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Assefa ◙ LIS 4050 ◙ Summer 2013 Syllabus Library & Information Technologies (LIS 4050-1) 1. Course Information Course #/Title: LIS 4050-1: Library & Information Technologies (4 Credits) Quarter: Summer 2013, Tuesday 7:00 - 9:20pm; KAR 306 Meetings: June 17, 2013 August 15, 2013 2. Faculty Information Instructor: Shimelis Assefa, PhD. Contact Information: P. 303-871-6072 Email: [email protected] Office: KAR 244 Office Hours: Tuesday 4:00 6pm, and other times by appointment. During my office hours, I am available for chat in my virtual office on Blackboard. 3. Course Description A foundation course on the applications of information and communications technology in libraries and information agencies. Integrated library systems and the acquisition, evaluation, and implementation of library automation solutions, including electronic resource management systems will be explored. The course further introduces database design, Internet technology, web services, cloud computing, computer networks, telecommunications, and computer security. Hardware, software, and other productivity tools and utilities from organizations such as OCLC, Amazon, and Google will be discussed 4. Course Materials, Highly Recommended and Suggested Readings and additional resources for each learning modules can be accessed through the Blackboard site. Required textbook: Burke, J. (2013). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: A basic guide for library staff. 4 th edition. Chicago: American Library Association. Highly Recommended: Computers in Libraries

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Assefa ◙ LIS 4050 ◙ Summer 2013

Syllabus

Library & Information Technologies (LIS 4050-1)

1. Course Information

Course #/Title: LIS 4050-1: Library & Information Technologies (4 Credits) Quarter: Summer 2013, Tuesday 7:00 - 9:20pm; KAR 306 Meetings: June 17, 2013 – August 15, 2013

2. Faculty Information

Instructor: Shimelis Assefa, PhD. Contact Information: P. 303-871-6072 Email: [email protected] Office: KAR 244 Office Hours: Tuesday 4:00 – 6pm, and other times by appointment.

During my office hours, I am available for chat in my virtual office on Blackboard.

3. Course Description

A foundation course on the applications of information and communications technology in libraries and information agencies. Integrated library systems and the acquisition, evaluation, and implementation of library automation solutions, including electronic resource management systems will be explored. The course further introduces database design, Internet technology, web services, cloud computing, computer networks, telecommunications, and computer security. Hardware, software, and other productivity tools and utilities from organizations such as OCLC, Amazon, and Google will be discussed

4. Course Materials, Highly Recommended and Suggested

Readings and additional resources for each learning modules can be accessed through the Blackboard site. Required textbook: Burke, J. (2013). Neal-Schuman library technology companion: A basic guide for

library staff. 4th edition. Chicago: American Library Association. Highly Recommended:

Computers in Libraries

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Information Technology and Libraries

Library Hi Tech

Library Technology Reports Additional suggested readings are available from the following Web resources:

ALA TechSource (http://www.alatechsource.org)

Code{4}lib Journal (http://journal.code4lib.org/)

Computers in Libraries: Annual conferences (http://www.infotoday.com/cil.htm)

iLibrarian: News and resources on Library 2.0 and the information revolution (http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/)

American Libraries Direct : Tech Talk section (http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/aldirect/)

5. Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:

Create technology plan for acquiring library automation systems.

Demonstrate proficiency in using integrated library systems and how it works.

Identify emerging trends in e-resource management, cloud computing, and web services.

Design and implement databases using database management systems.

Explore computer security and identify vulnerabilities.

Discuss the principles of computer networks and network management.

Review library hardware, software, productivity tools and utilities.

6. Method of Instruction

This is 4 credit hours course. The policy states we need to devote 50 minutes of class meetings for every hour. Our class (between 4:00 and 6:20pm) will only cover the 3 credit hours. In order to makeup/cover the remaining 50 minutes, there is going to be additional work online in Blackboard that we will work individually. Every other week (weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8), you will see a link under respective weekly modules called “Class Addendum,” that describes the extra work to be completed. Each of these extra tasks carries 5% of your grade for a total of 20%, so be sure to complete them.

7. Methods of Assessment

All assignments are to be completed from within the Blackboard site. Please review the descriptions of individual assignments that are available in the Assignments page. For the Discussion forum assignments, a separate rubric and outline of expectations is provided.

