Reflection on IRRI Library Visit

IRRI Library Visit: A Reflection

The second venue of our one day tour last October 4 was the IRRI Library in Los Banos, Laguna. The IRRI or International Rice Research Institute was established in 1960. IRRI is one of the largest agricultural research institutes in Asia. Supported by donor and partners, they are known as the Green Revolution in Asia. Almost half of the world’s population relies on rice but nowadays the production is not sustaining the need of people. Their number one goal is to eradicate extreme poverty by helping farmers not only in Laguna but around the globe. They continue to research for new rice varieties which are pest- resistant and can resist extreme weather conditions by using biotechnology.

The IRRI Library was established in 1961. They have four (4) fulltime librarians and 7 support staff; quiet big manpower for a special library like IRRI. This special library caters rice related materials and references. From the anatomy of rice and its varieties up to the different cook book / recipes using rice can be found in this library. Their clients are students, professors, scientists not only in the Philippines but also abroad, and also farmers.  IRRI Library and Documentation Service has also Website powered by Millennium. Some documents can be accessed by the users worldwide through on-line but most of their full text electronic resources are not accessible and not downloadable in their website. What the researchers need to do is to e-mail the head librarian for the documents that they need and the librarian will quickly respond to researcher’s request by emailing the requested materials.

   

The Electronic Resources Section Head explained to us the features of their website hosted by Millennium on how to search for a certain documents and also their online resources. Also their Millennium shows how many times the book was renewed by a certain borrower. Unlike Lopez Museum and Library, we didn’t have a chance to experience and try their Millennium Database. This is because during the discussion, their website didn’t cooperate and resulted to malfunctioning.

The Head Librarian also toured us where printed collection such as books and magazines can be found. The bookshelves were made up of steels enough to hold many books as possible. As estimated, they have more or less 30 bookshelves.

Digitization on their collection has not started yet but they are planning to start it next year.

All in all, the two (2) Libraries that we visited were great and unique on their own ways. But if I will evaluate the two libraries and compare IRRI Library to Lopez Library and Museum, I can say that the Lopez Museum and Library has higher precision and lower recall than the IRRI Library. So in terms of digitization, the Lopez Museum and Library is more advance than the IRRI Library.  

In closing, I would like to add that I have really enjoyed the experience in this class. This subject has helped me to know myself better. It has taught me skills I will take with me to my future jobs. It has been good for me to learn first-hand what this LIS 260 learning is all about. I have enjoyed because it opened my eyes to who I really am as a person. Because of bonding moments that I shared with my classmates, I won’t forget this class. Thank you for Prof. Sharon’s help and to all my classmates for the moments and laughters we shared.

Reflection on Lopez Museum & Library Visit

Lopez Museum & Library Visit: A Reflection

At the beginning of the LIS 260 class, the Professor, Sharon Ma. Esposo-Betan explained to us the Course Syllabus. One of her requirements was 2 fieldtrips that should be visited by all of us. Knowing that there will be fieldtrips, I feel excited.  Because this will give us the opportunity to learn the practical side and the real world of what we are going to learn inside the four (4) nooks of the classroom. 

On September 20, our LIS 260 class took a field trip to the Lopez Museum & Library in Pasig City, to evaluate their “Digitization and Information Retrieval System (IRS)." I arrived at Lopez Museum and Library together with my two other classmates at 1:00p.m. This is my first time to visit this library. When I entered the door, it gave me the impression of a library that preserves the culture, arts, legacies of the Filipino people and its history. And as we explore the library, I have proven that my impression was really true.

The head librarian of this library is Ms. Mercy Fervida. She has served the library for more than a decade. She gave us a short talk and discussion on how they run their library and the information retrieval system of their own database. First, the Librarian has shown to us the on-the-spot tasks of her staff. I have observed that there are people who do the scanning while other do the microfilming. According to the head librarian, they are just outsourcing these people together with their database developer. So there is greater number of outsourced people called contractuals than the regular employees. After scanning and microfilming, the scanned and microfilmed documents were transferred to the server that can now be searchable through their computers. We also had a chance to use and try their database that holds many photographs than books. This is because photographs are their core collection. Photographs are visual materials of enduring value. They are also important as historical and cultural documents, requiring expert attention because of their physical and chemical complexities.  

