1. There's just something I dislike about films that don't name their protagonists merely because they think it makes them cool. It doesn't.
2. Having said that, the opening scene is really amazing. The robbery scene and chase were also pretty awesome.
3. "Existential" must be a synonym for "waiting for the director to yell 'Action!'"
4. I've been in gentleman's clubs before. I doubt very seriously dancers would kick back and stare while some guy went after their boss with a hammer. Even if it was Ryan Gosling.
5. This is one of the few movies I've seen that appreciates Los Angeles. New York in most films looks like a tourist brochure. Not LA.
6. If I was on a jury, I probably wouldn't convict Christina Hendricks of anything. Even if there was a tape of her doing it.
7. The not-quite love story was tastefully done.
8. Vrooooooooooom!
9. Albert Brooks was neither snubbed nor robbed. He's not only played a vicious psychopath before, but here he has his usual middle-class meltdown merely with the addendum of stabbing someone in the eye with a utensil.
10. The style was deliberate, the tone consistent, I thought the violence a little overcooked and am not a fan of homeopathic drama, so I can admire the film without entirely enjoying it.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Best For Users, Best For Librarians
In the new digital age, information is becoming easier and easier to access than it was throughout history. The technology that will be the most beneficial for library patrons is an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) because it allows users the ability to not only look up materials that are available through the library (or library system) but, as technology grows more advanced and the information is presented becomes further compressed and more easily transferable (if Moore’s Law continues as predicted), patrons will likely be able to also access certain materials without ever having to leave their home or office. A patron can download an audio book to their computer and listen to it on their MP3 player or a text to a portable reader or personal computer and never have to turn a page. In an ironic aside, monks of the Middle Ages preferred manuscripts because they are easier to read and copy than the large, awkward scrolls of antiquity. It’s only funny that so many younger generations are reading so much by scrolling through texts.
While OPAC allow the user to research materials, advances are also being made that allow researchers to locate and retrieve specific texts based on keywords or phrases. While such searching is possible even in the more rudimentary computing systems in libraries for their materials, digitally achieved periodicals and texts that have long passed into public domain (and even some that have not) are available in a digital format. Advances made through more sophisticated search engines that are possible with the potentially great leaps forward in technology will permit easier research on more specific topics and materials. At this point, the biggest problem with information is actually getting people to read it.
For librarians, integrated library systems (ILS) will most likely provide them with greatest advances that allow them to better oversee the relationship between materials and patrons in their library. Advanced systems that allow the users to search, reserve, and check out materials without any direct assistance from librarians also allows them to spend more of their time on shelving, sorting and acquiring materials. Though this might seem to be turning the librarian’s role into nothing but rudimentary busywork, I prefer to see it as allowing us the opportunity to make sure that materials are available as soon as possible for other patrons and that more time can be spent carefully reviewing and selecting items for a collection that best suite the needs of the public. A system that has integrated all areas of a library into one large database of information that patrons can access also allows them the time to browse for materials or use technologies like RSS to receive updates on new materials. This technology offers librarians a chance to make the public a much more active partner in the library, and as the information is available to all, I can’t think of a better way for them to learn how to play a part in is dissemination.
While OPAC allow the user to research materials, advances are also being made that allow researchers to locate and retrieve specific texts based on keywords or phrases. While such searching is possible even in the more rudimentary computing systems in libraries for their materials, digitally achieved periodicals and texts that have long passed into public domain (and even some that have not) are available in a digital format. Advances made through more sophisticated search engines that are possible with the potentially great leaps forward in technology will permit easier research on more specific topics and materials. At this point, the biggest problem with information is actually getting people to read it.
