Banned Books

Banning books is a powerful tool with a full range of results. On one hand it can be very detrimental for those who could benefit from the information contained within, but on the other hand it can increase desirability to find the book through other means and read its contents. Based on the Harry Potter example provided in the presentation, there is a wide range of what people deem inappropriate. The claim that reading Harry Potter will increase the reader's desire to practice or learn about magic is not only dramatic, but a gross over action. Honestly, who cares if people get intrigued by a subject matter? Isn't that a good thing when done in a healthy way? Getting exited about a subject to the point where it increases reading is something that our society should encourage, not limit. If the criteria for what makes a good book is based solely on one limited group's opinion, I want no part of it and I will shout from the rafters, "I'll read what I want!"

Urban Public Libraries

The 'public-ness' of a library has evolved over time with relation to how the society in which it operates is functioning. Even today there are obvious discrepancies across the globe, but more specifically across the country that demonstrate this point. Depending on where a library is located, how public it is varies. Although on the surface a library that is technically open to the public may be advertised as such, there are often procedures that make it possible for library institutions to reduce the amount of foot traffic from worrisome patrons. The example that was most discussed was that of the homeless. Although I agree that there needs to be some safety procedures in place to account for a possible emergency situation, this can be argued with any demographic. People from all walks of life can be a potential threat and alienating homeless individuals does not solve the underlying problem of the gaping holes evident within many communities educational or social programs. Rather than ostracizing individuals, teach them.

One City One Book

One City One Book has the potential to provide wonderful opportunities for cities across the country. But, as those presenting this topic suggested, there are holes in the model that need to be adapted on a case by case basis. For example, while it was successful in Chicago, it was not as successful in New York. But is this statement even fully accurate? What the presentation made me remember is that success does not always appear in the way in which it was originally in tented. Although the original outcome of the project may have appeared more ideal in Chicago than New York, can't the fact that people made the attempt to integrate the program be measured as success in and of itself? Getting people to read is a powerful step and getting people to collaborate is another. If the end result is not in perfect sync with the One City One Book model, there is always room to try again and remake on the accomplishments that have been made for the greater good of reading, community, and awareness.

EBR - Electronic Book Reader

While I wouldn't go so far as to suggest that e-readers are good enough that we can get rid of regular/traditional books, I will say that they can provide a great deal of benefit. Granted, they are glitchy right now, but with improvement they can become a valuable asset that may appeal to a greater market of people. Right now, there are too many individuals who prefer the old-fashioned feel of a book and the 'perks' of the e-reader are not enough to give that up. Not to mention the hype and concern relating to those with disabilities and their access with e-reader devices. However, for those on the go and with little room to dedicate to a heavy volume of texts, e-readers all the way! Or not? As was discussed in the presentation of this topic, there is still much more that needs to be done to make e-readers as good as they can be. E-reader ink. Color vs. black and white. Screen lighting. Memory. Presentation. Interactive screen interface. More? I think so. Personally, I am going to hold out until the perfect model comes along, which may be awhile...possibly never.

witch-hunt

What happened to Ruth Brown was appropriately related to a 'witch-hunt within the book 'The Dismissal of Miss Ruth Brown. Although she had supporters and strong friends who stood by her side, those within her profession we not among them (77). Naomi Stocker Gordon, a former employee of Ruth's, became and advocate for Ruth Brown and her cause when she approached a New York lawyer and pleaded for him to take the case. Gordon became an example of what the library profession has now become. Fighting for the freedom of information and the protection of those who provide this information. However, the story of Ruth Brown goes even deeper than this by becoming symbolic of how an industry or a society greatly shapes how people react and what actions they take. Even in the discussion of Twentieth Century Fox and their reluctance to risk the wrath of HUAC there is further evidence of letting an injustice go untold rather than standing up the the powerful bullies on the corporate play ground. Ruth Brown's story provides great insight into not only a specific historical context, but into society itself.

who needs research? The future of the academic library

The future of the academic library is going digital. Traditional research methods are still employed as far as the requirement of credible sources, but now these very materials can often be accessed with the click of a mouse. The amount of preparation time for research has changed, but so has the type of preparation. Now, students need a computer to be part of the academic loop. Libraries are no longer limited to a paper card catalog in a large wooden cabinet in the corner. Resources are online and while original card catalogs still exist, they are outdated on multiple fronts. Many libraries no longer print cards for newer items and patrons rarely will use the card catalog to browse. Honestly, it takes too long. However, in this realm of fast paced information overload it is important for academic libraries to make sure they maintain the integrity of their sources. Yes the catalog and some journals are online, but don't forget about the good old fashioned book! There are benefits to reading on screen and off. The best student and the best academic library will provide both.

