Computer Bug

I finally discovered how to create my rss feed for this blog. Basically, it was a problem with IE so I downloaded a rss reader on Netscape and that seemed to work. I was really scared because I though a virus was the problem, but all is well.

Speaking of viruses, I came across an interesting story on the Smithsonian National Museum of American History website pertaining to the orgins of the term "bug" and "debug" as used by computer programmers. According to the site, engineers working on a computer at Harvard University found a moth stuck in one of the components and taped the insect in their logbook and labeled it "first actual case of bug being found".

To view the story and a picture of the log book visit this link.

RSS Frustration

As you can tell by the title of this post, I'm really frustrated with the RSS assignment in my LIS 2600 class. I really don't know what the problem is! I've read the literature and viewed the video presentation. I understand RSS significance and why it's important to learn, but for some reason I'm having trouble. In viewing the DB I see others are or had problems with RSS also but this doesn't make me feel any better.

Anyway, I'll try to figure out again what I'm doing wrong before contacting the professor. I'm sure it's something simple that I'm not doing.

Jennifer

Professional Associations

Since last week's hot topic in LIS 2000 focused on "professional Associations," I though a short telling of my first experience with associations might be in order.

My first encounter with professional associations started with my joining of the American Anthropological Association (AAA). I guess since I was majoring in anthropology and possessed an interest in other cultures, which I still have, I thought that was the perfect association for me to join. During the eight years I was a member, I only attended two conferences and didn't present a paper or join a committee. Like most associations, it was a good opportunity for me to network and find a mentor. However, I just didn't participate in the various events and committees that would have enriched my experiences.

Like most encounters, you learn from them and move on. What I learn from my membership to AAA that I will apply to my pursuit as a librarian is not only join a professional assocation but become active. Yes, the journals that you receive are excellent but by participating you can develop professional relationships that last your entire career and beyond!

A few librarians in the National History division where I work are members of AAA. Here is a link if you're interested http://www.aaanet.org/

Completion not Perfection Mantra

Wow, the second week of this cohort is coming to an end and I'm starting to feel more confident about pursuing this endeavor. One of the things that helps is the discussion board is full of students like myself feeling confused and overwhelmed; therefore, I don't feel like I'm going through this situation by myself.

Also, Dr. Alman's explanation of the mantra "Completion not Perfection" during the presentation on professional associations helped to ease the anxiety. I do however still find the posting dates for the hot topics and discussion questions a bit confusing.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend everyone!

Smithsonian Photography

I recently read a post in the New Basement Tapes section on courseweb pertaining to the Smithsonian (SI) asserting copyright of photographs loaded on SmihsonianImages.SI.Edu.

The article noted that the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) asserts copyright and reuse restrictions on aviation photogrphs in their collection even in the absence of copyright. While I do agree that this policy is a bit extreme, I do believe the Smithsonian has the right to assert copyright in certain instances. For example, images of artifacts taken by Smithsonian employees should be copyrighted by SI.

The article also stated the funding received by SI was more than $650 million every year. However, the funds support 18 museums (all maintain libraries)and galleries, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo. The funding also is for staffing, maintaining the buildings, caring for the collections, and making the collections accessible through databases. Additionally, it's free to enter the various Smithsonian museum, which it should be so I don't believe that SI declaring copyright on certain images to obtain additional funds is so crimmal.

Lastly, check out this site which contains images from various SI museums http://photography.si.edu/

J

Slow Start

The first two weeks of this semester has definitely challenged me. First,I was feeling overwhelmed by configuring firefox and installing the series of extensions, that is until I started building my collection of items. I do believe the directions in the syllabus could have been clearer. Besides, I'm so use to working on the front end of databases and relying on others to complete the configuring.

Second, I was disappointed in my first book review for LIS 2000. However, I enjoyed reading other students perspectives on Kuhn's theory of paradigms and scientific revolutions, especially how they related the ideas to their particular interest and library studies in general.

Jennifer

First Blog!

This is my first blog--like several other LIS2600 students. Nevertheless, I plan to use this blog to get in touch with my creative side. I love photography, especially 19th century images so every once in awhile I post observations pertaining to photography.

Jennifer