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Points Possible:

Assignments Weight (percentage) Points

Course Preparation Assignments X 7 10% 100

Library Tech Trends 15% 100

Library Tech FAQ 15% 100

Library 2.0 15% 100

Final project: Tech Spec document

25%

200

Class Addendum (x4) 20% 400

Total 100% 1000

Evaluation: Grades will be based on points accumulated and converted to 100 percentile according to the following scale:

Grades Percent Grades Percent

A 95-100 C+ 76-79

A- 90-94 C 73-75

B+ 86-89 C- 70-72

B 83-85 D 60-69

B- 80-82 F <60

8. Course and Related DU Policies

Student Responsibilities. As a student, you are expected to challenge yourself, to actively participate in your education, and to search both inside and outside of the classroom for answers to your questions. Answers are rarely black and white at this level of study. I expect you to actively participate in the classroom, to listen and to discuss ideas with your colleagues. I expect you to read all assigned materials, and research additional sources for more information. The sources I have chosen are only some of those available in the field; you are encouraged to find other resources and share them with the class. Most importantly, you are expected to learn, and to leave this course with new ideas. My goal is to provide you with the foundation to continue to explore these ideas when you leave the classroom. Faculty Responsibilities. My primary role is to serve as a facilitator in a manner that supports a meaningful learning. I will present information related to the topics covered, help you synthesize materials assigned for the course. I will both ask and answer questions; this class is your opportunity to discuss the issues. I am available outside of class time to answer questions concerning assignments and topics covered in class. I will also give you a grade. My expectations for your performance are clearly outlined in this syllabus. If anything appears unclear, or if you have any questions, please ask me. Most of all, my role is to encourage you to learn -- encourage, not force. You will take from this course what you put into it. I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to learn in this class, from me, from the materials on the subject, and from your colleagues.

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If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need any test or course materials provided in an alternative format, notify the instructors.

HONOR CODE STATEMENT All members of the University community are entrusted with the responsibility of observing certain ethical goals and values as they relate to academic integrity. Essential to the fundamental purpose of the University is the commitment to the principles of truth and honesty. The Honor Code is designed so that responsibility for upholding these principles lies with the individual as well as the entire community.

The Honor Code fosters and advances an environment of ethical conduct in the academic community of the University, the foundation of which includes the pursuit of academic honesty and integrity. Through an atmosphere of mutual respect we enhance the value of our education and bring forth the highest standard of academic excellence. Members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees, must not commit any intentional misrepresentation or deception in academic or professional matters

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9. Course Schedules

Week

Topic/Readings** **See Respective Modules in Bb for Readings

Assignments and due dates

1 6/18

Introduction to Library & Information Systems, and Information Technology

Class addendum 1 starts: Electronic Resource Management System, due 7/1, 11:59pm

2 6/25

Library Automation & Integrated Library Systems/LMSs

Class preparation assignments [CPAs] - weeks 2 to 8 – due each week.

Library Tech Trends due 7/8, 11:59pm.

3 7/2

E-content and E-devices

Class addendum 2 starts: Assistive technologies, due 7/15, 11:59pm

Start working on the Final Project, due 8/15, 11:59pm

4 7/9

Library Hardware, Software, other Tools and Utilities

Library Tech FAQ due 7/22, 11:59pm

Confirm with me what your plans are for the final project

5 7/16

Computer Security, Computer Networks.

Class addendum 3 starts: Cloud computing, due 7/29, 11:59pm

6 7/23

Social Media, Web 2.0 and Emerging Technologies.

Library 2.0 due 8/5, 11:59pm.

7 7/30

Introduction to Database Management System

Class addendum 4 starts: Digitization, document scanning, archiving, due 8/12, 11:59pm

8 8/6

Web services, Web technology, API for Libraries

9 8/13

Final project presentation Wrap-up; Course Evaluation

Final Project Presentation

Final Project due – 8/15, 11:59pm

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LIS 4050 – 1: Library & Information Technologies | Summer 2013 Descriptions of Assignments.