The Lopez Museum & Library is in the process of digitization. They started this already by scanning and microfilming volumes of document including the rare book collection. Microfilming is one of the best methods for the preservation of endangered materials of high research value. The process of digitizing the fragile research materials is now in progress. The printed rare collections are kept inside a much protected vault. While for electronic copies, they have two (2) back-up files of the documents. One is inside their building premises, while the other one is kept at ABS –CBN Library.

The scanned and microfilmed documents are searchable through an established and user friendly “Alchemy”. But this cannot be accessed through the internet. And according to the Library personnel, accessing their full documents on-line is what they really dreamed of. Because they believe that true essence of being a librarian is to make the collection readily available to the user. But as early as this year, they had encountered problem with their Alchemy. Having a large collection, Alchemy cannot hold documents anymore. So, they come up with the new database which is Docu1. This Docu1 will be their permanent database because it can hold documents that were stored in the Alchemy and more free space for future library holdings. Now, they are in the process of transferring documents stored in Alchemy to Docu1.

Evaluating their database based on the different criteria such as recall and precision, I can say that they have high recall and low precision. One example that the Library personnel told us was try to search for the famous national hero “Dr. Jose Rizal”. The system will give searches even the street in Manila which is the “Rizal Avenue”. So it’s not limited or not filtered to the words or phrases that you mean. Even words that are not related to the researcher’s queries will be searched. So in this case, I conclude that their database Alchemy has high recall and low precision. 

Open Publishing

Title: Open Access Publishing : An Initial Discussion of Income Source, Scholarly Journals, and Publishers

Source: Panayiota Polydoratou,et al. Retrieved from http://www.springerlink.com/content/627663m2g8320282/

Abstract:

The advance of technology and the development of the World Wide Web created immense opportunities for people to communicate and exchange information in new ways. This has also been a fact for scholars and the way they communicate their research findings like the SOAP. The Study for Open Access Publishing (SOAP) project is one of the initiatives undertaken to explore the risks and opportunities of the transition to open access publishing. Some of the early analyses of open access journals listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) show that more than half of the open access publishing initiatives were undertaken by smaller publishers, learned societies and few publishing houses that own a large number of journal titles. Regarding income sources as means for sustaining a journal’s functions, “article processing charges", "membership fee" and "advertisement" are the predominant options for the publishing houses; "subscription to the print version of the journal", "sponsorship" and somewhat less the "article processing charges" have the highest incidences for all other publishers.

Things I Learned:

1. The use of open access becomes more and more prevalent nowadays. From this reading, I learned that income sources, scholars, and publishers study the risks and opportunities of open access publishing. This includes cost. Open access publishing saves money by removing the costs of print reproduction. However, there are significant costs associated with the creation of an online platform that will provide the level of service expected by users such as skilled IT staff, an enhanced sales function, and customer service that supports 24/7 delivery.

2. Another issue that I learned in the open access publishing is the journal pricing. With online publishing has come a reduced emphasis on the journal title and on particular issues, and a greater concentration on the article.

3. I also learned that if all publishers are to meet the challenge of open access, they need to recognize that some issues are no longer of the same importance. Retention of copyright is one example: a licence from the author should be sufficient to meet the needs of the publisher. Publishers need to concentrate on how they can add extra value to their content beyond what can be provided by self-publication or an institutional repository.

Implications:

As an educator, I really believe that Open Access Publishing contributes a lot in the world of Open Access Literature. As a proof, this study showed that more than half of the open access publishing initiatives were undertaken by academic institutions. After reading this article, I had one conclusion in mind that is to support the open access publishing in many ways.

