Open Publishing

Title: Authors and Open Access Publishing

Author:  Alma Swan and Sheridan Brow

Publisher: Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers

URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/alpsp/lp/2004/00000017/00000003/art00007

Abstract:

Surveys were carried out to learn more about authors and open access publishing. Awareness of open access journals among those who had not published in them was quite high; awareness of 'self-archiving' was less. For open access journal authors the most important reason for publishing in that way was the principle of free access; their main concerns were grants and impact. Authors who had not published in an open access journal attributed that to unfamiliarity with such journals. Forty per cent of authors have self-archived their traditional journal articles and almost twice as many say they would do so if required to (Swan and Bro).

Three things I learned from the article

1. There are two main methods in which an author can provide open access to their work. One is by publishing it in open access journals and the other by placing their traditional journal articles in e-print archives (self-archiving).

2. Studies have shown that making research results available online for free increases readerships and thus citations.

3. Open access is of great importance to research community, research funders, scholarly publishers, and the public.

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

Open access publishing has a great help in the community it can promote the researcher done by scholars and other works. It can also help the visibility of author’s work for free because it may reach a great number of users online.  If we have any works that we want others to see or use it for free, we can choose open access publishing.

User Interface of IRS (Visualization)

Title: A 3D Based User Interface for Information Retrieval System

Author: Matthias Hemmje

Publisher: Proceedings IEEE Workshop on Database Issues for Data Visualization

URL: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.90.2783

Abstract:

The paper describes how 3D based visualization and interaction techniques can be used in information retrieval user interfaces. It demonstrates that information retrieval systems based on state of the art retrieval models can be supplied with intuitive interface functionality by applying the cone tree metaphor for the visualization of content spaces. The natural ability of humans for spatial perception, orientation and spatial memories is outlined as an advantage in the process of perceiving information spaces by means of spatial metaphors. It is shown how the models, concepts and mechanisms of the retrieval system underlying its user interface can become more transparent and perceptible for the user at the interface level and how some of the cognitive costs of navigations in information spaces can be reduced. This goal is achieved by transforming document term networks with two levels of abstraction into hierarchical and directed cone trees that use the spatial depth of 3D to achieve an easy perception of their topological structure. Finally the paper presents a 3D based information system user interface which gives the user intuitive control over content-oriented search paths resulting in a query generation for the underlying automatic retrieval mechanisms. In order to improve the presentation of the query results as well, it is shown that 3D based graphical metaphors can provide very intuitive ways of perceiving the relevance of the result in accordance to the query (Hemmje).

Three things I learned from the article:

1. Information retrieval system can be supplied with intuitive interface functionality.

2. Because of the 3D-based user interface for IRS, users give intuitive control over content-oriented search paths and automatic retrieval mechanisms.

3. Presentation of query results may be improved through the use of 3D-based user interface.

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

Information retrieval system plays a vital role in library that is why, we should think of ways on how we can improve the IRS in the library. We can use the 3D-based user interface to reduce some problems and improve the library’s IRS.

Open Source Software

Title:  Evolution in Open Access Software: A Case Study

Author: Michael W. Godfrey and Qiang Tu

Publisher: IEEE Computer Society

URL:  http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=850948.853411

Abstract:

Majority of software evolution studies have been done on systems developed within a single company using usual management techniques. Through the extensive availability of some large software systems that have been developed through the use of an “open source” development approach, a chance have been given to examine these systems in detail. We can also see if their evolutionary narratives is significantly different from commercially developed systems. This paper puts into summary our preliminary investigations into the evolution of the Linux operating system kernel, which is the best known open source system. Because Linux is large (with over two million lines of code in the most recent version) and because its development model is not as tightly planned and managed as most industrial software processes, we expected to find that Linux was growing more slowly as it got bigger and more complex. Instead, we found out that Linux has been growing at a super-linear rate for several years. We also explored the evolution of the Linux kernel both at the system level and within the major subsystems, and we also discussed why we think Linux continues to exhibit such a strong growth.

Three things I learned from the article:

1. Linux operating system is a very successful instance of a large software system developed using the open source system.

2. The evolution of a software system should not only depend on size and age but also on factors such as the nature of the system itself (i.e., its application domain), prior experience with the system, and the procedures, technologies, and organizational frameworks used by the company that developed the software.

3. I learned that while anybody can contribute to the development of the software system, the originator/owner has the decision which contributions will be incorporated on the official release.

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

Open source software may help the libraries to cut down the expenses. But, librarians should study first and carefully choose before selecting the open source software that they will be using.

