IRRI Library: Huli Man Daw at Magaling, Habol Pa Rin

“Is digitization synonymous to preservation?” This question lingers on my mind on our visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) last 4 October 2011.

The collection of IRRI is highly specialized and it is what gives its library a strategic and advantageous position in the library marketplace.  But as I have noticed, there are only a few users of the library.  This cannot be attributed to failure in marketing and promotions since as explained by the librarians of IRRI, most of their users utilize the organization’s electronic journal collection.  This prompted me to ask why are they allocating so much space and expending resources in housing the print format of their journals when most of their users no longer physically visit the library. Isn’t it about time that the library moves closer to clients?  Advances in technology have changed or affected our attitude and lifestyle.  Hence, IRRI library must reinvent itself in order to adapt to changes, if it does not want to stagnate.  The librarians should start digitizing their print collection and make it accessible to users through remote access since their clients have shown inclinations to it in the first place.  

In relation to my initial observation, the IRRI Library also has to set its role in preservation and conservation vis-à-vis as a support research unit of the International Rice Research Institute.  If the library intends to preserve this collection for archives purposes then it is doing a good job (since in archives study, the object of preservation pertains to the original medium of the document); however if it intends to preserve these materials for circulation, then it must start identifying the ones worth preserving and the ones for weeding, provided that everything has been digitized.

In the long run, the organization cannot keep all its collection.  There will come a time when the aforesaid issues have to be addressed; so while there is abundance in resources, the IRRI Library ought to begin, now.

Lopez Museum and Library: Hitting Two Birds with One Stone

The title aptly describes my visit to the Lopez Museum last 27 September 2011.  The visit served not just the purpose of being able to observe a digitization process for my LIS 260 class but it also enabled me to have a glimpse of how archival materials are preserved for my LIS 212 (Introduction to Archives Administration).

The project of the Lopez Museum and Library to digitize film and mass media materials among others is a commendable effort.  However, the length of time that it has spent on scanning and other germane activities in this stage has taken its toll.  It appears that the library is so enamoured with the idea of digitization that it has neglected equally important issues on reference and access, such as providing the appropriate index and description for the images.  This is crucial as it affects the effective retrieval of information, needless to say the system has high-recall but low precision.  I just hope that in its migration from Alchemy to Docu1, the issue on reference and access would be address; otherwise the cost and effort exerted on the project would be futile.  As often said in the library and information field, “materials are useless if they are not made accessible to users”; hence the ball is in their hands.

Another thing that caught my attention during the visit was the instance when Prof. Esposo-Betan asked the head librarian of the Lopez Museum as to the purpose of the entire digitization project, and the latter answered something like “to uphold Filipino culture and history”.  Somehow, the scene kept me silent for a few seconds and I just had to ask myself the same thing, what is exactly the purpose of all these?  Looking at their daily activities and practices, I cannot help but consider the economic side of things.  The amount of resources that the organization has spent and is spending for the project is quite hefty; and there has to be a return of investment for it.  Acquiring in bulk archival issues of newspapers from different publishers entails cost; not to mention that their website only features the titles of their scanned collection are more of a business strategy. I have the fear that once all the materials in their field of interest are acquired in their collection, then they have the monopoly of trade.  I understand the cost of maintaining these high heritage materials but nothing beats making it available to the public.

Museums in the Philippines have an elitist stigma.  We only get to visit museums during field trips or for research and educational purposes. This contributes to the alienation of most Filipino to its history and cultural heritage.  In the tourism industry, a lot of places in the Philippines are now becoming popular especially for local tourists.  This can be attributed to the sales or promotional packages offered by airlines companies; perhaps museums should learn from this. Unless they try to be more active in reaching out and making themselves accessible to the middle and working class, then their noble cause is not fully served.

Greening the Library

Ephraim, P. (2003).  The greening of libraries.  Library Management, 24(3), 160-163.