Greening the Library

Title: The Green Library Movement: An Overview and Beyond

Source: Antonelli, M., (2008). The Green Library Movement: An Overview and Beyond. USA: Minnesota State University – Mankato

Abstract:

This article discusses what green libraries are. The creation of libraries is approaching a tipping point, generating a Green Library Movement which is comprised of librarians, libraries, cities, towns, college and university campuses committed to greening libraries are reducing their environmental impact. Constructing a green library building using a performance standard like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a way some librarians are choosing to become green and sustainable. Environmental challenges like energy depletion and climate change will influence the type of information resources and programs librarians will provide to their clients.

3 Things I Learned:

1. I learned things on how to be a librarian that is environment- friendly.  Like being environmentally supportive to our own home and libraries. That as librarian, we should treat the library as our second home.

2. I also learned that as librarians, we should support the green library movement worldwide because of the advantages that can be reflected to our own libraries.

3.In the simplest way, I learned what green libraries are. After reading this article, I learned that Green Library is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or re-used in an ecological and resource – efficient manner for the library.

Implications:

The time is right for librarians to step – up and help communities become green and sustainable. The role of the library is to serve its community. Communities need libraries and librarians to act as role models for sustainability by providing accurate information on all manner of green topics, from alternative building practices to renewable energy options. The time is also right for librarians to support and continue to grow the Green Library Movement.   

Health concerns of computer use

Title: Internet Addiction : Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Self Helf

Retrieved from : http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm

Abstract:

We all enjoy the benefits of the Internet, and for many of us it is also an indispensable tool for work, education, and communication. While time spent on the Internet can be hugely productive, for some people compulsive. Internet use can interfere with daily life work, and relationships.

This article talks about Internet addiction, how do people become addicted, signs and symptoms of internet addiction, internet gambling addiction, cyber relationship, treatment and support for breaking Internet addiction.

3 Things I Learned:

1.  I learned that internet addiction is a serious problem yet the society takes it for granted. In lieu with this, the government must have something to do to regulate the use of internet in our country. Because if there is no law or regulation on the use of internet more and more people will suffer from internet addiction which in turn can cause different crimes such as rape, kidnapping, and killing.

2. Internet has many advantages to our work, relationships, and daily lives. But still, we cannot ignore the disadvantages of using the internet. From the article that I’ve read, to prevent internet addiction is just a matter of internet right education.

3. Because internet addiction is a serious problem, people suffering from this should undergo serious therapy and counselling. These could be avoided if there is only a right education for internet use.

Implications:

The increased use of computer has brought about by the development of a number of health concerns. As a librarian, I also use computers always. From the article I’ve read, it is important to consider first our health. Like the adage saying “Health is wealth”. Even we’re not rich with money but if we have a good health, it can be said that we are wealthy because we are healthy. And just a friendly reminder, internet must not absorb much of our time. Because if we consume longer time in the internet unreasonably than spending time with our families, it’s already internet addiction and should be treat as early as possible.

Open Source Software

Title: Transforming High School Classrooms with Free/Open Source Software: It's Time for an Open Source Software Revolution

Source: Pfaffman, Jay (2008).  Transforming High School Classrooms with Free/Open Source Software: It's Time for an Open Source Software Revolution. USA: The University of North Carolina Press. Retrieved from http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/high_school_journal/v091/91.3pfaffman.pdf

Abstract:

This article discusses the similarity of Free / Open Source Software (FOSS) in science. Both FOSS and scientific knowledge are built in the concept of creating shared knowledge and the desire to have one’s work adapted by the scientific or computer using commonly. Thus, it is perfect to use FOSS for science classrooms already with subject matter like molecules, periodic table, astronomy (such as the stars, galaxies, and a realistic 3-D sky).

