reading report #5

                In summary, the article “The End of Privacy?,” addresses the technological era we are in and how it significantly influences privacy. It begins by describing the story of “the Star Wars kid.” An embarrassing video was posted of him on the internet from his fellow peers.  This video quickly circulated and became global. Ultimately, he dropped out of school and had to receive counseling because of the negative effects this had on him. With the internet-age that we are in, this could happen to anyone. The author, Daniel J. Solove, explains the gap between the younger and older generations due to the increase in social-networking websites. Specifically, he refers to the younger generations as “Generation Google.” Gossip and rumors are now spread via these websites. In addition, companies and the government can collect and use information off of nearly every website used on the internet. The issue of personal information being disseminated over websites influences people’s reputations as well. This can hurt many people in the long run. Some feel that any form of privacy is completely dead. Solove argues that this is not true. He believes the current definition of privacy is outdated and needs to be updated to be able to understand that privacy is still out there. The old conception of privacy has to be altered to include the new generations’ views on privacy. Lastly, he touches on the fact that some laws should be modernized in order to stay up to date.

                I definitely agree completely with this entire article. The conception of privacy is different for older and younger generations. Therefore, they may view things differently. However, it is relatively sad and scary what this does lead to. The gossip and rumors that are spread via social-networking websites are completely unnecessary, but there is no way to control this. Ultimately, one can only completely control their own actions on these websites. I can definitely see how people’s reputations could be ruined and have a major impact through the social-networking sites, especially since employers are looking more towards them when hiring. There are some ways that laws could be altered to encompass the broader definition that “Generation Google” has in regards to privacy. This article was extremely interesting to read and to think about in further depth.

News Report #5

“Kno, a Tablet for College, to Debut at $599”

Miguel Helft, The New York Times

11/9/2010

<http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/college-tablet-kno-to-debut-at-599-embargo-until-midnight/?ref=technology>

         In the technology market, the Kno is being designed specifically for the use of college students. It is a specialized tablet computer that is somewhat heavier and pricier than Apple’s iPad. The price of an iPad starts at $499. There is an option of a 14-inch single-screen tablet which starts at $599 or a dual-screen model which starts at $899. Those who are advocates for the Kno feel that its cost balances out with its significant amount of advantages. The Kno chief executive, Osman Rashid, says that the Kno will even end up saving college students money.  The main idea behind it is to serve as an e-reader and prevent students from having to buy textbooks. In addition, it has many other features, including: note-taking, project management, and organization benefits. There is no date set for release of the Kno yet.

          I think that this next step in technology is extraordinary. If the Kno truly will have the ability to prevent students from having to buy books, it will save money from so many different angles. However, this fact alone does not make the Kno seem so appealing. It is the fact that it also has all these other features that seem to be aimed towards helping make a college student’s life more organized. I think that it is a smart idea for the market to create something specifically designed the use of college students. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Kno is released in the marketplace. I feel as though it will be extremely successful if it can really do all the things it is being claimed to do, specifically regarding being an elaborate e-reader.

News Report #4

“Using the iPad to Connect”

Jennifer Valentino-Devries, The Wall Street Journal

10/13/2010

<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575547971877769154.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs>

As iPads have been released to the market, interest for them has continuously increased. It has been discovered that iPads can have many benefits for helping children with special needs, specifically those with speech and communication deficits. One of these software applications developed for the iPad involves speaking words connected to certain pictures that individuals can touch. This specific application is called Proloquo2Go and was created by the company AssistiveWare BV. There are many other applications being generated, such as: ones that sound out words of pictures and ones that teach speech patterns by stories. Typically, specialized communication devices used in therapy range from $2,500 to $15,000. However, these devices are often covered under insurance and iPads are not. Those who are in favor of using iPads to help people with special needs argue that it helps relieve social humiliation associated with the bulky, specialized devices. In addition, it is manageable and easy to use. Some feel that this technology is headed in the right direction but there are still improvements to be worked out, including: locking applications, specialized for various locations, and incorporating other advanced technologies.