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Abstract of the Article:

 

Ephraim (2003) integrates the concept of sustainability in the library setting through Green Library Management.  This model works on the premise that “all human activities draw from, and impact on, the environment”.  Thus, it calls for the enactment of library policies and strategies which put prime emphasis on environmental conservation.  Among these are the maintenance of a well-arranged, illuminated, and dust-free work environment;    the incorporation of environmental education in library-use programs, the adoption of using and purchasing materials made out of re-cycled papers; and the replacement of paper-based storage media with electronic format for information preservation.  In the end, Ephraim (2003) is aware of the opposition to the Green Library Management Model as it demands abandoning traditional way of thinking; but he is also confident that libraries will eventually recognize the possibilities it offers.

3 Things I Learned:

1.       The term “sustainable development” is coined by Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland in the World Commission of Environment and Development in 1983.

2.       Through the concept of generational justice every decisions and actions of current library users and staff has its effect to the library and its future users.

3.        Digitization of materials for preservation is a key element in Green Library Management.

Application / Implication:

The possibilities and challenges it face albeit in another front is comparable to the open access movement.  Sustainable development offers an alternative to the traditional notion of development.  Its scope is more encompassing as it integrates the marginalized sectors on the forefront of debate.  Hence, advancing its cause is not at all a hare brained idea.  In fact, it proposes a more beautiful future for all of us.  Given equal footing, we all owe it Mother Earth.

Health Concerns

Uwaifo, S.O. (2007).  Nigerian library staff and their perceptions of health risks posed by using computer-based systems in university libraries.  Program: Electronic Library and Information Systems, 42(1), 68-75.

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Abstract of the Article:

Uwaifo (2007) reveals that the benefits far outweigh the health risks of using computers in the performance of library-related tasks.  This is manifested in the low level of ergonomic programs of Nigerian university libraries.  Thus, Uwaifo (2007) argues that library management should not overlook health risks of library workers albeit the predominant perception and practice.  He calls for result-oriented ergonomic programs such as designing building and “putting in place IT equipment” and pieces of furniture which complies with ergonomics requirements.

3 Things I Learned:

1.       Etymology of Ergonomics: Greek words: “ergo” (work) and “nomos” (natural laws). Hence, it refers to “the study of how computers and machines” can be made to fit humans better” to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of performance of workers.

2.       Ergonomic features include tiltable keyboard and monitor, suitable software, proper ventilation, adjustable chairs and tables, and spacious building.

3.       Common computer-related health hazards are categorized into two:  repetitive strain injury and cumulative trauma disorders.

Application / Implication:

Managing a library does not just involve building up and organizing one’s collection but also seeing to it that the place or structure itself is conducive for its users.  It must also lessen the health hazards of its workers and promote employees’ welfare.  In my work place however, advancing this cause entails significant budgetary allocation not to mention the long and winding bureaucratic process.  But even if the odds are against me, lobbying for it is my first step in producing desired results.  In this world of endless possibilities, who says that dreams do not come true?

Open Source Software

Krichel, T. (2009). From open source to open libraries.  Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 35(2), 39-46.

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Abstract of the Article:

Theoretically, Krichel (2009) makes an analogy between library and open source software (OSS) as a form of service.  In terms of interface, software uses the mouse button and text field; whereas the library service has building and staff.  In terms of organization, software uses various source codes, while the library catalogs its collection.  Lastly, in terms of objects of interest, software works on files and the library works on books. 

On the practical level, Krichel (2009) discusses OSS from the social science perspective.  According to him, one key factor for the success of OSS is the sense of ownership it gives to the community.  Everyone may not just download or read the program but may re-write, re-pack, and re-develop it to serve one’s functional purpose.  Another factor pertains to the way it has valued time.  Developing OSS is tantamount to “making a huge piece (sic) of complex information available” by splitting “the task into small bits” and by assigning “a volunteer to each bit”.  In this way, any person involve in the process spends relatively a small amount of his time.  Another key factor is the way OSS may be reuse.  OSS such as the Perl and C code modules are being reuse in developing other OSS.  Thus, one need not start from scratch but rather builds on the knowledge of others.  For Krichel (2009), libraries should cope with the development in OSS.  However, technical incompetence of library staff, the myth of industry, and the myth of full text are just some of the challenges to achieving open libraries.

