the other concept (NOT logic), could retrieve all relevant concepts (AND logic), or relevant documents on either of the two concepts (OR logic). Other online search sites uses (+) for AND, and (-) for NOT.

An effective search strategy is feasible through user’s knowledge of concept keywords (its synonyms and word variant forms), and the application of Boolean operator.

THINGS I LEARNED:

Knowledge of the effective search strategy is a must for a researcher. And knowing at least the basics of Boolean operators is a great advantage, and could help minimize the cost of searching.

However, although the Boolean searching is widely used in keyword searches on most computer- based and online – based system, it still has its limitations especially with regard to the retrieved references ---most searches resulted to high recall but low precision. And at the end of the search process, no matter how extent the information retrieved was , the user is still the one who decides which material among the retrieved relevant by the system are said to be relevant based on his own evaluation.

But in some cases that although the clientele is familiar with the Boolean operators, clienteles understanding about the concept that need to be searched, is still the major influencing factor on the search process since the user is the one providing the key concepts. The Boolean operator functions only as connectors that coordinate the concepts provided by the users.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW THINGS I LEARNED:

Through the readings i have learned to appreciate more the importance of having knowledge in Boolean operators for information specialist like me.

The fluency with concepts of data being searched conjunct with Boolean knowledge, is a great advantage for individuals working in a library to immediately assist their clienteles on doing web-based research, and other computer based system search. And also, in a user-based system set-up, providing an accurate constructed query statement (with the aid of Boolean operators) could help limit the time cost needed for just searching for relevant references from various search sites.

Based from what I have often experienced when doing keyword or phrase searches in online- based systems, I often re-do the search because most of the hits does not match what information I need, thus, I use Boolean operators in order to find at least more relevant references that matches my search query. I can say that knowledge on these search operators definitely helped me in adapting with the challenges presented today by the modern information retrieval systems.

WHY THERE IS A NEED TO EVALUATE INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

Why there is a need to evaluate Information Retrieval System
prior to the application?

Title: Evaluating Information Retrieval Systems parallel with evaluating image processing techniques in medicine
Author: Milliers, H. 2003
Publisher: Division of Medical informatics-- University of Geneva
URL: http:\\www.efmi-ws-mip.net/documents

Title: Evaluation of Information Retrieval Systems. Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval System, 13 (243-255).
Author: Chowdhury, G.G. (2001)
Publisher: Library Association

ABSTRACT:

Evaluation is absolutely necessary in all research to show progress and to have arguments for the use of certain program or technology.
There are some complexities in pursuing information retrieval system because more people are needed to be involved in the evaluation and ; the evaluation does not just have to focus on the technical proof or technical aspects o the system but also on the effects of the human factors in the process.

In the evaluation process it is essential to verify if the system is build correctly and if it will satisfy its purpose on the organization or institution that will utilize it; and as well as, knowing whether the system satisfies the users or not about the outcome of its search and retrieval functions.

THINGS THAT I HAVE LEARNED:

It is important in any institution to have an effective and efficient information retrieval system-- an IRS that will truly fulfill the objectives of the organization, satisfies the needs of clienteles.

Evaluation of information retrieval system is very important, and this has to be done regularly in order for the organization to have a grasp of the possible or existing problem of the system prior to its application, hence through the tests conducted and evaluation, they could develop plan on how they could minimize the effect of the problem. Or even re-think its performance and cost-effectiveness or efficiency before they implement its application.

Moreover, since information retrieval system performance effectiveness and efficiency is something immeasurable, at the verge of evaluating the system, is important to not only focus on the technicalities related of the system but also on the existing influences of the human factors, specifically the role of the system's end user.

IMPLICATIONS OF WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

I realized that my role as an information service provider is crucial when it comes to providing an effective- efficiency information retrieval system. It is my responsibility to think of a way on how I can make the information on my collection accessible and usable for the users.

Now, considering the fact that not all institutions are prepared for adapting or even implementing an information retrieval system, our skills as information professionals are always put into test. It is our sole responsibility (especially for those one-man librarians – information specialist) to provide a simple retrieval system (for the meantime) to be able to have at least a retrieval system for our institution’s library collection.

Bearing in mind the essence and demand for timeless access to information, we sometimes dared to stick on devising only from what is the available resources we have (although we know that these resources would not suffice the needed support for the system that we are doing), just for us to immediately respond the clientele information needs.