Greening the Library

Title: Greening the Library: Collection Development Decisions

Author: Virginia Connell

Journal Title: The Journal of the New Members Round Table

URL: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres/endnotesvol1is1/3greeningthelibrary.pdf

Abstract

Many writers in the library literature have addressed sustainability of the collection with regard to increased prices, user need, and format stability. To this list of concerns librarians should add the environmental impact on the different resources libraries choose. This article considers three facets of collection development: selection of materials whose content informs and assesses green practices; de-selection processes that emphasize reusing and recycling materials; and selection of a material format, specifically print or electronic, that honors the green dictum to reduce the carbon footprint an institution makes. The problem of reducing a library's carbon footprint is perhaps the most complex and most contentious when it comes to the format of the collection. It is on the issue of print versus electronic resources that the present discussion of environmental sustainability will devote most of its focus (Conell).

Three things I learned from the article:

1. The librarians should educate themselves about green practices, green collection resources, and green programming materials. They should practice the components of green movement, the reuse and recycle.

2. According to Connell, the ways to build up the green collections in the libraries are: to provide open forums for green book clubs and facilities for environmental video viewings or lecture presentations; create opportunities for children to get excited about ecology, such as poster competitions or poetry sound-offs; select collection materials on organic gardening and composting or green computing and energy conservation; set library computer links and bookmarks to environmental issues sites; forge outreach relationships with local groups interested in environmental concerns and inquire about their information needs; and last, work with local schools to support green curriculum and projects, such as murals or models of eco-systems.

3. In weeding the garden, multi-media waste products are the most difficult to recycle and hard to dispose. Examples of multi-media product are: CDs, DVDs, cassettes, audiobooks, VHS tapes, and all products with plastic cases.

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

To be a good environmental steward, one should recognize that natural resources are valuable and limited. And, all of us should help the future generations to have a healthy planet to live. We should think on how we can reuse and recycle the things that we have. 

Open Access Journals for Libraries

Title:  Scholarly Open Access Journals and Libraries

Author: Jan Hagerlid

Publisher: Kungliga biblioteket

URL: http://www.kb.se/dokument/Om/projekt/scholarly_journals_hagerlid.pdf

Abstract

The role of academic libraries is changing in response to the profound transition of the scholarly communication system from a subscription based to an Open Access model. The development of Open Access is briefly described and the concept defined. The options for the future of journals in the social sciences and humanities, focussing on the Nordic context, are discussed. Research councils and library funding bodies should support the transition of these journals to on-line and Open Access publishing. Libraries will in this process move from the role of a gate-keeper for research material owned by others to providing web access to content produced within their parent institutions (Hagerlid).

Three things I learned from the article

1.  Electronic journals or e-journals could save space and administrative costs in the library. It minimizes the budget and acquisition of printed journals, some of which are expensive. And since e-journals are stored in the web, expansion of space and construction of additional physical storage have been minimized.

2. In 1997, Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition or SPARC was formed by major American research libraries and led by Association for Research Libraries to work with the advocacy, education and support for new alternative and cheap price of quality journals and later, they support for the Open Access model.

3. According to Hagerlid, academic libraries has a new role in organizing and providing the technical infrastructure for electronic publishing within their universities, also, in providing

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

Open access journals provided users with a wide-range of information for free that are easily accessible through computers and over the internet. It is a helpful tool for users who have limited time to spend in browsing the printed materials and it is a great addition to library services. So we should think of adding the OA journals and save space and lessen the expense of the library. 

Visit Philippine E-Journals to know some academic and research OA online journals. 

Health Concerns of Computer Use

Title:   Health Hazards Related to Computer use: Experience of the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania

Author:  V. P. Mvungi, J. Mcharo, M. E. Mmbuji, L. E. Mgonja, and A. Y. Kitu

Publisher:  World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology

URL: http://www.waset.org/journals/waset/v48/v48-76.pdf

Abstract

This paper is based on a study conducted in 2006 to assess the impact of computer usage on health of National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) staff.  NIMR being a research Institute, most of its staff spend substantial part of their working time on computers. There was notion among NIMR staff on possible prolonged computer usage health hazards. Hence, a study was conducted to establish facts and possible mitigation measures. A total of 144 NIMR staff were involved in the study of whom 63.2% were males and 36.8% females aged between 20 and 59 years.   All staff cadres were included in the sample. The functions performed by Institute staff using computers includes; data management, proposal development and report writing, research activities, secretarial duties, accounting and administrative duties, on-line information retrieval and online communication through e-mail services.  The interviewed staff had been using computers for 1-8 hours a day and for a period ranging from 1 to 20 years. The study has indicated ergonomic hazards for a significant proportion of interviewees (63%) of various kinds ranging from backache to eyesight related problems. The authors highlighted major issues which are substantially applicable in preventing occurrences of computer related problems and they urged NIMR Management and/or the government of Tanzania opts to adapt their practicability (Mvungi, et al.).

Three things I learned from the article: 

                                                                  

1.      Computer users are exposed to a number of computer-related injuries and health problems due to prolonged use of computers. The most common health problems that computer users encountered is ergonomic hazard such as eye strain, back pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

2.      In United Kingdom, there is a legislation to protect computer users from computer-related health problems. The said legislation aims to make sure that all employers provide their employees with work stations that meet the required specifications to avoid strains and discomfort. Also, users should have regular breaks from computer works. Eye tests and special glasses should also be provided upon request.  