Course Preparation Assignments [CPAs] Let me preface the description of CPA by saying that it is a combined effort by all of us that make a great class. If you agree with the above statement, here is an invitation for you to do your part. By CPA, you expose yourself with the course material firsthand. In short, CPA is all about reading and preparing before coming to class. CPA is adopted from the paper by David Yamane, "Course Preparation Assignments: A Strategy for Creating Discussion-Based Courses," Teaching Sociology 34, July, 2006, 236-248. Starting week 2, you will be provided with clear strategy how and what you need to do to complete CPA. The strategy will have the following components:

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week 2) Objective – what you will be required to do 3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept

to explain. Please don’t limit yourself to the specific material assigned for the CPA assignment. In each module you will find several readings and other resources and it is equally important to take a look at them to get a wider and deeper understanding of the topic each week.

4) Submission – what you do at the beginning of class 5) Grade – grade point available for each CPA

On Blackboard, in respective weekly modules – you will find details of the CPA.

Week 2: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn that Integrated Library System (ILS) together with computer

networks is the backbone for library automation (computerization) to support in-house operations and public service tasks.

2) Objective – what you will be required to do a. to review the features and strength/limitations of different ILSs,

including gaining basic knowledge of how to prepare RFP document and technology plan for the purpose of acquiring an ILS

3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept to explain

a. read - Automation Marketplace 2013 The rush to innovate by Marshall Breeding (Blackboard > Websites page):– and reflect on the following key points

i. name companies and respective ILS products and why would a library buy one system over the other

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ii. explain the different ILS options available and what emerging trend do you observe

iii. in terms of market share, what are the top 5 ILSs. iv. from the lecture note for this week – what is RFP and how

do you prepare one; and what is technology plan (see also Chapter 18 from the textbook on Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Module 2) and what are the components that make up a technology plan documentation

4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class

a. submit a minimum of 1-2 pages summary addressing the items in (3) above into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

Week 3: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn about electronic resources, e-readers, e-devices, the different

file formats, the issues and technologies associated with e-content such as DRM.

2) Objective – what you will be required to do a. to gain a very good understanding of the domain of e-resources,

the important actors in the field, eBook formats, issues surrounding eBooks, including hardware and software available to consume e-content.

3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept to explain

a. read – Chapter 9: Library databases and electronic resources and the lecture notes for this week (Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Module 3).– and reflect on the following key points

i. briefly discuss features of devices, applications, and software available for Amazon and Barnes & Noble eBooks,

ii. explain DRM and compare the three major DRM schemes for eBooks by Amazon, Adobe and B&N

iii. identify at least three major eBooks formats and which of the three is the most widely adopted standard.

4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class

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a. submit a minimum of 1-2 pages summary addressing the items in (3) above into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

Week 4: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn about the different hardware and software including tools and

utilities libraries use on a daily basis. 2) Objective – what you will be required to do/is important to understand,

analyze, or describe a. to describe the major categories of hardware, software (including

operating systems), and database management systems.

3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept to explain

a. read – Chapter 5: Computers in Libraries: Desktops, Laptops, Mobile Devices, and Office Applications. In addition visit a library (any library that is easily accessible to you) – and complete the following task

i. identify the range of hardware – computers (desktop, laptop, notebooks, tablets, severs), printers, network devices, copy machines, security devices, etc. from your visit…and try to provide a little bit of specification details.

ii. identify range of software the library you visited has – operating system, database software, integrated library system, productivity tools, etc.

4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class

a. submit a minimum of 1-2 pages summary addressing the items in (3) above into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

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Week 5: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn about the different computer security threats libraries face and

the measures you need to take to mitigate and manage vulnerabilities.

2) Objective – what you will be required to do a. to explore computer security issues and develop strategies to

prevent, detect and react when systems are compromised.

3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept to explain

a. read – Chapter 6: Computer Communication in Libraries; and Chapter 15: Protecting Technology and Technology Users: Spam, Spyware, and Security Strips – and reflect on the following key points

i. what measures do libraries need to take to achieve satisfactory level of protection?

ii. the most important asset for the library to protect is the data/information on – books and other resources, users, and in-house budget and financial transaction. What do you think is the best strategy to keep these valuable assets safe.

