REQUIRED READING NOTES
Jason Vaughan (2005)
- CASE STUDY: A collection of experiences that span over four years discussing challenges associated with technology management in an academic library setting.
- Created in order to allow a means of understanding the rate that technology is growing in library systems.
- Article details the beginnings of the Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Campus - cutting edge online collection storage in 2005, four years after opening
- Describes the many programs offered in 2005 that were up and coming - Safari is mentioned
- Discusses issues that arise when considering new tech systems - cost is usually a major reason for lack of funds.
- balancing computer use
- lack of productivity software
- connectivity issues
- space managment
- software glitches
- Since the publication of this article, many factors should be taken into consideration. Much more GB room, external hard-drives, wi-fi, software and mal-ware programs
- Writes in favor technologically enhancing a library system, writes to address common problems. However this is dated.
"A Few Thoughts on the Google Books Library Project" by Charles Edward Smith
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/EQM0812.pdf
- personal views expressed by author on the Google Books Library Project. recalls being able to print a story right from the San Fransisco Chronicles webpage back in 1999. "And I had the information [I needed] in my hands without a trip to the library"
- Positive view on digitization - claims Google Books Library will make information more widely available, will ultimately help.
- viewed a nineteenth century book by Justice Story Smith via Google
- "Books and other printed material would quickly reach obsolescence if not easily accessible through digital technology"
- Studies have been conducted to show how academia has positively worked with accessible technologies such as JSTOR database.
- Published in 2008, slightly dated, but offers insight on how digitization is positive.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/technology/28iht-LIBRARY29.1.8079170.html
- Based in Paris, dated in October 2007, this article covers the issues that many museums, film institutes, and national libraries have faced in preparation of digitizing materials with private companies.
- Unfortunately, even after $85 million being distributed to develop a digital library system, Europe has yet to launch the process. (This might not be the case by now)
- Highlights an alternative to how Google is digitizing material, showing the European Digital Library as a possible competitor with Google Library
Thoughts
All articles look to highlight various aspects of digitization in the academic and professional realms. The case study was quite outdated, but offered most information on the issues that many institutions face when digitizing. The realistic outcomes are referenced in the article by Carvajal in Paris, France.
Questions
1. Is digitization worth it?
I believe digitization is worth it in the long run. I agree with many of the short points that Charles Edward Smith made, particularly mentioning that Google allows anyone to access the materials, growing a much larger audience than if it were sitting on a library shelf. While it is expensive, it is our eventual future and I think should be encouraged! (that being said I'm still Team Tangible Book)
Digitization, while expensive, has the opportunity to adjust with up-coming and current programs that encourage technology as an effective tool in research methods. I honestly would not have finished as many research papers as I did in my undergraduate career without the amazing and wonderful JSTOR, which provided me (as a student) the access to many journal articles I would never have been able to read otherwise.
2. Private companies a good solution? Problems?
I would say that working with private companies might hinder the process because digitizing items and materials is a very costly production that often takes much cooperation and negotiation with the stakeholders and fundraisers.
In regards to the statement by the European Digital Library system, I do not think it is a valid concern. America and its' library systems are not looking to seek domination in what the future will hold, but I do think it is important for all people and all nations to take the step towards preserving history through digitization. There are many alternatives to libraries, such as museums, archives, and special collections that all cultures and governments should consider when looking to store information and materials that will last the test of time.
I believe digitization is worth it in the long run. I agree with many of the short points that Charles Edward Smith made, particularly mentioning that Google allows anyone to access the materials, growing a much larger audience than if it were sitting on a library shelf. While it is expensive, it is our eventual future and I think should be encouraged! (that being said I'm still Team Tangible Book)
Digitization, while expensive, has the opportunity to adjust with up-coming and current programs that encourage technology as an effective tool in research methods. I honestly would not have finished as many research papers as I did in my undergraduate career without the amazing and wonderful JSTOR, which provided me (as a student) the access to many journal articles I would never have been able to read otherwise.
2. Private companies a good solution? Problems?
I would say that working with private companies might hinder the process because digitizing items and materials is a very costly production that often takes much cooperation and negotiation with the stakeholders and fundraisers.
In regards to the statement by the European Digital Library system, I do not think it is a valid concern. America and its' library systems are not looking to seek domination in what the future will hold, but I do think it is important for all people and all nations to take the step towards preserving history through digitization. There are many alternatives to libraries, such as museums, archives, and special collections that all cultures and governments should consider when looking to store information and materials that will last the test of time.
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