For librarians, integrated library systems (ILS) will most likely provide them with greatest advances that allow them to better oversee the relationship between materials and patrons in their library. Advanced systems that allow the users to search, reserve, and check out materials without any direct assistance from librarians also allows them to spend more of their time on shelving, sorting and acquiring materials. Though this might seem to be turning the librarian’s role into nothing but rudimentary busywork, I prefer to see it as allowing us the opportunity to make sure that materials are available as soon as possible for other patrons and that more time can be spent carefully reviewing and selecting items for a collection that best suite the needs of the public. A system that has integrated all areas of a library into one large database of information that patrons can access also allows them the time to browse for materials or use technologies like RSS to receive updates on new materials. This technology offers librarians a chance to make the public a much more active partner in the library, and as the information is available to all, I can’t think of a better way for them to learn how to play a part in is dissemination.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Web Filters
Web filters are software designed to control what content a computer user can access, especially when attempting to view websites on the Web. Though there are a variety of ways to block content on websites, including government sanctioned censoring of materials or websites that can deny access to specific ISP addresses, when used in a library, they are usually in place to prohibit the public from visiting cites that contain material that has been designated as inappropriate.
When it comes to libraries, filters can be seen as both a blessing and curse by some librarians depending on their perspective on the issue. As with technology in general, the convenience that the paradigm offers is not necessarily the reality that is provided. Computer programs that filter materials can be set up to seek out specific words and phrases and prohibit the user from visiting that site. But, as computers are not taught to deal with the intricies of language, a painting like Duchamp’s “A Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2” might be prohibited viewing due to the word “nude.” I doubt few would describe the image (see below) as even mildly pornographic.
Some libraries have installed filters on computers after the passing of the Children’s Internet Protection Act in 2000. The text of this act can be read here. Other libraries, however, have simply placed appropriate software only on computers that children can access. Still others refuse to use the software altogether, believing that educating children about what is appropriate content to access on public computers along with enforced policies about what can be viewed at the library are as far as the institution should progress in limiting the content that patrons have access to.
Whether the software is described using pejorative labels as “censorware” or more neutral descriptors like “content filtering,” the role of the software is the same. The issue of censorship is an important one to be raised when the software is attached to computers for public use. While few would argue with an individual who wishes to install such software on their home computer to prevent others from viewing such material, the gray middle that separates obscene from artistic is a blurry, seemingly constantly shifting line when it comes to what the public can access.
When it comes to libraries, filters can be seen as both a blessing and curse by some librarians depending on their perspective on the issue. As with technology in general, the convenience that the paradigm offers is not necessarily the reality that is provided. Computer programs that filter materials can be set up to seek out specific words and phrases and prohibit the user from visiting that site. But, as computers are not taught to deal with the intricies of language, a painting like Duchamp’s “A Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2” might be prohibited viewing due to the word “nude.” I doubt few would describe the image (see below) as even mildly pornographic.
Some libraries have installed filters on computers after the passing of the Children’s Internet Protection Act in 2000. The text of this act can be read here. Other libraries, however, have simply placed appropriate software only on computers that children can access. Still others refuse to use the software altogether, believing that educating children about what is appropriate content to access on public computers along with enforced policies about what can be viewed at the library are as far as the institution should progress in limiting the content that patrons have access to.
Whether the software is described using pejorative labels as “censorware” or more neutral descriptors like “content filtering,” the role of the software is the same. The issue of censorship is an important one to be raised when the software is attached to computers for public use. While few would argue with an individual who wishes to install such software on their home computer to prevent others from viewing such material, the gray middle that separates obscene from artistic is a blurry, seemingly constantly shifting line when it comes to what the public can access.
Online Public Access Catalog
An OPAC, or online public access catalog, is an example of an integrated library system. An OPAC is an online database of materials held by a library or group of libraries. Patrons can access this catalog not only from the library but also through the Internet if the library has the necessary technology.
These catalogs can not only store information on the books in the library but also music, video, periodicals, and in some cases, allow users to download materials such an audio books and digital texts directly from the library website to their computer. OPAC can also allow for more advanced means of searching, as users are no longer limited to looking for works by title or author but through sections of the text that are stored in the catalog. Unfortunately, it is difficult to store these sections as metadata the way a book’s title or author can be easily broken down into parts, so libraries that use this technology must try to maintain a middle ground with such search engines that allow users to look up text. If the search is too specific, then the results could be too limited for the user’s needs. On the other hand, if the search is too broad, the information retrieved will require more of the patron’s energy to sift through, looking for the material they need. Computers, at this point, haven’t been taught to think that critically.
