Usability & Accessibility

Chapter 11 seems to be a helpful guide for libraries to use for making their libraries accessible to all patrons.  Most of the ideas even seemed to be easily adapted to libraries for a relatively low cost.  The youtube video was also thought provoking and I felt that the library made a very good decision to ask the family to help them decide what could be improved.  Some of the improvements that the family wanted seem to be improbable and undoable, such as changing numerous shelf heights for few patrons, when the adjustments would affect the ability of other patrons to access the shelves.  For example, an older individual probably couldn't reach a lower shelf, but might be more able to access a higher shelf.  And if all shelves were at the median height, then the library would need to be huge.

Digital Divide

I understand the the internet and technology are extremely important in today's society and that there is a huge divide between those who have and those who have not.  The articles explain the divide more, but they point out that the divide is not just about economic status, but cultural and age differences as well.  I found the article about the digital divide in libraries to be the most interesting because I feel that I'm in the same boat as the "older librarians" who aren't all that tech savvy. 

Other thoughts:
During the youtube video, I was frustrated with the mother who wanted higher speed internet for her son.  It's called patience and time management. Teach it to your children.  I know that it is frustrating and annoying, but at least you have internet in your home, unlike millions of others.

Digital Preservation

I found the Digital Library in 100 Years to be an extremely interesting piece because of my want to be an archivist.  It seems that digital archiving is the future of archiving and it is the new "it" thing in archives.  The articles both gave a good idea about some of the problems with preserving things digitally, though, sadly, no way to fix said problems.  It saddens me that being able to save such data is so hard and often useless.  I really hope that someone can figure out a way to save digital information and make it useable in the future, though I have my doubts that there will be anything in the near future.  I feel that archives are underfunded and under appreciated by the vast majority of the public and therefore the government. I have no idea how many times I've had to explain what an archivist is or what one does. 

As to the questions:
I don't think I've ever lost a document because I didn't save it right. I could have when I first started using computers, but nothing is coming to mind.
I know a little bit about digital preservation practices, but not enough, that's for sure.
I do not know of any tool that has potential for automatically selecting and evaluating digital content.

E-Rates & Technology plans

From reading the other posts, there do seem to be a few caveats to this concept, but I think the biggest one is whether or not the schools actually fit the criteria.  The criteria that most catches my eye is that the library must have a budget completely separate from any schools.  Are school libraries budgeted separately from schools?  I have no idea how that works.  Because if they are not budgeted separately, how could they get these grants? 

But I just wanted to gush about how awesome technology grants can be.  My tiny high school gets amazing technology grants which have allowed the school to keep up with the rest of the world and in some cases surpass it.  Right now each student is issued a laptop that they become responsible for, which allows them to use online resources and programs to enhance their learning experience.  Which I think is pretty cool.  When I was in high school we had enough desk top computers that every student could be on one at the same time and there would still be computers left over.  I just think that technology grants are cool and I'm glad that they exist.

Open Source and Web 2.0

The use of web 2.0 tools can be a good thing, but I'm not so sure how much of a good thing it can be. 
Arguments:
Pro--The younger generation uses web 2.0 tools and therefore libraries should adapt to the patrons and use these tools as well.
Con--Why should libraries be the factor that changes? Why can't the younger generations stop being so self-centered and learn how to use systems that are already in place.  I really feel that kids today are being allowed to decided decisions that they are not mature enough to make.  I really do no think that systems should be changed just to suit a few individuals.
Pro--Librarians need to be the technology experts so that they can help patrons
Con-- I don't know if there is a con for this
Pro-- using new technologies can make information searches easier and more helpful
Con--it costs precious resources to purchase technology and train employees to be proficient in these technologies

Integrated Library Systems

I do not know much about ILS except for what was discussed in the textbook.  Of all the things listed, they seemed to all be valid benefits and drawbacks.  Before reading the chapter, I did not know what an integrated library system was.  The thought of purchasing an ILS seems pretty daunting and complex, but it is an important decision, so being complex is an okay thing. 

The discussion about open source software was interesting and I believe will be helpful for our open source project

Library Jargon

So. Library jargon. I can't decide if that's fun or not.  I'm glad that libraries have their own jargon just like other professional groups, but the thought of learning all if it is daunting.  Especially if the acronyms are different in different states and regions.  It would be awesome if there was a universal library jargon so that you would only have to learn one set of acronyms, but I realize that is impossible.  Oh, well.  I guess that's the price you pay to be a professional, no?