common..ity

Is using the library a privilege? As stated in 'The Library as Place,' the library has not always been public. The library, a once exclusive and limited facility in admittance, has evolved over time to fit the needs of its patrons. Thankfully, this has made libraries more of a center for educating those who decide to cross the threshold. Unfortunately, this does not always aid everyone who seeks the haven of library institutions. Individuals who have a limited education or resources may find it difficult to take full advantage of the all the services a library has to offer. This begs the question, are libraries still restrictive? Many would argue no, it's not. Rather it is a place for community where the individual entering becomes a part of something bigger, if only for a minute. But what if you can't enter under the identification of student, community member, house-wife, or businessman? Can a homeless person be a part of the larger library community? The community where all other identities fall away and everyone is just a member of the library...

public and property

What is a public space? This definition has evolved over time in response to what the public demands. Now, a public space is usually only public to those who adhere to a certain set of rules or fit a specific description. Often, these requirements are exclusive to individuals who do not have the means or the opportunity to fit into the necessary mold. Public places are often more private than we would like to think. It is not uncommon for public places to be surrounded by the heart of capitalism, which greatly limits those who cannot play the purchasing game. Libraries however do not follow this limited model of commerce. By offering a place for individuals to go and rent items, no money is necessary in the exchange. Just one catch. The 'show-your-address' policy makes it so that the individual in question can demonstrate a secure role in the community by paying rent or owning property. Ooops, forgot about that.

Oversight

The article 'Examining the role of web site information...' addresses the concern about the informative requirements of public information agencies under the dictates of democratic theory. That this is not clearly defined or expressed is not only concerning, but brings light to some of the flaws that exist in democracy. This leads to the age old question about how much of a role the government should have in the citizen's life and how much invovement the citizens should have in the goverments inner workings. When it comes to web site content, this question is further complicated by easy access and information overload. Web sites do not always follow the same rigid codes of authority and reliable content restrictions that published works undergo. Thus, it becomes difficult to monitor and put full faith into a method of delivery that may or may not always be secure. However, a web site is as reliable, secure, and trust worthy as the creator makes it. The examples provided in the article aid in this theory, specifically the reference to Utah's disease management and Colorado and Wisconsin's web site 'oversight' tendencies.

Provisions have been put into place to avoid instances where appropriate information is mixed up with a falsified counterpart. However, as the article 'Documents for Digital Democracy' points out, there are still organizations that do not always opperated with the filters put into place to make their information and public access attempts more secure. GPO's new content management system is an example of a source that agencies can go through to better and more responsibly publish their informaiton. The digitization process has both increased the opportunity for public access to information and hindered it. Whether through information overload and confusion about what is authentic and certain compnaies inappropriatly limiting the availablity of their digitized materials, there needs to be an active effort to insure information stays in the public domain.

Kindle wars

While the controversy surrounding the kindle device, as it stands in an academic setting, has inspired much beneficial debate it has also hindered some improvements on the device that would have been a great asset to many. The hype has caused some damage to a process that could have done much more for individuals and students who have limitations often not accounted for in the bigger scheme of educational practices. The Cornelle University video footage addressed this issue through discussion about adapting the Kindle to have an audio component that essentially read or spoke the menus and works contained within. However, this was thwarted by licensing laws and regulations. Although Amazon later reflected that marketing the audio component as a feature for the blind and other disabled users would have better gotten around these restrictions, it was too little too late. I admit that this information was very disappointing and I feel an audio feature could benefit multiple members of the academic world. Ranging from elementary students to those in continuing education, the kindle and other such similar devises has the potential to be a worthy sidekick in any individuals educational process.