3.      Computer users should be given sufficient knowledge and proper training in using computers, most importantly, the proper use of computer input and output devices such as the keyboard and monitor. With the knowledge and proper training, computer health hazards can be prevented or kept at a minimum.

Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:

As one of the million users of computer, I should be more cautious in using the computer to prevent ergonomic hazards. We cannot avoid using computer but we can avoid the health problems by being knowledgeable and cautious every time we use it.

Discovering IRRI Library

After the Lopez Museum, the next stop for the LIS 260 students was the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Library in Los Baños, Laguna. The class paid a visit to the library last October 4, 2011. The class was welcomed by Ms. Mercedes Vijandre, the new head librarian of IRRI Library. She gladly toured us and gave a presentation about the IRRI and its Library.

Ms. Vijandre discussed the history of IRRI and the IRRI Library and Documentation Service. According to her, the mission of IRRI is "to reduce poverty and hunger, improve health of farmers & consumers, and ensure environmental sustainability, while the mission of the library is "to build the world's most comprehensive collection of technical rice literature in any language and to provide open access to this body of knowledge."

The IRRI Library was established in 1961. It has the widest collection of rice literature here and around the world. Books, theses, journals, maps, and scientific papers, proceedings and reports, journals, audio-visual materials, maps, and online databases are the collection of the library. They have three online databases, the Web of Science, CAB Direct, and TEEAL.  Most of their rice literatures are focused on the breeding, growing, harvesting, products, and its economic aspects. Biotechnology and genetic engineering, climate change, and even the population growth can also be found in their library. In organizing their collections, the library uses the LC Classification scheme and expanded classification scheme for rice materials.

IRRI library serves the IRRI community, UP Los Baños community, students from other institutions, Los Baños community, farmers, and the scientists and researchers worldwide.

IRRI library offer services like the fully automated library services, interlibrary loan, centralized cataloging, AV collection, and photocopying services, bindery, and orientation to the visitors and users. They have the facilities such as the main reading room, book stack, Journal stack, OPAC terminals, E-readers, AV Center, and Wi-fi ready.

I asked Ms. Vijandre if they are digitizing their collections. She answered yes, but unfortunately we were not able to see or observe the process.

The library system of IRRI Library is the Millennium ILS which is considered as the most expensive system. IRRI and La Salle are some of the few users of the said system. One of the staff showed us how to use and how to search on their database. The system was able to give the search results quickly. One thing that I observed with their library system is that the recall is low and the precision is high.

The tour ended with the class munching on superb lunch at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan together with Ms. Vijandre. Taking of photos were enjoyed by class as well as buying pasalubong for our loved ones.

Photo credits: Ma'am Sharon

Exploring Lopez Museum & Library

Last September 20, 2011, LIS 260 class together with our professor, Ms. Sharon Esposo, went to the Lopez Museum & Library for a tour and to observe the digitization process of the museum and library’s vast collection and to evaluate their Information Retrieval System.

The Lopez Museum & Library was opened in 1960. The museum houses large and rare collections of Filipiniana books, manuscripts, maps, artifacts and paintings of famous Filipino artists like Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.

Upon arriving at the Lopez Museum, we were accommodated by the head librarian, Ms. Mercy Servida. She took us for a tour of the library and allowed us to observe how they digitize materials. We’ve learned that scanning and microfilming the materials are some of the processes in digitization. The library is outsourcing the personnel for their digitization project. They do the scanning, microfilming, and even the indexing of finished materials.

After observing the digitization processes, Ms. Servida showed us some rare collections that they have preserved like the photo album of Rizal and rare books. She also shared with us the documentation of photographic treatment on a book. I’ve learned that the processes in treating the books are: de-acidification, re-binding, consolidation of each leaf, fill-in holes and loses, lining with RK-0, and attached acid free barrier on the book box. Also, Ms. Servida also presented some samples of how a book looks like before and after touching the object. All the preserved rare books are kept in an acid-free box while the digitized materials are stored in their server.

Ms. Servida also presented the library system that they have. They used Alchemy and now transferring to other database, to search all the digitized materials. We also tried to search on their database. Admittedly, the library has many collections but, upon searching on their database, I found out that the recall is high and the precision is low. I think, the reason for this kind of result is on the issue of indexing. The library has only two licensed librarian and two to three library staff. They rely on outsourced personnel for the indexing task. However, the personnel have no background in library and information science. Because of the observation, I’ve recommended that the library should hire a professional librarian that will be assigned to do the indexing.

Before we ended the day, the class went to grab a snack at Yellow Cab.  Besides the slices of pizzas and cans of colas, we also shared each other’s experiences and things we’ve learned from visiting the Lopez Museum & Library. Our class definitely enjoyed the tour and looking forward to our next library tour at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Library in Los Baños, Laguna.