      I think that this article is amazing. In an earlier article that I read, iPads were being used for wine lists at restaurants and here they are being used to help those with special needs. The range of usage for iPads is astounding. I believe that this technology is definitely on the right track. I feel that it will definitely help those with speech and communication deficits to feel better fit socially by incorporating iPads into daily use. Also, I agree that iPads are easy to manage and work, especially for younger children to use. It will definitely be interesting to see how this develops over time and if there is a major shift towards using iPads in therapy for special needs.

Reading Report #4

In summary, the article “The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google” addresses the competition between Google and library databases. The author, Steven Bell, presents his opinion that the library, faculty, and database companies should be working together to help fix this issue by “Google-izing” databases. To do so, he believes that faculty members can contribute by requiring their students to use the databases somehow within the class. Also, the faculty members themselves should become database-literate. The database companies can help easily by formulating ways to simplify the search engines within the database. Therefore, the database would be similar to Google in the way it searched, but would produce the scholarly works that are exclusive to databases. In addition, libraries can play a role by helping to educate students about information literacy. Bell uses two specific examples of actions that are already being taken to simplify databases, RedLightGreen and ProQuest. However, he still recognizes that many people have the opposite opinion. This being that research should not come easy and databases should not be simplified.  Bell ends on a strong point by restating that the key to this issue is working together.

I feel that Steven Bell is on the right track. Being a student myself, I understand how most students prefer simplified Google over complicated databases. However after being in this class, I definitely feel that it is important to help educate students on the differences between Google and databases. If students were more educated on this, I feel that they would be more inclined to conquer the databases for the scholarly works that they have within them. I know that after my education on the differences, I am more attracted to library databases for research than Google. Also, I feel that if faculty took more steps to require usage of databases this would contribute majorly. In addition, I agree that database companies should also be looking for ways to make the search engines within databases more simplified. I honestly believe that if everyone worked together, like Steven Bell said, there would be a significant increase in the amount of people using the library databases over Google.

Reading Report #3

               In the article “Why the Next Big Pop-Culture Wave after Cupcakes Might Be Libraries,” the author defends her viewpoint that libraries will soon be the next pop-culture wave and ever have its very own television show of some sort. She has six main points to justify her thoughts. The first of these is that libraries get in fights. She supports this with the recent story of the Chicago’s Public Library Commissioner openly clashing with the local news because they questioned whether libraries were necessary. Next, the author points out that librarians are smart, libraries support going green, and libraries give you things for free. Her fifth supporting point is the fact that being open to the public will bring drama into libraries. The elevated level of goodwill that libraries bring with them served as her final point backing her claim. The author truly believes that libraries should be prepared for a big pop-culture breakthrough.

                After reading this article, I have to admit I found it extremely amusing. I would have never personally thought of libraries somehow being incorporated into television. However, the author of this article makes a particularly decent argument. I now feel that a television show regarding libraries, in some manner, would be enjoyable. I agree and believe it definitely has the ability to be the next pop-culture wave.

                In summary, the article “The ‘Library of the Future’ Begins to Emerge” expands upon the evolution and changing roles for libraries with our time. It is predicted that libraries will completely develop into a place of community and gathering. Specifically, computer classes, Wii stations, musical performances, and information kiosks are some of the changes that are expected to be implemented. As this has become the Internet age, libraries seem to be almost required to change or reinvent themselves. Some feel that this will necessitate librarians to increase their level of knowledge in various ways, such as: figuring out complicated searches for information, becoming comfortable in real and virtual worlds, etc. These advances even involve online branches. Most importantly, the library itself will have to be completely remodeled. Some libraries have already taken on this task, including the Santa Clara County Library.

                I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. To me, it is so interesting to see how the library is evolving as our times are changing. We are definitely in an Internet Age. However, I feel that libraries are one of the most important things that we want to keep with our civilization. To do this, the libraries have to pretty much continue to reinvent themselves with changing times. I am glad to see that this is the direction libraries are planning on taking. I honestly believe that this will be extremely successful and serve to make the libraries even more popular than they have ever been before. This could tie into the first article and the author’s prediction of a pop-culture wave for libraries. I definitely feel that libraries popularity will increase with the changes that are being introduced.