On my part, I opted to devise a simple retrieval system, since my institution immediately necessitates a retrieval system (that will respond to their fast-phased information needs on media materials), in which later I found unsatisfactory because the system application inadequacies became a hindrance to the extensiveness of information that i should have provided for my clienteles.

Hence through this experience, I have seen the importance of a constant evaluation of IR system to be able to know the existing inadequacies, and immediately develop a plan on how to improve the system. Taking also into consideration that, prior to the application of the system, it is better that we have at least a contingency plan so that we will be able to respond immediately to the unexpected fall backs of the system.

We should be able to set what evaluation criteria we will be using for us to know immediately if that particular system fulfills our institution’s objectives, and purposes as retrieval system--- provided that we know the purpose of our system evaluation.

With set criteria, we are certain that we know what areas we need to evaluate, and who will be the people involve in the evaluation of this system----- of course, it should not only be the institution’s management but most importantly, also the end-users of information.

For librarians involve in creating the retrieval system, it is our responsibility to provide appropriate and uniform indexed terms for our collection that will be later used as retrieval points for the user search. Hence, the relevance of the documents retrieve will also depend on how we index the documents/ materials in our collections to make its information retrievable. And on the stage of client searching, we should exercise our roles in providing search assistance, at least provide guidance on familiarizing the clienteles on how the system works to ease their trouble in searching, and also actually observe if the interface or systems application is something that they can easily understood, thus, help minimize the user-cost.

Amidst the existing cost factors, in the end, what ever is the outcome of the IR system evaluation prior to application, it is our responsibility as information professionals to strive for the improvement and the implementation of this IR system in our institutions ( with the hope of gaining support from them, provided that we supplied proper justifications for the importance of this IRS) so we could adequately serve our clientele community.

MODERN INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

MODERN INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
Inside a Computer: How it Works?

Title: Discovering computers: a gateway to information
Author: Shelly, G. B. (2007)
Publisher: Library Association

Title: Searching and Retrieval. Introduction to Modern Retrieval System. 4, 170-191
Author: Chowdhury, G. G. (2001)
Publisher: Library Association

Title: Information Technology. 2006 Board Review for Librarians, 6-10.
Author: Esposo, S. S. (2006)
Publisher: Institute of Library and Information Science

ABSTRACT:

The process of searching starts with the user’s construction of his/her query statement based on his/her search topic and then narrow it down into concepts. But prior to the searching process, user should have at least idea on the measures to be taken during the search process. And then during the input of search query (keywords are determined, and Boolean operators are use on the search query), all symbols, images and other details are converted into binary digits (0s and 1s) in order for it to be understood and processed by the computer. Query statements that are gathered are converted and instructed in a computer through the input devices, and then the data are processed and manipulated in the CPU which controls the other parts of the computer systems while the microprocessor speeds up the process and retrieval of the information.

Once query statement is entered into the system, the computer is then instructed to find all the references in the database about the search concept. The Boolean operators play an important role during the search process.; it in the coordination of the search concepts----- with user’s familiarity of the keyword synonyms and use the Boolean operators the number of relevant document retrieved varies, it depends on how the search statement is being constructed. The results now can be too narrow or too broad, it could focus solely on one concept excluding the other concept (NOT logic), could retrieve all relevant concepts (AND logic), or relevant documents on either of the two concepts (OR logic). In an online based system, the search processing involves several communication devices that allow the transfer of information searched from one network to another; these communication devices are also the one responsible for connecting on databases that matches the concept being searched through host computers. The search results are then translated into language that human can understand, as output, and viewed through computer screens, printers, and other output devices.

3 THINGS I LEARNED:

First, unlike before that average person did not need to know how to use a computer, now, knowledge in computers is must to all professionals since we use it to get hold of information, evaluation of it, and to communicate it with other people.

Second, computers provided a great ease in the work processes involve in our daily life. It speeds – up most of the operations involve in our work. Hence, at present, you can already consider computer as part of commodity, especially for the academic and business community.
Lastly, since development in technology is very fast, we as information professionals should be kept informed with the use and technical aspects of these technologies, such as: knowing the different components of computers involve in information processing, because we are using it to provide and improve services for our clienteles.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW THINGS I LEARNED:

Since the development and upgrades in computers is very fast, we should have familiarize ourselves with the components of computers so we could specifically identify which components need to be repaired or upgrade at times when we experienced technical problems with our computers. Although we can learn computers without knowing its technical aspects, still knowledge of its technical aspects is an advantage; knowing something about the computer can help us find and buy the right computer for our needs, and be able to maximize its use.