4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class

a. submit a minimum of 1-2 pages summary addressing the items in (3) above into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

Week 6: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn the different web 2.0 tools and technologies that support

library services and activities in a meaningful way. 2) Objective – what you will be required to do

a. to describe the different categories of web 2.0 tools and how they can be used or implemented in a library setting.

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3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept to explain

a. read – Chapter 11: Web 2.0 and Libraries: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Skype; and Chapter 13: Library 2.0 and the Library: Virtual Reference, Blogs, and – and reflect on the following key points

i. identify at least two social networking tools that libraries use and provide examples how they were used.

ii. What do you think is the theoretical underpinning for using social media tools and technologies for library service and do you know any best practice on how to embrace such technologies.

4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class

a. submit a minimum of 1-2 pages summary addressing the items in (3) above into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

Week 7: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn about the fundamental concept of a database (particularly

relational database management system), database design, including the design of relational database using programs such as Microsoft Access

2) Objective – what you will be required to do a. to introduce yourself to key concepts and principles of relational

database management system (RDBMS).

3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept to explain

a. read – Introduction, Part 1, and Part 2 of Database Systems Concepts by Silberschatz, Korth. Sudarshan (Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Module 7 – and reflect on the following key points

i. assuming you are building a database that has two tables, i.e., Book table; and Patron table; brainstorm on a logical design on paper to identify relevant attributes, primary keys, and relationships for the two tables.

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4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class a. submit a sketch of your database model that has – the table name

(entities), attributes, primary keys, into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

Week 8: CPA

1) Introduction – what is important to learn for the week a. learn about web services API that enrich the library resources and

services, and how they work. Also learn the key web technologies required to design, develop, and maintain a library website.

2) Objective – what you will be required to do a. to understand how web service API work for certain applications

including OCLC, Google Books, HathiTrust digital collections, and LibraryThing.

3) Assignment – the actual material to read, question to answer, or concept

to explain a. read – HathiTrust API and Libraries; LibraryThing API, Google

Books API, and OCLC Web Services and Libraries (Blackboard > Weekly Modules > Module 8) – and complete the following task

i. select one web service API listed above and show the method how you access data.

4) Submission –what you do at the beginning of class a. submit the demonstration of how you access data for the specific

API technology chosen into the appropriate dropbox. When you come to class, print 8 copies of your submission to hand-out to each student in the class and be ready to discuss your work. No formal presentation required.

5) Grade – The grade point available for each CPA

a. an automatic 50 points will be awarded if you complete the CPA as outlined above. All points accumulated for the 8 CPAs will be finally converted towards your 10% grade.

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Class Addendum 1, 5% Electronic Resource Management System (ERMS) Who are the vendors and companies that provide ERMS and what is the name of the system each offer. Are there open source alternatives? After reviewing the marketplace and the major actors in this area, select one ERM system and review its key features, by focusing on the following functions:

Acquisitions

o Trials

o Ordering

o Renewals

o Cancellation

o Payment tracking

Licenses

Access - what authentication system it uses

Statistics - how it collects and manages usage data/statistics

Reports

There is no page limit.

Assignment is due July 1, 11:59pm.

Library Technology Trends, 10%. After extensive review of the library technology literature, the following areas constitute key technology trends and highlights that are shaping the way libraries operate today. These technologies (listed in alphabetical order) are:

1. Application programming interface (API) for Libraries 2. Authentication & security systems (such as Shibboleth, OCLC EZproxy) 3. Gaming in the library

4. M-libraries –mobile library services and Apps 5. Next Generation Discovery solutions 6. Open library environment. 7. RFID (including barcode and security systems) 8. Social media, tools and technologies 9. Web services in Libraries

This is an individual assignment where each student will work on one technology trend listed above or other technology trends discussed in the ALA mid-winter Tech Trend conference (for example, ALA Midwinter top technology trends in Dallas, Jan. 2012 – or from previous conferences - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19938312). The expectation from this assignment is one that you will prepare a comprehensive report to explain the technology trend chosen, with practical examples to illustrate how the technology is used in libraries. If the technology

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chosen is adopted in a library where you work, it is desirable you discuss how the technology is being integrated. It is not also difficult to find a library that has adopted certain aspects of these technologies so you can provide a contextual perspective even if your library or the library you know does not adopt these key technological trends. There is no limit to the length of the report. Obviously no page limit can be specified because this assignment is to be executed here in the Group blog area. Be prepared to share your work in class in an informal discussion, i.e., no formal presentation required. Students are encouraged to comment on each other’s work other than your own. The assignment together with reading materials, podcasts, are available in Module 2. Assignment is due – July 8, 11:59 pm.