3 Things I Learned:

1.  I learned the practical applications of FOSS in teaching in the classroom specifically for science related subjects.

2. I became aware of the uses and applications of FOSS tools that can support education in high schools in general science education in particular continues to grow. Using FOSS offers a practical means to give teachers and students the tools they need in the classroom.

3. Finally, I learned that FOSS itself models the way that science is developed and propagated. Because there is much similarity between FOSS and science giving students a better understanding for how science works.

Implications:

As a science teacher, this article is very helpful to me. I could apply the different things I learned in teaching science. And these are all for free. In this way, students will hundred (100 %) understand and retain to their memories the different lessons using FOSS. They see objects that behave as exactly as the original objects do. These are through the application of realistic 3-D. Thus it is essential and there is really a need to integrate FOSS into science classrooms.

Open source software

Title of the Article: Transforming high school classrooms with Free / Open Source Software: it's time for an open source software revolution

Author: Jay Pfaffman 

Name of Journal: The High School Journal, Volume 91, Number 3, February-March 2008, pp. 25-31 (article)

URL: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/high_school_journal/v091/91.3pfaffman.pdf

Abstract:

Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) applications meet many of the software needs of high school science classrooms. In spite of the availability and quality of FOSS tools, they remain unknown to many teachers and utilized by fewer still. In a world where most software has restrictions on copying and use, FOSS is an anomaly, free to use and to redistribute without restrictions. 

This article discusses similarities between the development of FOSS and the development of scientific knowledge. Moreover, it provides examples of FOSS for high school science classrooms. Thus, it is just perfect to use FOSS for science classroom dealing with subject matter like molecules, periodic table, and astronomy such as stars, galaxies, and a realistic 3-D sky.

Three Things I learned:

 1.    I learned the practical applications of FOSS in teaching students in the classroom particularly for science subjects.

2.     I became aware of the uses and applications of FOSS tools that can support education in high schools in general science education in particular continue to grow. Using FOSS offers a particular means to give teachers and students the tools they need in the classroom.

3.      Finally, I learned that FOSS itself models the way that science is developed and propagated. Because there is much similarity between FOSS and science thus giving students a better understanding for how science works.

Implications/Applications:

As a science teacher, this article is very helpful to me. I could apply the different things I learned in teaching science. And these applications are all for free. In this way, students will 100% understand and retain longer to their memories the different lessons that used FOSS applications. This is because they see objects that behave as exactly as the original objects behave like the realistic 3-D sky. Hence, it is essential and there is a need to integrate FOSS into science classroom.

Cloud computing

Title of the Article: Social networking and cloud computing: precarious affordances for the “prosumer”

Author: Jamie Skye Bianco

URL: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/wsq/v037/37.1-2.bianco.pdf

Abstract of the Article:

“Social networking” as a descriptor makes a huge range of personalized cloud computing platforms and functions of interaction on the web. “Cloud computing” refers to the use of a network- based applications that also handles user data storage. In other words, both the program of any documents, files, or data generated through this programs all reside on the host’s remote networked server and not on a user’s own hard drive.

Bianco shows different examples of cases related to social networking and cloud computing that are carried out on such sites as MySpace, Facebook, Flicker, YouTube, Twitter, and Delicious.

Three Things I learned from my Reading Assignment:

1.       Privacy, monetization, proprietary issues with user generated content, and network failures reveal precarious aspects of social networking.

2.       We should have control over our personal information. We must choose what information to put in our profile, including contact and personal information, pictures, interests and groups we join.

3.        We should also read and understand the Terms of Service (TOS) in the End Use License Agreement (EULA) of any sites we join.

Implications / Applications of the new things I Learned:

1.      We must be aware the consequences of using social networking and cloud computing. Because social networking and cloud computing might have provocative issues for knowledge production, public disclosure, politics, journalism and activism.

2.      As users of different social networking sites such as Facebook, Yahoo, Google, Twitter, YouTube, we should read the licensing agreement as we make an account on these sites. We should also be careful to the different information we put and share.

