The Next Generation Library Catalog: A Comparative Study of the OPACs of Koha, Evergreen, and Voyager by Sharon Q. Yang and Melissa A. Hofmann
The article discusses the three most commonly used cataloging systems used in todays libraries. The purpose of the article is to analyze how close the three forms of databases are to meeting the vision of the next-generation of cataloging systems.
I felt the survey of the three systems was interesting, but I wasn’t very sure about one of the criterion for validity. The general appeal of the website is a very generic and subjective criterion to follow. As the writer says, what appeals to one person, may not appeal to another. I also found it interesting to compare the criterion used for these cataloging systems and compare it to the usability of IUCAT and the Monroe County Public Library. I feel that MCPL had a better system of showing results than IUCAT, it also in my opinion met more of the criteria for the next-generation of cataloging.
RFID in Libraries by Deborah Caldwell-Stone
The article debates how radio frequency identification technology can be used in the library presenting two different sides on whether or not RFID should be used in libraries.
I felt the article was slightly biased as to whether or not the public library should use RFID. I think that in general, the process would be a really helpful in understanding what patrons use and find interesting. However, with the susceptibility of information getting hacked or accessed inadvertently I do not think it would be a very good thing to use until there has been more tweaking done. Also, the guidelines are so general for the implementation causing uncertainty in whether it would present a benefit to the library as a whole.
The Koha Saga: A gift that keeps giving by Glyn Moody
The article presents a brief history of what is occurring with one of the cataloging engines, Koha. The majority of the article talks about the issue between Koha and another organization LibLime from the beginning to present.
I think the most important thing that can come from the article is what the author says about the importance of copyright and trademark. With the increase of digital material becoming accessible then these two areas need to be addressed and even readdressed for legal purposes. Based on what I have learned briefly in my website design class, codes and the way codes are presented and approached are very individualized. Therefore, considerations must be made in the constantly broadening and maturing use of technology. The issue between these two organizations could be considered the poster child to what may occur in the future if plans are not made and reevaluation does not take place.
Examining the Role of Libraries in an E-book World by Molly Joss
Molly Joss presents a brief discussion about where the library stands in the growing access to digital material. The article presents a few of the latest developments and a few of the issues occurring within the digital world.
I think one of the most interesting sections in the article was about the publishers and the e-book. In particular, the discussion about the policy implemented by Harper Collins was surprising. The fact that a book could be taken from a library after a certain amount of time, even though they bought it was wrong. Like what the writer said, the books are supposed to be made available to the public. The purpose of becoming an author is to share ideas and concepts with other people. By taking that away, it seems almost like the purpose of the library has also been taken away. I know personally, I would rather have a deadline for how long the book can be downloaded and then taken off my device, but still available through the libraries server.
On the side, I think something that was interesting to include in an article was a pop quiz for the reader to take to judge their understanding.
Across the Digital Divide by Seanan McGuire
The author of the blog post presents a discussion about why print material is still important in a digital world. The focus of the article is placed on how those that are poor will still be able to access books if print material is no longer accessible.
When reading I was interested to see if I could find out how high the poverty level actually is within the U.S. and according to www.bread.org, it’s about 15.1%. Something that I also found surprising was that most people in the U.S. will experience some kind of poverty before the age of 65. Generally, I think it is an important consideration to take, especially since the library in general is slowly changing to become a multifaceted institution. The public library is no longer just a library, but a community center, safe haven, and other forms of social interactions. Although many people assume that print material will disappear, I think the library will always have print material to some degree. Also, should material become predominantly digital, the library will find a way to make sure the community it serves will be able to still access the information they need. It’s not hopeless; it’s just a change that is taking place.
U.S. Hunger (n.d.). In Bread for the World. Retrieved February 5, 2012, from
I agree with you about Harper-Collins' policy. It is ridiculous that an item can just disappear from the library catalog because it has been checked out a certain number of times. To my understanding though, part of the problem is that libraries don't own any of their electronic materials. They're pretty much all on loan. For example, libraries pay an annual fee for online databases. If they can't pay the fee for the database one year, then there goes all that information. Right now, e-books are being treated the same way. They're essentially on loan from publishers, so technically Harper-Collins is within its rights to either revoke an e-book from a library after so many check-outs, or demand that it pays for the book again.
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