Class Addendum 2, 5% Assistive Technology The following vendors provide different kinds of products and expertise to extend access to library resources, services, and library buildings for library users that have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities. Identify a specific category of users based on their impairment - for example - visual, speech, or auditory impairment. For the user group you identified, select technology or suites of technologies that will provide solutions for the situation at hand. It is recommended that you outline what the impairment limits the user groups you chose from doing so that the technology you selected will meet those needs. For the technology or groups of technologies, provide detailed information describing the feature, how it works whether it is a hardware or software solution, or both.

HumanWare - http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home

iansyst Ltd - http://iansyst.com/

Inclusive Technology - http://www.inclusivetlc.com/

Adapt-IT - http://www.adapt-it.org.uk/

Bierley Electronic Magnifiers - http://www.bierley.com/us_new/us.htm

Blazie - http://www.blazie.co.uk/home

Connevans - http://www.connevans.com/

Dolphin - http://www.yourdolphin.com/products.asp

Force Tenco - http://www.forcetenco.co.uk/about_us.asp

Sight and Sound Technology - http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/

Text Help Systems - http://www.texthelp.com/North-America

Words Worldwide Ltd - http://www.wordsworldwide.co.uk/

Assignment is due – July 15, 11:59 pm

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Library Technology FAQ, 15%. As you can see from the list below, I have collected quite a few technology related frequently asked questions in academic and public library settings. Your task is to select any two questions and answer them. The answer requires a step-by-step demonstration of how a particular issue needs to be resolved. Sometimes, this may require you to print your screen image to show what the user needs to do in order to solve the problem at hand. You can put yourself in place of the user asking anyone of these questions and you can use your computer/laptop and a library of your choosing to answer the questions. For the purpose of submitting your work, prepare a word or pdf document containing the answer with step-by-step screen images (as required) with arrows pointing at a certain option in each step. More importantly, it is a plus if you use screen capturing software such as Jing (http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html) to better answer the questions of your choice. If you use software like Jing you can easily submit the link to the screencast. The questions are:

How do I configure my laptop for wireless network to work in the Library?

How do I access library databases from outside the library building?

How do I place ILL request?

How do I map a network drive on a PC or MAC

How do I export my search results to reference management systems?

How do I print from my laptops in the library?

How do I protect my computer from virus and spyware?

How do I configure a firewall on my laptop, PC or MAC?

My computer won’t start? What should I do?

How do I create a powerful presentation?

How do I subscribe by email or RSS feeds table of contents of selected journals in Biology?

How do I download eBooks to my Kindle device from the library?

Equally feel free to address most frequently asked question you encounter in a library setting that is not listed here. Assignment is due – July 22, 11:59 pm.

Class Addendum 3, 5% Cloud Computing According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cloud computing is “a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications and services).” Put in non-technical terms, think of the cloud as computing resources located outside of the library, delivered as a service (a utility) over an Internet connection. There are many advantages cited

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for cloud computing but the most often-mentioned include greater efficiencies through shared resources, management offloaded to third-party providers, and the flexibility to quickly add new services. In the library world, some of the large software vendors are working to develop the next generation ILS – one that is built on a service-oriented architecture. Under this model, the computing resources mentioned above are deployed and/or rendered in a form of software as a service (SaaS). The following are some of the solutions touted to offer libraries cloud computing capabilities.