3.      Technologies like cloud computing and social networking cannot address all our concerns. So we must take an active role and be an instrument of right information. As librarians, let us log-in and participate to spread the good and right information to the right clients, at the right time.

Open access online Journals for Libraries

Title of the Article : Open access forum : many roads to open access

Authors : Dick Kaser and Marydee Ojala

Source : (www.proquest.upd.edu.ph) Online; Jan/Feb 2005; 29, 1; Academic Research Library pg. 14

Abstract:

This article is about different forums on open access. The forums did not focus on the scholars’ revolt or on policy models for Open Access journals. Instead, the forums were designed to highlight issues that relate directly to librarians and others who use the internet to conduct search.

According to the article, there are many roads to open access. These are the green roads, gold roads, and toll roads. Toll roads refer to open access that is toll- free online access. Green road is self archiving that moves the costs from the user’s institution to the author’s institution. The gold road is the open access journals.

3 Things I Learned:

1. Open access covers many fields not only in librarianship but also in publishing, e- commerce, chemical industry, and field of sciences like physics, chemistry, and medicine.

2. Open access has worldwide appeal like science. Like science it happens everywhere. So, we must give importance to open access like we importance to science.

3. In an open access, still money is an issue. Because you need money as for subscription costs.

Implication / Application:

Open access is very important nowadays. In a digital library, open access is always present. Open access is equated simply with free information. That in a digital library, open access should be a combination of green road, gold road, and toll road. That open access should be toll-free-online, self- archiving, and can access scholarly journals.

User Interfaces of IRs (Visualization)

Author : Shaoyi He

Title : Visualization of Information

Source: www.findgalegroup.com

Abstract:

This article is about the concept of visualization. Based on the article, visualization is the action or fact with visualizing, the power or process of forming a mental picture or vision of something not actually present to the sight (as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary). Also visualization provides an interface between two powerful information processing systems – human minded and the modern computer. There are 3 ways to 

approach the concept of visualization such as pictures of numbers, pictures of nouns, and pictures of verbs.

3 Things I Learned:

1. With the advancement of science and technology, visualization technologies will bring people new ways to    

     view, analyze, and interact with data information.

2. Object- oriented visualization environments can be built by visual programming with functional objects.

3. Visualization of information has many practical applications related to software, medicine, education, and

     information retrieval.

Application / Implication

Application / implication of the new things I learned to my work is that visualization of information is integrated to computer technology. Nowadays, the application of computer technology can be seen and felt in everything we do. Be it in our house or in our workplace. So, as society and technology advance into the future, the human quest into the nature of visualization and the visualization of information will lead to a better understanding of the relationships between information, visualization, technology, and the  natural world.           

Intellectual Rights and Copyright Issues

Title of the Article: The missing link: the lack of citations and copyright notices in multimedia   
    presentations
Author: Stephanie Huffman
URL : http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=995467011&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=6&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1310828898&clientId=51710

Abstract:

This article covers a brief overview of copyright law, provides elpful resources for students and teachers, and outlines a model that can be used in citing sources of media presentations. This has also two purposes: 1) to provide some basic background information in intellectual property; and 2) to share a guide/model for citing sources in a multimedia presentation. Thus, this article for addressing the two major reasons for the lack of citations.

According to the article, the teachers must teach and demand the students to give credit for the use of text, image, video, and audio for their media presentations which often we allow or overlook that they do not give credit for the use of other's work.


3 Things I Learned:

1. As teachers/librarians, we must teach and demand our students to cite their sources of presentations, otherwise plagiarism is occuring.

2. In creating multimedia products, faculty and students may use lawfully acquired copyrighted works as long as proper credit and citations are included in the multimedia product.

3. We must not only copy and paste materials or documents from others. We should also give credit. So, copy + paste, and dont forget to give CREDIT.


Implication / Application:

Care should be used in downloading material from Internet sites. We should be aware that some copyrighted works have been posted to the Internet without authorization of the copyrighted holder. Therefore, it is vital that they contact the primary source to get permission to use the material.    

