christina wolfskehl
annotations
systems approach to database design
Curtis, A., & Dorner, D.G. (2005). Why federated search? [Electronic version]. Knowledge Quest, 33(3), 35-37.
Contends varying search interfaces prevent students from conducting thorough research because energy is wasted on learning how to search individual databases. Proposes libraries acquire federated search software that uses Google-style, keyword searches across several databases. States that search engine problems such as duplication, relevancy and ranking make librarians hesitant.
Albanese, A. (2005). Battle brews over E-reserve [Electronic version]. Library Journal, 130(9), 16-17.
Discusses Association of American Publishers' concern that electronic reserves violate copyright and decrease purchase of course materials. Contends libraries feel that firewalls and passcodes ensure they're abiding by "fair use" policy. Discusses why AAP has focused on UCSD. Examines AAP's unprecedented request of requiring faculty to post bibliographies online.
Houghton, S. (2005). I've been designing a library web site within a government frame [Electronic version]. Computers in Libraries, 25(6), 6-11.
Explores creation of viable library sites within confines of parent organizations' predetermined style sheets. Examines challenges faced due to these frames, such as space and technology limitations. Suggests simplifying navigation, refining design with heavy focus on graphics, varying color use between pages, and ultimately acquiring own servers for total freedom.
Fernandez, J. (2004). Facing live reference [Electronic version]. Online, 28(3), 37-40.
Discusses global popularity of chatting online with a librarian for informational needs. Explains communication challenges facing LR librarians, including lack of important non-verbal cues. Suggests tips for creating welcoming online environment, such as referring to client by name, using emoticons, and developing reference interviews to identify precise nature of question.
Hope, M. (2005). Sesame Workshop stores Sesame Street on disk [Electronic version]. Computer Graphics World, 28(4), 38-40.
Explains how editors' struggle to locate specific archived clips and Workshop's desire to launch 24-hour children's network with video-on-demand capabilities initiated conversion of Ampex tape library to disk-based repository. Describes process of copying video over LAN connection between library and AMS blade, then relocating transcoded materials to ATABeast for storage.
Brown, R.J. (2005). Drivers wanted. Network Computing, 16(10), 9-11. Retrieved June 19, 2005, from Academic Search Elite database.
Argues that most company data-center problems involving storage and retrieval systems are direct result of human error. Contends downsizing and other cost-cutting measures are to blame. Offers preventative methods to system failures such as hiring skilled staff, offering employee compensation, and providing adequate training and career opportunities.
information policy
O'Donnell, M.L., & Parker, C.W. (2005). How colleges can navigate the thicket of federal regulations. Chronicle of Higher Education, 51(38), B5-B8. Retrieved June 30, 2005, from Academic Search Elite database.
Discusses four areas university administrators should be knowledgeable of when conforming to 200+ federal campus laws: privacy, copyright, discrimination, and campus security. Argues training employees on rules is not enough. Maintains efforts should focus on organizing communication between departments such as IT, registration, financial aid, institutional advancement, and legal affairs.
professional scholarly communications & bibliometrics
Aneman, A., & Terajima, K. (2003). Citation classics in anaesthesia and pain journals: a literature review in the area of the internet [Electronic version]. Act Anaethesiologica Scandinavica, 47(6), 655-673.
States article's scientific influence is determined by number of citations it accumulates over time. Claims internet has impacted health profession, allowing evaluation of entire specialized fields. Determines top 50 most-referenced articles of last 25 years in journals devoted to anesthesia and pain. Describes methods used in determining top 50 articles.
Aksnes, D.W., & Taxt, R.E. (2004). Peer reviews and bibliometric indicators: a comparative study at a Norwegian university [Electronic version]. Research Evaluation, 13(1), 33-41.
Discusses relationship between peer reviews and number of citations an article receives over time. Explains how researchers were surprised correlation of positively reviewed articles to indices was present, but faint. Considers possible reasons why link wasnít stronger, including misleading nature of peer reviews and limitations of bibliometric indicators.
information science & technology in the future
Coombs, K.A. (2005). Protecting user privacy in the age of digital libraries [Electronic version]. Computers in Libraries, 25(6), 16-20.
Discusses five goals when evaluating library policy. Advises using ALA Code of Ethics and Library Bill of Rights as policy guidelines. Suggests reassessing where data is stored. Argues how data is purged affects library's ability to function. Recognizes libraries can't always control data storage. Emphasizes privacy policy is changing thing.