ExLibris Alma - http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/category/AlmaOverview

OCLC WorldShare Management Services (WMS) -- http://www.oclc.org/webscale/

Sierra Services Platform by Innovative Interfaces - http://sierra.iii.com/

Chorus by CAPITA - http://goo.gl/gQEk2

Intota by Serial Solutions - http://www.serialssolutions.com/en/services/intota

By visiting the Websites of respective cloud-based solutions listed above, try to familiarize yourself about the features and overall system architecture. Your task is to select one of the solutions and write a relatively adequate report to explain – 1) the overall features of the system, and 2) how existing library activities (ranging from acquisition to cataloging and discovery) will change in the event the library switches to one of these systems (for example OCLC WMS).\ Assignment is due – July 29, 11:59 pm

Library 2.0, 15%. Library 2.0 is defined differently by different individuals. At the center of this definition lies the idea that it is the increased centrality of users in libraries and library systems, including enabling their contributions in architectures of participation. The following box shows some kinds of user contributions (aka user generated content, or UGC) in the library domain.

Examples of user generated content in architectures of participation: Ratings on items, including in Amazon or Digg -like system.

Comments and reviews.

Usefulness ratings on comments and reviews (also useful for later filtering).

Personal or group lists.

Tags and other user generated metadata.

Libraries use a host of Web 2.0 tools and services to embrace this new paradigm of communication and at the same time to build modern library systems. For example, libraries are increasingly using delicious for subject guides, Flickr for

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library displays, Facebook to reach their users and increase utilization of resources, or YouTube for library orientation. Your task is to select one social media or Web 2.0 technology and demonstrate how you can implement it to support a library service or in-house activity. Most of these Web 2.0 technologies are free and only require a simple sign up to use. If you take the social bookmarking service, for example, one can use del.icio.us to create subject guides for a team of researchers, or if you use NetVibes, you can create a web-portal/start page to facilitate your task in the reference desk, for example. A few examples of these technologies include:

Online social catalog (e.g., LibraryThing for readers advisory service)

Mashups (e.g., Google Mashup editor, Yahoo! Pipes)

Podcasting (e.g., iTunes, YouTube, etc.)

RSS feeds (e.g., feed readers such as Bloglines, Google News)

Social bookmarking/reference management services (e.g., del.icio.us, Mendeley, Connotea, CiteUlike, etc.)

Social networking services (e.g., Facebook, LibraryThing)

Microblogging (e.g., Twitter)

Web Portals or start pages (e.g., NetVibes, iGoogle, etc.)

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/)

The requirement from this exercise is to show how one can innovatively use Web 2.0 tools and technologies to support a library services or activities. Together with the implementation and the URL, provide a background statement of the following:

Library setting (public, academic, special, etc.)

Intended audience (teens, scientists, seniors, college students, etc.)

What tools and software you used to implement the Library 2.0 feature (form anyone of those listed above or your own choice)

What primary objective(s) you were trying to achieve.

Depending on your selection, a reasonable amount of work that demonstrates your comfort of using and implementing the tools/technologies is required. For example, libraries use Pinterest in a variety of ways for marketing and informational purposes, including to – pin and share book covers of new arrivals, creating reading lists, promoting library activities, promoting reading cultures among kids and teens. If you select Web portals or start pages, having a variety of resources (say IM Widgets, twitter widget, calendar, embedding library search boxes, subject specific feeds, etc…) will constitute a reasonable amount of work. The more your experiments are relevant to a library work (such as reference service, or engaging library users, for example), the better. I highly recommend you sign up for one of the free web/blog hosting platforms to do this assignment – such as – Blogger, Weebly, drupalgardens, wordpress.com.

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The background statement together with the URL should be uploaded in the appropriate dropbox. Assignment is due – August 5, 11:59 pm.

Class Addendum 4, 5% Digitization strategy For this assignment, you work under the assumption that there is a need to embark on digitization project. The setting could be in a library, any organization (public or private), schools, hospitals, professional association, court/law office, or any other established setting where there is a need to digitize a specified collection for well-defined user group. The materials to be digitized could be text, images, audio or video, or a combination of one or more of these resources. Within the framework of this assumption, your task is to develop a document that outlines a strategy or guideline (Digitization strategy document for xxx Library, for example) on how the digitization project will be implemented. Consider the following elements in your – strategy document 1. What is the nature of the collection - decide first what is in your collection – is

it old manuscripts, photographs, maps, handwritten papers, 19th century travel books, theses and dissertation, or is it audio and/or video.