presentation is power

While I enjoyed Yudof's article and agreed on many of the points that were addressed, the overall tone of the piece sometimes overshadowed the messages he was aiming to present. I was impressed at the boldness of his direction and especially liked the portion where he discussed how government institutions have been known to rely on the values of the individual. I also liked how he expanded by stating that governments have also obtained power through catering or capitalizing on these values, but I feel that those who would best benefit from the material in this article could possibly be deterred from reading it critically because of the delivery. Furthermore, as a result of the brisk tone I worry that those reading this whose views are more extreme are not encouraged to think outside of the points that are presented. In other words, at times this article felt more like a political campaign piece meant to rile people up rather than informative work encouraging people to see outside their current mindset.

man made by nature

"Inventors may patent a particular application of scientific information--a human invention--but not the information itself, which is nature's invention." 192

When reading the article "Telling Tales out of school" by C. McSherry I couldn't help but think about the above statement in respect to the dilemma presented in Brown's article. The debate about culture and if a copyright value can be placed on tribal art is one that can be better understood when linked with the concept of 'nature's invention.' While the western approach would deem 'nature's invention' something created with less human interaction, many tribal communities have a belief system that does not have such a fine line between what nature creates and what humans create as inspired by nature or spirituality. Once again this leads to the debate about how certain pieces of work should be treated by western law if the laws of the culture in which it was created do not match.

Out with the old in with the new?

This concept of out with the old in with the new is further discussed in "Revising copyright law for the information age." While Litman's examples more directly relate to a time in copyright history that is closer the present, her assessment of the pros and cons to using vs ignoring previous copyright example puts the debate surrounding copyright into a more presentable context. Should we operate on an older model or should we create a newer and more modern system that can better handle the demands of digital enterprises and the ideas created within this environment? The question then becomes how do we go about making these changes, if any? Should the laws be more manageable to the average person (179)? Without this adjustment in presentation to the lay person versus copyright lawyers, is it even worth it to make the necessary adjustments that will bring the law more in sync with digital influence?

does copyright protect or vicimize?

The creations (art, music, and other cultural presentations) of tribal communities has become an object of discussion within many fields of academic study for the very reason that it is addressed in the article "Culture and Copyrights." The article expressed how through an egocentric approach to the assessment of what is considered copyright worthy, the western mentality greatly diminished the integrity of the cultural expression and spiritual value displayed by the Aboriginals represented in the Bulun Bulun case. What came to be debated was the idea that regardless of the Aboriginals original motivations of creation, their work was forced into a world where capitalist value was placed on anything that could potentially fetch a price. Thus, by being denied copyright, the aboriginals were at high risk of being financially abused by those outside the community.

If any capitalist gain is to be made off the work created in this community, shouldn't the benefits and proceeds go to the community from which it came?

In many respects, original European copyright ideas are outdated and inappropriate. Among the reasons, not only are they operating on old prejudice social ideals, but they refer to a reproduction process of material that no longer strictly applies. The new wave of producing information has evolved and changed in the digital age. Since old world copyright ideals are simply that, the new intellectual property principles have been approached as the savior of protecting material that does not fit into the traditional western model. As expressed on page 55 of the article, there is argument that intellectual property rights will protect heritage. This is a very strong first step, but one that still does not address the heart of the issue. Unfortunately, it is the mentality of what is deemed worthy that needs to be addressed in sync with seeking another means of protection outside of the traditional model. Until more respect is grated to communities and practices that are vastly different from what the western world deems to have worth, it will be some time before the creative expressions of these communities are handled appropriately.

does copyright encourage or hinder?

Property rights as a means to encourage individuals to produce information. A powerful slogan, but is it that simple? Based on Boyle's article, this idea is well founded and supported through examples and logical thought. However, in many respects the principles of copyright promote more than just the process of encouragement. Sometimes if not properly balanced, it can create a propensity to harbor ideas until there is some transaction of compensation. The process of reciprocation is not what is worrisome, but merely the ability to grossly capitalize on this reciprocation in such a way that it can become unfair to one of the interacting parties. While it is important to protect the creator of a work, it is also just as important to protect the access to information. Although copyright can aid in preserving the integrity of a work or idea, this same protection can work against the expression of the idea by limiting it to a certain criteria group or making it difficult to expand past a large monopolized entity.