On a social level, the impact of the OPAC is enormous. Whereas before patrons were limited in their searching to only the materials that their library or libraries possessed, an OPAC that connected, say, the libraries of a county would allow all of the books to be searched for and, should an arrangement be made, checked out. Using Maricopa County as an example, the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, etc. all have unique library systems. A patron with a Phoenix card cannot check out materials from Scottsdale without first acquiring a card for that system. If the library system were structured around the counties, however, this would allow them to integrate all of the systems into one large database that all residents could use. Of course, there are political matters at work, so the actual process would probably be a harsh, difficult going. Cities like Mesa, where the library system is far below what a city of its size and population has in comparison to the rest of the country, would have a vested interest in this taking place while cities like Phoenix, with a superior system might wonder what's in it for them. As the potential for connections grows easier with increasing technology, these are questions that might need to be asked of librarians.
These catalogs can not only store information on the books in the library but also music, video, periodicals, and in some cases, allow users to download materials such an audio books and digital texts directly from the library website to their computer. OPAC can also allow for more advanced means of searching, as users are no longer limited to looking for works by title or author but through sections of the text that are stored in the catalog. Unfortunately, it is difficult to store these sections as metadata the way a book’s title or author can be easily broken down into parts, so libraries that use this technology must try to maintain a middle ground with such search engines that allow users to look up text. If the search is too specific, then the results could be too limited for the user’s needs. On the other hand, if the search is too broad, the information retrieved will require more of the patron’s energy to sift through, looking for the material they need. Computers, at this point, haven’t been taught to think that critically.
On a social level, the impact of the OPAC is enormous. Whereas before patrons were limited in their searching to only the materials that their library or libraries possessed, an OPAC that connected, say, the libraries of a county would allow all of the books to be searched for and, should an arrangement be made, checked out. Using Maricopa County as an example, the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, etc. all have unique library systems. A patron with a Phoenix card cannot check out materials from Scottsdale without first acquiring a card for that system. If the library system were structured around the counties, however, this would allow them to integrate all of the systems into one large database that all residents could use. Of course, there are political matters at work, so the actual process would probably be a harsh, difficult going. Cities like Mesa, where the library system is far below what a city of its size and population has in comparison to the rest of the country, would have a vested interest in this taking place while cities like Phoenix, with a superior system might wonder what's in it for them. As the potential for connections grows easier with increasing technology, these are questions that might need to be asked of librarians.
Integrated Library Systems
An integrated library system (ILS) is a fully integrated data management system that has a myriad of modules, all of which can perform different functions for a library. One of the benefits of this type of technology is that it allows information to be shared with the various modules and reduces duplication of the data as well as the effort needed to maintain them. One current example of ILS is AquaBrowser. The link provides a good example of the possibilities that an ILS offers.
Though the types of modules that can be integrated vary from library to library, one system can, for example, connect the departments of acquisitions, circulation, serials and patron information. By combining all of these into one system, a library can look up an item and determine when it was acquired, where it is in circulation (check-out, on hold, etc.) and, if it has been checked out, who has it and when the scheduled return date is. By using one large-scale system to house this data, the information of the library’s materials and users is easier to navigate. Of course, one potential problem that could occur with such a set-up is that because all of the systems are connected, a crash or restructuring would make the information more difficult to access. The Phoenix Public Library recently reordered their computer system, and as a result, materials could not be placed on hold, items were checked out for up to two months, and for a brief period, fines could not be paid. If libraries wish to put all of their eggs in one basket, we must ensure the basket is always safe.
On a social level, ILS can lead to some major privacy issues. Because many systems give each patron a unique ID number, the number could be connected not only with their current status but also with their checkout history and, should the library computer keep track, their browsing history. This could allow for an invasion of the patron’s privacy should the information be accessed, whether by a library worker or outside party. It is important that libraries not only provide the materials, but also allow patrons to freely access whatever they wish. Again, the connections can make things easier for all parties, but the patron’s privacy should come before all other benefits.