Web 2.0 technology application to Libraries

Title of the Article : Gaming in Libraries 2.0
Author : Katherine Makens
Best Practices : Feature, Summer 2007 : Young Adult Services

Abstract:

          This article is about libraries offering massively multiplayer online games / programs for their teens' users. The library is not the only place where gaming can become a social event. And how can we apply Library 2.0 concepts to make gaming events that are truly unique to a library setting.

          This article provides examination of me library's experiments with finding a viable options for such program. Such as video game design for teens, game maker, and give teens a ready- made game and then show the teens how to alter the game in interesting ways.

Three Things I Learned:

         1. Based on the article I read, I learned that it is really possible to integrate games in libraries and will give a very positive and educational experience to the users and generate a good turnout.

         2. I learned also that games in libraries will teach the teens useful skills, expose them to a carreer that otherwise they would not have access to.

        3. I learned that gaming in Libraries 2.0 is one way of promoting or marketing libraries.

Implication:

        The implication of the new things I learned to me as a person is that students especially teens will learn more when there will be application of games in the libraries. They will not only learn through reading but also through experience. Since, they will learn through experience, this will create a really satisfying understanding on different things.

The Internet and the WWW : implications to Libraries

Title of the Article : Building a Digital Branch
Author : David Lee King
Adapted from the August / September 2009 issue of Library Technology Reports




Abstract:


   This article is about putting up a functional library branch - a digital branch- on the web. This is somewhat arbitrary. A branch is a branch, whether it is physical or virtual. With a digital branch, they can go to the library by just visiting the website. 


   The steps in putting up a digital branch is think, plan, and do. 




Three Things I Learned:


   1.Based on my readings, I learned that internet becomes more and more faster and has many functions. Web browsers have changed. Websites have come to serve a wider variety of functions.


   2.I also learned that, with 21st century technology, libraries are in a position to deliver a fully functional library hence, a digital branch - on the web. But as stated in the article, still "a digital branch must have a real staff, a real building, a real collection, and a real community happening on and it". 


   3.I also learned that, if ever I will adapt this digital branch in any library, I will need to pick a Content Management System. It is the control center of the site. which allows administer content within the branch, how it is organized, displayed, and accessed; who can access it, and how it can be accessed.




Implication:


    The implication of the new things I learned from my reading assignmnet is that, think, plan and do. First, think and as much as possible gather information on the things I want to achieve, second, is plan to meet the goals I dreamed up, and third, build what I planned. But, it does not stop there. Constant work, updates and change are needed because if not, whatever planned achieved will be left behind because of the changing technology.  

Computer and Internet Security

Title : More Spam Stuffs Inboxes
Author : Nikki Swartz

Source : Information Management Journal; Mar/Apr 2007; 41, 2; ABI/INFORM Global pg. 6 

Abstract:

        The article shows that the spam has taken over most e- mail users' inboxes not only here but most especially abroad. Such as U.S. email security company Postini, said 2.5 billion spam messages were sent in June 2006 , Intent security firm surf- control reported that spam increased 50% last year, the Radicati Group predicted that in Europe, spam will jump to 38 billion per day and data for another security firm, Marshall revealed that the majority of spam originates from China, Poland, and the U.S. This only shows that spam is very prevalent nowadays.

3 Things I Learned:

        1. From this article, I learned that spam should not be taken for granted because millions of unwanted e- mails can cost business big bucks.

        2. I also learned that spam costs firms up to $ 1, 000 a year per employee in lost productivity and higher computing bills. This means that spam can really cause destruction to one's lives.

        3. From this reading, I also learned that to be alert once a spam is received. Never open it or even its link because this might have virus that can damage the entire computer and important documents.

Implication / Application:

             The application of the new things I learned to me as a person is that if ever I received spam messages, I will be very careful in dealing with it. Because, once I open it, this might damage my entire collection / documents.