Literacy

"Literacy in American Lives" by Deborah Brandt discusses how becoming literate in American society goes beyond simply learning how to read and into the realm of economics, race, opportunity, and structure as influenced by ‘sponsors.’ All of these concepts, although not new, are important to the analysis of what it means to be literate. While there is a point when one is deemed illeteate, there is not a simple split between those who are literate and those who are not. It is in the area of grayscale where a large portion of the populous dwells. Those wishing to properly understand the how's and why's of this, must dive into a social stratesphere interwoven with all the dynamics that contribute to human nature and survival. Literacy, like so many other things in life, is shaped by the social structure that surrounds it.

intellect and emotion

Although there is much discussed in Elizabeth Yakel's article "Museums, management, media, and memory: Lessons from the Enola Gay exhibition" her mention of attracting the audience both intellectually and emotionally is one that is addressed in multiple examples. The fine line between capturing this balance with integrity and caging it with a strong desire to insure shock or hype is small. While focus needs to be brought to the effort of appealing to the audience or patron on many fronts, there needs to be equal attention on monitoring unnecessary flashiness. Providing a checks and balances of criteria when operating with the public to convey or display information is sometimes unpleasant, but necessary.

Additionally, when this concept is applied to the fundamental elements of both archival and library institutions it touches upon the heart of what it means to be a part of an organization of information. Without the dual integration of intellect and emotion it becomes difficult to attract a multitude of patrons into learning repository institutions. However, as discussed throughout the article, there are some risks to the powerful combination of intellect and emotion. Thus, as Yakel suggests, it is important to stay true to this mission while maintaining a respectful distance from the political or controversial minefields that often come in sync with nurtured in this environment.

information close to home (mom and me)

How individuals value information and where they gather trusted information can say a great deal about them. While the academic community puts an emphasis on sources that are regulated and have a more obvious and believable path to follow if verification is needed, there is still a large part of the population who put more faith in sources closer to home. In the instance of Wayne Wiegand's mother, she felt more comfortable making a decision based on the comfortable advice and information provided by friends and her deceased husband. Without this comfort level and familiarity she found it difficult to go with a solution supplied by an impersonal data source. Wiegand brings up an important concept in his analysis of his mother's decision regarding her car and how the process of getting a car became an declaration of how she wanted to live her life and her process of aquiring trusted information.

Through this analysis, the consensus appears to be that there is not a simple answer to why an individual will choose one information source over another. However, there are more appropriate ways to approach the process of trying to identify what some of the factors may be. Without this attempt, those working in the information seeking industry will be putting themselves at a disadvantage by limiting the range of patrons and users they are willing to work with or respectfully try to understand. The message in this article is one that needs to be heard. Thankfully, the use of a personal relationship brings it closer to home.

Threat to our position: User Focus

How far do we go in revamping the library science professional structure? The article , Toward a User Centered Information Service, by Ruth C.T. Morris addresses this debate from the perspective of economic climate change and the alterations in the patron's mentality with respect to how they process and seek information. In order to get inside the user's head, it is essential to address the social changes directly influencing the library science profession from the 'user-centered' focus (2). As Morris suggests, the library science professional can benefit from becoming acquainted with the user's approach to information and how this approach impacts on the users understanding of the information systems utilized in the library setting. The wide range of this is discussed in two simple points. The user operating out of the traditional paradigm and the user not focusing withing this limitation regarding their total behavior (8).

The article was refreshing in many parts, however, I struggle with the idea that these two components are appropriate for the full analysis of the user. While broad, these criteria are almost too restrictive. For instance, there is almost an insistence that people either fit in the paradigm or they are so far from it that they don't even come close to conforming into the expectation.

The reference desk as a teaching station

Being engaged in the 'one-to-one' process when teaching in the reference atmosphere is a helpful way to integrate much needed teaching elements into the library science field. Without more positive and informative interaction during the reference process the library is at risk of limiting possible patrons through the destruction of the appropriate atmosphere that is needed when people are in a learning environment.

Elmborg's mention of learning to ask questions rather than always supplying answers hit home as I often have a difficult time remembering this when I am assisting a patron with a dilemma or concern. It is much easier to supply a solution that it is to teach an individual to navigate the path to find the solution on their own. Guiding these questions based on the student's methods and learning style is another important part of this process. Asking questions blindly is just as unhelpful as not asking any at all. Through the process of asking relevant questions, the librarian can show that they are making the best possible effort to assist those who are in need of their reference skills.

who needs cells?