2. What is the objective of the digitization project – in one or two paragraph state what objectives the project aims to accomplish

3. Who are the users – define a focused-user group (audience) for whom this digitization is intended for.

4. Metadata and specific operational standards – outline important metadata elements for descriptive, administrative, and technical information. Consult this resource to help you prepare the general metadata elements for the collection of your choice (http://www.mndigital.org/digitizing/standards/metadata2012.pdf). Aside from mentioning the metadata scheme (such as Dublin Core, METS, PREMIS, etc.. or home-grown metadata), you are only specifying general elements and the idea is not for you to develop a comprehensive guideline. For example for descriptive metadata, given the material in your collection you may say – title, creator, publisher, date, subject, etc…. In terms of specific operational level activities, provide a general outline of scanning standards, based again on the material you chose to digitize. This resource will help you outline scanning standards by type of materials - http://www.library.unt.edu/digital-projects-unit/standards

5. Finally, propose what equipment and software you need to implement the digitization project –including - scanners, digital camera, printers, computers, software. Try to be a little specific here - what is the model of the scanner and how many to acquire, and why this model of scanner for example. There are several companies that supply such equipment and software. For example -

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Covergold - http://www.covergold.co.uk/ Assignment is due – August 12, 11:59 pm

Final Project: Technology Specification Document, 30%. Select any library: academic, public, special, school, or government. This library could be your workplace or it could be any library that you visit frequently. The library of your choice is in the process of embarking on a major technology acquisition or system deployment project. This project often requires acquiring a mix of hardware, software, and database solutions. Take a look at some of the project initiatives libraries undertake:

Digitization project, building a digital library,

Library automation project,

New ILS or migrating to a different ILS, including cloud-based

Security system installation,

Website redesign effort with new CMS,

Upgrading the library network – wired and wireless,

Installing Inventory management system,

Introducing Mobile library services designed for mobile devices,

E-resources management – including e-books

New discovery solutions – for example vertical search. Select anyone of the above project ideas for a library of your choice (that has current and/or future plans to undertake such projects) and develop a technology specification document. The technology specification document is one that details what hardware, software, database, and other protocol and standards are required that meet the needs and goals of the project. In order to determine what technology is required, it is important you first describe the scope of the project in terms of the needs, goals, and outcomes. For example the digitization project (or the digital library project) may be to digitize 50 boxes of materials (books, letters, photos, audios, and VHS) on the history of American Indians in Colorado. These boxes of materials are sitting in the basement of a university library and you’re called on to help. Your task is primarily to create the technology specification document – a document that proposes what hardware, software, and other related technologies are required for the task. Although money is NOT an issue, you are also instructed to come up with a technology specification that is cost-effective and one that integrates with existing system and easy for future scale-up. This is a group assignment that has two student members. Try to divide roles between group members and indicate the responsibilities of each student in your report. The expectation from this assignment is that each group will work to – identify, review, and acquire technology (hardware, software, database, or a mix of solutions) for a library setting of its own choosing. A Buyer’s Guide is given for each category so students don’t have to worry where to look for and identify the

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technologies to review and buy (see also Chapter 3 of the assigned textbook – How to find information on library technologies). But, it is important we recognize we buy technologies because there is a need for it. In order to adopt a systematic approach, I suggest each group follow the outline below.

1. Give a title to your technology specification document – e.g. “Agenda for a New Vision: Proposal for XYZ University Library Web scale Cloud-based ILS”

2. Identify and describe a library setting where the project of your choice is taking place – public, special, academic, school, etc… 1-2 page.

3. Provide 2 pages of needs statement describing the functionality required or operational requirements (the need, goals, and desired outcome) that prompted the project. For example, if you are considering an ILS or migrating to a new ILS, at a very minimum, you may consider the system to support the following core functionalities – OPAC, Circulation, Acquisitions, Serials control, Document delivery or ILL, ERMS, Management information.

4. Identify and review the features of the technology that you are going to acquire that you believe will meet the business requirement/need stated in step 2, no page limit.

5. Provide one page statement describing the rationale behind the chosen technology. Why that software, hardware, or database, standard, protocol, as opposed to several other competing alternatives?

The assignment is due – August 15, 11:59 pm. Be prepared for class presentation on the last day of class.