  

3 Things I Learned:

1.       Although theoretically neglected, OSS is in itself a form of service.

2.       Myth of industry refers to the tendency of people to apply rigid control over the usage of one’s work.

3.       The use of Perl and C codes in software programming.

Application / Implication:

Having learned about the nature and possible benefits of OSS, I am challenged to look for one that may facilitate a more efficient legal information service for my work place.

Open-Publishing

Hahn, T.B., Burright, M., and Duggan, H.N. (2011). Has the revolution in scholarly communication lived up its promise.  Bulletin of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 37(5), 24-28.

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Abstract of the Article:

Hahn et al. (2011) propose the Open Access Institutional Repository Model for scholarly communication “where scholars (may) share their works with few or no legal and financial barriers” and where these scholarly materials may be disseminated to audience around the world.  In line with this, Hahn et al. (2011) explore the various roles librarians can play in scholarly communication. By supporting the Open Access Institutional Repository Model, librarians may help shrink the gap between dwindling library budget and increasing cost of library materials.  The professional expertise of librarians with respect to copyright and scholarly communication equips the former to lobby for better terms of agreement (e.g. opt-out clauses, less content bundling, and lower prices) with traditional publishing companies in favor of the scholar and the larger public. Lastly, librarians can contribute in raising the awareness of the community as to the availability of these open access mechanisms as an alternative to what Hahn et al. (2011) describe  as “prohibitively costly and restrictive” traditional model of publishing.

3 Things I Learned:

1.       Scholarly Communication is an umbrella term which encompasses “all activities and norms of scholars related to creating and disseminating new knowledge”.

2.       Impact Factor is based on the assumption that “the number of times articles are cited relates to their importance in the field”.  It is one of the tools used in open access publication; so much for its credit or discredit for that matter, such articles will then be considered the core collection of a particularly field.

3.       The Public Library of Science, which is launched in 2003, serves as the open access business model for open access publishing.

Application / Implication:

Utilizing the various mechanisms of the open access movement offers nothing but advantages to any library and information center.  But as a word of caution, we as librarians, as information professionals, and most importantly as end-users must critically assess the scholarly value and relevance of these open access publications since the quality of our output is to a certain extent dependent on the quality of information we feed upon ourselves. 

Cloud Computing

Cervone, H.F. (2010).  An overview of virtual and cloud computing.  OCLC Systems and Services, 26(3), 162-165.

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Abstract of the Article:

Cervone (2010) distinguishes among traditional, virtual, and cloud computing with respect to their principles, techniques, and utility to organizations.  First is “traditional computing”, which involves the installation of software “for one or more physical servers” within the organization.  Its limitation is on its rigid scalability.  Virtual computing, on the other hand, uses the hypervisor, which enables “multiple operating system environments and their associated applications” to run on a single physical machine. Through this model, continuity of organizational processes is ensured.  Last is cloud computing; this enhances virtual computing by enabling one to run applications without necessarily owning or knowing the exact location of the physical hardware in which the application is ran.  Organizations that subscribe to cloud providers usually enjoy the benefits of lessened production cost.  Nevertheless, Cervone (2010) is cautious on the security and legal impediments in engaging to cloud computing.  In the end, he recommends that, to best protect itself, organizations ought to work with cloud providers that are “committed to transparency”.

3 Things I Learned:

1.       “Cloud” computing stands for “common location independent, on-line utility on demand”.

2.       Utility of hypervisor: such that as it simulates the operating environment of a virtual machine, it avoids process or service interruption when a particular hardware on the cluster fails.

3.        Augmenting hardware to increase the scalability of servers must be thoroughly evaluated because it often leads to inefficiency in such a way that the extra capacity may not be used for other work loads.

 Application / Implication:

Cervone (2010) taught me the different models of hosting applications.  Although I am aware of the traditional model to call it as such and to know its theoretical underpinnings make me a greenhorn on the topic at hand.  More so was I enthusiastic when I read about virtual and cloud computing.  Hence, I look forward to the report and class discussion; it’s high-time to clear the clouds.