The capitalistic approach to handling Henrietta's cells highlights a major moral problem in our society that is still evident today. More effort is put forth 'for the greater good' to find cures or treatments yet the people themselves are often ignored or lacking resources such as basic health care. Unfortunately even with emphasis on finding treatments, this is usually directed more for the purposes of developing patents and pharmaceuticals. I felt that Skloot illustrated this point rather well, however, I am still concerned that her method of approach, while more appealing to some, limited the perspective audience in the sense that the constant switch between narrative and autoethnographic was a little distracting. Overall, I am glad that she went through multiple perspectives to illustrate the bigger theme spurred by Henrietta's life and the immortality of her cells.

Dewey out of date?

David Weinberger comments in his book Everything is Miscellaneous that the Dewey decimal classification system is out of date and I am inclined to agree. Studying the mentality of Dewey through his subject headings has left me with a feeling of going back in time. So this leads to an important question. Is the Dewey decimal system worth updating? Or should we develop a new system? More importantly, how do we even make that decision? If the world of information is always being transformed as Weinberger so bluntly states towards the end of his book, how do we react to this transformation? He further states that traditional knowledge changes by staying the same. Which makes me question how do we determine what is traditional knowledge versus what is nontraditional knowledge? I suppose this would depend on several factors, one of which being the field of study that is in question. In library science, what would be considered traditional knowledge? Would the Dewey decimal system apply? If so, is it changing by staying the same? Is it alright to change this traditional knowledge? Some could argue that by staying the same it isn't changing enough to fit with the changes brought on by time and social expectation.

The name game

Naming information is not only an important process, but a delicate one. This being said, there is a necessary balance when entering the naming process. The example provided in Hope Olson's article , The Power to Name: Representation in Library Catalogs, discusses Cutter's theory on there only being two naming options-logic or absurdity. I would agree with Olson's analysis that it is presumptuous to assume that there is such a restrictive limit on naming for that indicates that the process of creating a name is much less complex than evidence suggests. Amongst this evidence is the broad element of culture or race and the slang terms or connotations that can sometimes be associated with this element as a result of the dictates of society. Although certain words or expressions as they relate to a respective group, person, or practice may be appropriate during a given time or situation, these words may not provide the best naming conventions in a public setting with regards to a library institution. Public institutions, libraries only being one example, must stay up-to-date with current and appropriate terminology in respect to the information they are naming.

Information as Information (knowledge vs. thing)

The discussion between 'information-as-knowledge' and 'information-as-thing' as presented by Michael Buckland in his article, Information as Thing, displays a bone of contention that has existed in academic discussion for centuries. Granted, this discussion has evolved with the implementation and advancement of technology, but the basic foundational principles are more or less the same. Where some individuals argue that 'knowledge' should take precedence over 'thing' because 'thing' could not possibly represent the full component of knowledge, there are others who see 'thing' or the data/document as the more essential component of the information process. However, I feel that more people fall somewhere in the middle and recognize that both 'knowledge' and 'thing' support one another. Without the input of 'knowledge' it is difficult to create and understand 'thing,' however, without the evidence of 'thing,' the observations created by displaying 'knowledge' are not supported or in some cases respected by those who are trying to understand the information from an outside perspective.

When does tissue become an issue?

The discussion in the article, Body of Research - Ownership and Use of Human Tissue, about the issue over ownership of donated tissue inspires a similar train of thought on documents containing personal information about a persons life and function in society. If there is a debate about the rights an individual has over any body parts or tissues they may have donated, how should we approach private documents after the person no longer has an attachment to these documents? In other words, once a person dies, do their private records still need to be protected if those records can help those still living? If a tissue sample that was once under the protection of the principles that insure certain rights over the relationship a person has with their body is void once separated from that body, can the same be said for documentation? In other words, when do the laws that protect certain documents become inappropriate?

Access to Online Records. Too much information?

The opinion on privacy varies from person to person and generation to generation. While some individuals feel comfortable posting their every move on sites such as facebook, there are others who feel facebook is an invasive social tool. This resistance might have something to do with how much people feel they need to have control over their lives. When it comes to personal information that could be used for identity theft or other harmful practices, it is not difficult to see why there are so many individuals who still resist the freedom of information flow that is only growing with time. "Much of this information is scattered about in bits and pieces, but the fact remains that individuals have effectively lost control of personal information" (Byrne 5-6). However, there are some benefits to having information more readitly accessible. For the purposes of research, it is rather convenient to have less red tape when investigating a thesis or theory. Thus, while there is obviously a clear line that should not be crossed when it comes to what information is made more available, the question becomes where should that line be?