Though the types of modules that can be integrated vary from library to library, one system can, for example, connect the departments of acquisitions, circulation, serials and patron information. By combining all of these into one system, a library can look up an item and determine when it was acquired, where it is in circulation (check-out, on hold, etc.) and, if it has been checked out, who has it and when the scheduled return date is. By using one large-scale system to house this data, the information of the library’s materials and users is easier to navigate. Of course, one potential problem that could occur with such a set-up is that because all of the systems are connected, a crash or restructuring would make the information more difficult to access. The Phoenix Public Library recently reordered their computer system, and as a result, materials could not be placed on hold, items were checked out for up to two months, and for a brief period, fines could not be paid. If libraries wish to put all of their eggs in one basket, we must ensure the basket is always safe.
On a social level, ILS can lead to some major privacy issues. Because many systems give each patron a unique ID number, the number could be connected not only with their current status but also with their checkout history and, should the library computer keep track, their browsing history. This could allow for an invasion of the patron’s privacy should the information be accessed, whether by a library worker or outside party. It is important that libraries not only provide the materials, but also allow patrons to freely access whatever they wish. Again, the connections can make things easier for all parties, but the patron’s privacy should come before all other benefits.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Databases
A database is a one or more large structured sets of data, usually used in conjunction with software to maintain and locate the stored information. Databases are collections of data, but stored in a way that (hopefully) allows those with an understanding of the system to locate specific material in a vast ocean of information.
Databases are used in libraries are mostly relational databases, meaning that the information of a particular item is broken down into smaller components (metadata) that can be used as a keyword for a search. This can be as basic as the subject matter or as specific as the ISBN number, depending on the records being kept by the library. For example, all of the novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald have an element of the catalogue record that is the author’s name. This includes not only The Great Gatsby but also Tender Is The Night and This Side Of Paradise. Though all of his works are listed under his name, if a patron were to search for only one work, they would be lead directly to it rather than having to navigate a maze of connections to arrive at that point. Though relational databases are the most common ones found in libraries today, the older model, called hierarchal databases, are still in use in some libraries. This system used one file as a base and stored the other records through it in a tree-like manner. Because more data was required to keep them, they also tended to consume more space. These databases are thankfully being used less and less as libraries are converting their databases to relational models.
Ideally speaking, relational databases will make it easier for patrons to search for materials that are available in a library. The many paths leading to the particular work allow them to approach it by author, title, subject, edition, publication year, etc. Whereas more cumbersome techniques used to require more than one of those aforementioned elements of a work to find it, patrons can now search using only one of the elements. One potential problem that arises from this is that those with limited computer access and/or skills will still require assistance from their librarians to find materials. As a result, access to what the library has to offer would be limited by the technology to only those with the ability to use the search engines effectively. Even someone that knows how to search does not necessarily know how to find a specific volume on, say, the Second World War. As a result, librarians must find a happy medium that allows the technology to assist patrons while also allowing the technology to be advanced enough to help patrons find exactly what they are looking for.
Databases are used in libraries are mostly relational databases, meaning that the information of a particular item is broken down into smaller components (metadata) that can be used as a keyword for a search. This can be as basic as the subject matter or as specific as the ISBN number, depending on the records being kept by the library. For example, all of the novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald have an element of the catalogue record that is the author’s name. This includes not only The Great Gatsby but also Tender Is The Night and This Side Of Paradise. Though all of his works are listed under his name, if a patron were to search for only one work, they would be lead directly to it rather than having to navigate a maze of connections to arrive at that point. Though relational databases are the most common ones found in libraries today, the older model, called hierarchal databases, are still in use in some libraries. This system used one file as a base and stored the other records through it in a tree-like manner. Because more data was required to keep them, they also tended to consume more space. These databases are thankfully being used less and less as libraries are converting their databases to relational models.
Ideally speaking, relational databases will make it easier for patrons to search for materials that are available in a library. The many paths leading to the particular work allow them to approach it by author, title, subject, edition, publication year, etc. Whereas more cumbersome techniques used to require more than one of those aforementioned elements of a work to find it, patrons can now search using only one of the elements. One potential problem that arises from this is that those with limited computer access and/or skills will still require assistance from their librarians to find materials. As a result, access to what the library has to offer would be limited by the technology to only those with the ability to use the search engines effectively. Even someone that knows how to search does not necessarily know how to find a specific volume on, say, the Second World War. As a result, librarians must find a happy medium that allows the technology to assist patrons while also allowing the technology to be advanced enough to help patrons find exactly what they are looking for.
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