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.