Reading...no pain no gain? Response to "The Company of Readers."

After getting my undergraduate degree in history, I understand the need for individuals to read more intellectual material. However, I also feel that the stigma against reading for pleasure is too strong and that sometimes people just need to decompress. In fact, I feel so strongly about this, that I will even argue that reading for pleasure has just as many benefits as reading for an academic purpose. While the benefits may not all be in sync, both forms of reading have something to provide to the reader. Reading for pleasure, "tends to be downplayed in comparison with the importance given to reading for information or literacy as a life " (Ross 6). But why? Throughout my academic career I have hear individuals argue that non-academic material or material with limited accredited intellectual content has little merit or benefit in increasing brain function or analytical thinking. I disagree. Of course valid sources should be used for a term paper or a research project, but for everyday leisure reading, why not explore the taboo? Sometimes there are hidden gems that inspire great avenues of thought. Novels with complex story lines and plot development are not limited to the works of the authors in a literary cannon or works published by Oxford University. There are plenty of works that encourage interaction through a play on emotions and morality. Should these stories whether they be fantasy or murder mystery be thrown out as the smut of the reading world? I don't think so.

Contextual variety

When reading Pawley's article, Beyond Market Models and Resistance, I was especially drawn to the theory presented by Elizabeth Long referred to as "social infrastructure of reading" (80). This is explained as, "encouraging researchers to think of reading as constituting a cluster of social and cultural activities that take place among groups in a variety of contexts..." (Pawley 80). While I agree with the basic message behind this statement, I am curious to see how researchers would apply this to their work. Long's suggestion is rather broad and a somewhat difficult concept to integrate into a field study. When placed within the general context of print culture, how does one subdivide Long's idea for use in a study? What is the criteria for determining what constitutes "social and cultural activities" and what does she mean by, "a variety of contexts?" How far does this contextual variety spread and what would I as a researcher be able to include in my approach to testing Long's theory if I were to adhere to her guidelines?

Reading the possibilities

In the article "Tunnel Vision and Blind Spots" the reference to Louis Rosenblatt's theories about reading as 'a form of intense activity' brings up a important discussion about what the act of reading does for different people. Her statements about researchers needing, "'to find out what happens when specific human beings, with their interests and anxieties participate in the emotional and intellectual life' that reading 'makes possible'" (Wiegand 10-11). Even with all the advancements in the profession through the integration of technology it is important to remember what the act of reading can do for the individual, the community, and world. Reading not only provides intellectual stimulation and engagement, but the opportunity to escape through creativity and imagination. While some people use reading to expand their knowledge base, there are plenty of individuals who use it to relax, to entertain, and for healing.

Response to LIS curriculum article

Racism. It is a difficult topic to discuss because there are those who keep it alive through misunderstanding or hatred and there are those who do not recognize the signs. Battling the taint of racism is useless without first making the attempt to be consciously aware of any undertones of racism evident in the community, academics, and the professional world. Starting with education, "to achieve clarity, LIS educators need to recognize the roots of our racialized thinking and the ways in which these are still discernable in the LIS curriculum" (Pawley 5). Recognition is the first step towards approaching this ethical dilemma but this step is not solely up to the educators. At a bare minimum the student must also make an effort to remain open minded and tolerant when interacting with others and representing the student body of their institution. Every individual has the right to their own personal beliefs, but every individual also has the right to tolerance. Without some level of decorum and respect, the integrity of the organization or field of study is put into question.

the cataloger's plight

The article,"Information technology and the de-skilling of librarians," states that the need for catalogers has greatly diminished and the remaining catalogers are dealing with new responsiblities or a lack thereof. However, it has been my experience that some special libraries or special collections still have a great need for the traditional cataloger. These libraries utalize the traditions of the past where, "cataloguers usually specialized in subject of language ares, reviewed all the materials acqured in those areas and cataloged both the "hot" items (to get them in circulation quickly) and the difficult ones..."(3). Libraries containing collections of materials in foreign languages or from centuries long since past require the expertise of those who are able to best descern the contents within. While there are many libraries where, "Now...the cataloger has to work in several subject areas because there are not enough items that require original cataloguing in most disciplines to warrant subject-specialization,"(3)there are still plenty of intances where there is room for the old alongside the new.