News Report #3

“U.S. Tries to Make It Easier to Wiretap the Internet”

Charlie Savage, The New York Times

09/27/2010

<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/us/27wiretap.html?_r=2&ref=technology>

     As people communicate more frequently online, the United States federal law enforcement and national security are becoming progressively more worried about their capability to wiretap criminals and terrorism suspects. They are seeking the ability to wiretap order all services that allow communication, including Facebook, Skype, Blackberry emails, etc. This bill will be presented to lawmakers next year. Some argue that this mandate is challenging the very fundamentals that the internet was built upon. They feel that it would take away from the uniqueness that the internet offers. However, officials argue that the bill would simply be upholding national security and public safety. They believe that something has to be implemented to protect their ability of surveillance of criminals and terrorism suspects. There are many challenges and aspects of this bill that are still being figured out before it can be proposed.

     This article was extremely interesting to me because I never thought about this aspect of national security. I really never considered the effect that the development and change in our communication styles would have on it. I am torn on which side of this issue I relate more to. I understand the reasoning behind government officials wanting to pass some form of bill regarding the ability to wiretap these communication services. Communication has definitely shifted from phones to other various communication services. People are more consistently communicating through Skype, Facebook, and emails. I do feel that, to some degree, federal law enforcement and national security should have the ability to wiretap the internet. However, I also can see how some people would argue that this is taking away from the fundamentals the internet is based upon. I understand how people would be worried about the implications this bill would bring with it. It will be interesting to see what happens concerning this issue as the year goes on.

News Report #2

“Choosing Wine at the Touch of a Screen”

Kevin Sack, The New York Times

09/13/2010

<http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/dining/15ipad.html?_r=1&ref=technology>

                Atlanta’s most esteemed steakhouse, Bone’s, the newest upgrade is 30 iPads that contain the restaurants substantial wine list. There is a comprehensive description and rating for each label.  Wines can be searched for by name, region, price, and varietal. The restaurant has seen an increase in wine purchases since the introduction of the iPad. Additionally, other restaurants who have invested in this new use for iPads have experienced similar increases. Most people are fans of this upgrade, as they feel that this empowers them to make wiser and more educated decisions when choosing a wine. Some even believe that gradually leather-bound paper wine lists will become extinct due to this new technology. However, some people remain skeptic and worry that iPads will depersonalize fine-dining.

                I think this article is extremely interesting and I am definitely a fan of this upgrade. As I could see to some degree how people would feel that iPads would depersonalize the dining experience, I disagree. As long as customers are not sitting there playing games on the iPad during dinner, I do not feel that it would depersonalize the experience. If anything, I feel that it would bring the table closer together as they sift through various wines and select the one that they would like to try. Choosing a wine from an extensive wine list can definitely be confusing. The fact that customers can receive all of this educated information while they are actually making the decision about what wine to choose is incredible. I feel that it will help customers confidently find what they are looking for to drink paired with their meal. Also, I believe that this will help people branch out when trying wines. I feel many people do not try new wines simply because they do not want to spend money on a new wine that they may not like. With the iPads, there are detailed descriptions and ratings about every wine that could help people feel more assured in making a new choice. I believe that this is a step for technology in the right direction.

Reading Report #2

Reading Report #2

     In summary, the article “Is Wikipedia a Victim of Its Own Success” expands upon Wikipedia and the cessation of its growth. Also, it talks about the pretty limited range of contributors to the website. That being young, educated men who live in wealthy countries. The article also touches on Wikipedia being monitored by administrators to increase the level of its reliability. There are multiple theories as to why Wikipedia’s growth has stunted. Some people feel as though the effort to somewhat control Wikipedia has actually aided the hindering of its growth. Others believe that there is not much else knowledge to be added to the site which leaves only formatting to be done. Lastly, some deem that Wikipedia has experienced an ecosystem downfall. Wikimedia foundation is working on ways to expand and increase the Wikipedia population of contributors. They have many goals set in place.

