Annotations
Annotations
Annotation #1 Systems Approach to Database Design
Lester, J., & Wallace, D. P. (2004). A statewide information databases program: What difference does it make to academic libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 30(3), 179-192.Reviews the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Statewide database program, and discusses its impact on academic libraries. Presents results of a questionnaire used to evaluate its effectiveness. Concludes that the program has increased access to information, raised the overall level of service, and enhanced statewide cooperation between libraries.
Maloney, K., & Racke, P.J. (2004). Beyond information architecture: a systems integration approach to web-site design. [electronic version]. Computers Technology and Libraries, 23(4), 145-152.Describes the disconnect between how library websites have been designed, and how they are currently being used. Discusses the need to modernize to meet the needs of web- savvy patrons. Proposes a framework for the development of a cost effective website design that is more responsive to usersí needs.
Hughes-Hassell, S., & Thickman Miller, E. (2003). Public library web sites for young adults: meeting the needs of todayís teens online. [electronic version]. Library & Information Science Research, 25(2), 143-56.Questions the motivation behind the development of public library websites for young adults. Suggests that prior to website development staff should assess teenagersí needs and expectations, and clearly delineate the purpose of their site. Concludes that librarians must develop strategies for involving teenagers in content development and website design.
McKechnie, L., & Pettigrew, K.E. (2002). Surveying the use of theory in library and information science research: a disciplinary perspective. [electronic version]. Library Trends, 50(3), 406-418.Explores explanations for inconsistent use of theory in library and information science literature. Presents results of a content analysis of journal articles, and notes that those with topics from the humanities had the highest rate of theory use. Recommends that scholars clearly identify theories and use better citation practices.
Breeding, M. (2002). A hard look at wireless networks.[electronic version] School Library Journal 48(8), 14-17.Explains how wireless networks operate and the ways they can extend library services. Discusses their security risks and performance problems and asserts that this technology cannot totally replace wired networks. States that libraries will need to increase their commitment to wireless networking but should proceed with balance and perspective.
Drew, W. (2003). Wireless networks: new meaning to ubiquitous computing. [electronic version]. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 29(2), 102-106.Reviews the use of wireless local area networks (WLANs) in academic libraries. Explains the functional distinctions between wireless and wired networks and delineates the basic way to implement WLANs. Argues that wireless networking is the best and cheapest way to provide mobile computing to academic library users.
Mart, S. N. (2004). Protecting the lady from Toledo: post-USA Patriot Act electronic surveillance at the library. [electronic version]. Law Library Journal, (96)3, 449-473.Looks at the statutory framework of the USA Patriot Act and contends that it places an unreasonable impact on the privacy of library patrons. Expresses concern about the lawís broad provisions. Stresses that librarians should do their best to keep libraries private places where all ideas can be investigated.
Glanzel, W. (2002). Coauthorship patterns and trends in the sciences (1980-1998): a bibliometric study with implications for database indexing and search strategies. [electronic version]. Library Trends, (50)3, 461-475.Explores coauthorship trends in a number of scientific disciplines. Analyzes coauthorship and other bibliographic features and finds that there is a great variation among research fields. Notes that a relationship could not be found between cooperativiy and publication activity. Discusses the value of bibliometrics for library and database management.
Albanese, A. R. (2001). Revolution or evolution: Amid numerous models, librarians find they have new roles to play in shaping the future of scholarly communication. [electronic version]. Library Journal, (126)18, 48-54.Describes the staggering increase of the cost of commercial journals and its impact on the academic community. Discusses how the Internet and digital publishing have provided the tools to reshape scholarly communication. Presents a sampling of projects that uses digital media to provide cost effective access to information.
Hildenbrand, S. (1999). The information age vs. gender equity. [electronic version]. Library Journal, (124)7, 44-47.Questions whether the information age will lead to increased gender discrimination in libraries since males are identified with technology. Contends that library education has often encouraged gender stratification. Concludes that more study is needed to see where library school graduates get jobs and the skills employers seek.