     First of all in Wikipedia’s peak years on the internet, I used them pretty often for reports and projects in school. However in the past couple of years, I have actually not used them nearly as much. The fact that the knowledge comes from all over actually halts some people’s belief in the accuracy of Wikipedia. Some of my professors would not even accept it as a true source. Secondly, I can definitely see how Wikipedia would be contributed to by a small range of people. I, myself, would most likely never post information on Wikipedia. For some reason, I feel that I am still in a learning phase of my life and would not want to post any inaccurate information on there. I believe that a lot of people probably feel the same and would agree with me on that reasoning. This may be why there is a struggle to expand the range of contributors. Thirdly, I agree with people saying the attempt to increase Wikipedia’s reliability has decreased its growth of contributors. I feel that this would hinder people from posting false or biased information on Wikipedia, which in return, could stunt the growth. However, I feel that Wikimedia foundation doing this is essential to the website’s longtime survival. It will not last long, unless they make sure to hold on to the website’s trustworthiness. Lastly, I have to disagree with the people who feel that there is no more knowledge to be added to the site but just maintenance work. As our world continues to grow so will knowledge. I do not think that in our lifetime there will be a cap on the amount of knowledge that is to be shared. I really do hope that the Wikimedia foundation can continue to make and accomplish goals to keep Wikipedia a top website of information. I honestly believe that it is a unique asset to the world today.

Reading Report #1

In the article “Web Hoaxes, Counterfeit Sites, and Other Spurious Information on the Internet,” a detailed overview of misinformation being presented on the internet is given. First, it speaks of true counterfeit sites. These sites are the most problematic because they tend to be the most harmful and malicious against the individual/individuals that they target. The article continues on about suspicious websites. Majority of these articles have blatant dishonest information posted. For example, one of these websites denied the occurrence of the European Holocaust. In addition, the article touches on how even news professionals are vulnerable to believing misinformation. Charity scams are one of the many web hoaxes that occur. These are particularly deceiving and occur after any disaster. Unfortunately, the list of web hoaxes continues on and on, including: subject-specific misinformation, fictitious sites, parodies and spoofs, hackers, etc. In conclusion of the article, multiple websites are listed to help track and spot these internet hoaxes.


I have to say that I was in shock after reading this article. I never really thought about all the hoaxes that could be out there. Before reading this article, I typically would not think twice about whether a website’s information was true or not. Now I will. Some of the examples that were given throughout the article were simply appalling to me. For example, the counterfeit website created against Martin Luther King Junior. I realize now exactly how information can be extremely dangerous, specifically on the internet. Pretty much anyone can make a website that is compiled of solely fabricated information. The ability of people to discern between what is fact and what is fictitious is particularly important. I think that people need to keep in mind that misinformation is within the internet and the media. Also I think that if people do come across any sort of web hoax, they need to report this to any of the websites that help deal with internet hoaxes. This article definitely reminded me not to believe everything that I read or hear, even if it’s from the media, and to evaluate all information first.

News Report #1

“New Youth Library in Ethiopia Makes Impossible Dream Reality”
Leonard Kniffel, American Libraries Magazine
08/23/2010
<http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/08232010/new-youth-library-ethiopia-makes-impossible-dream-reality?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AmericanLibrariesMagazine+%28American+Libraries+Magazine+Top+News%29>

On August 20th, the Segenat Child and Youth Library opened and became the first library in Mekele, Ethiopia. It is estimated that there was over 400 people at the opening ceremony. So far within the library, there are around 10,000 books, a computer room, and 2 e-book readers. The books in the library are appropriate for children ages 0-18. Many volunteers took part in the process of getting the library underway, including U.S.A. ones who helped train local staff. Yohannes Gebregeorgis well deserves majority of the credit for making this library a reality for the Mekele citizens. In 1998, he founded an organization called, Ethiopia Reads, that works to build libraries all over Ethiopia. For the Segenat Child and Youth Library, Gebregeorgis raised approximately $45,000 through his organization. He was named a CNN Hero in 2008.

After reading this article, I am extremely glad to hear about this step for Ethiopia, specifically Mekele. It is hard for me to imagine what life would be like without libraries. I feel that it is easy for most of us to take advantage of all that we are offered here in America. In every school and university, there is some sort of library. Even beyond that, there are public libraries in majority of the cities here. This article definitely helped put things into perspective for me. I realize much more now that even the simple things, like being able to read a book, should not be taken for granted, because many children around the world do not have that opportunity. It makes me so happy to hear about people like Gebregeorgis who are truly out there making a difference in other people’s lives. This library will definitely help to greatly affect the lives of the Mekele citizens. I hope that the Segenat Child and Youth Library is one of many more for Ethiopia. This article should absolutely serve as an inspiration to us all!