The state of the library: Iowa

Iowa and the structure of libraries

The structure of libraries across the country is heavily influenced by the changing expectations of both the users and the institutions or communities in which the libraries are affiliated. This statement, albeit a simple one, has an underlying implication that continues to pack quite a punch in the development of how people understand and interact with libraries. Libraries are often taken for granted and greatly misunderstood. However, is this the users fault through a lack of interest and laziness or is it a lapse in a given library's marketing strategy? To provide better insight into how to answer this question, a deeper look at the workings of and events surrounding a few select libraries in the state of Iowa is in order.

Believe it or not, but it is communities such as those in Council Bluffs, Iowa where a great development in the digital sphere is taking place. Iowa Western Community College has approached the challenge of going digital versus maintaining the traditional physical library by throwing in another variable. "This new library is part of a $13 million student center that also features a culinary arts lab and a dining area with room to seat 400-plus--twice the seating capacity of the old facility in Ashley Hall" (Rohwer). A dining hall in a library? That is a crazy notion when compared to the image most individuals have of libraries, but it is this innovativeness that is allowing libraries to survive in an atmosphere where change is beating down the door. "With the fall semester ready to start, Iowa Western students will use the resources found in the cyberlibrary in the new student center. 'There are no books,' Kinney said. 'Everything will be on databases online. We are not going to buy any more books. The existing books are being distributed to their respective academic departments"' (Rohwer).

A library without a physical collection is a frightening concept to many of the more orthodox librarians. However, this practice does have its perks. The public library in Ceder Rapids Iowa may have had an altogether different experience back in the summer of 2008 if the majority of their contents had been stored safely on a digital library interface. "Flooding in Ceder Rapids, IA, caused the Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL) to suffer significant water damage. The floodwaters reached five feet shelves on the library's ground floor, destroying the entire adult collection, but the children's collection on the library's second floor likely will be saved" (Blumenstein, Oder). There was a considerable amount of damage to not only the main public library but homes, museums, and special libraries. Unfortunately, the damage done to the library building has forced the library staff to operate out of a local mall, but it is through this tragedy that the library has been able to declare an important message. "'We think that library programs are important, and even in this cramped mall space we're doing more of them now. We have book discussions, programs for young adults, and a lot for children,' says Hoke, who sets up much of the programming at CRPL" (Berry III, 30). At the end of the day, marketing through advertising and keeping users aware of services is what allowed this library to stay afloat long after they lost their original physical identity.

Providing further encouragement to the digital push is the issue of open access, more specifically how open libraries want that access to be. Iowa is currently facing a very tricky debate spurred by the presence of sex-offenders and how their rights interact with the principles of an open access system. In the end, it was the digital library that allowed for a decision to be made that did not compromise the integrity of an open access system but kept patrons feeling safe about their library surroundings. "While board members agree with Spencer Public Library staff that homebound deliveries would not be allowed, it was clarified that they would be able to access the library's Wilbor and EbscoHost systems. The online systems allow users to download audiobooks and to access full-text articles from magazines, scientific journals, newspapers and reference books" (Todd).

The short tour through Iowa leads to an important question: Does going digital insure a smooth transition into dealing with issues such as convenience for the users, marketing, and open access? The short answer is yes, but without looking at the individual examples and situations facing library institutions everywhere, the long and more important resolution of understanding what libraries do will continue to be ignored.

Works Cited

Blumenstein, Lynn and Norman Oder. Flooding in Iowa, Especially Cedar Rapids, Damages Libraries. LibraryJournal.com, 20 Jun. 2008. Web. 20 Sept. 2010. http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6570322.html>.

Rohwer, Tim. Library opens new chapter. World-Herald News Service, 15 Aug. 2010. Web. 20 Sept. 2010. http://www.omaha.com/article/20100815/NEWS01/708159810.>

Todd, Kris. Library considers sex offender law impact. The Daily Reporter, 16 Jun. 2009. Web. 20 Sept. 2010. http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/story/1547582.html>.

Berry III, John N. "After the flood, CRPL buoys the community." Library Journal Jan. 2009: 28-30. Print.

Information Science

"Addressing the problem of information explosion, information science found a niche within the broader context in the evolution of the information society. In its various manifestations and attempted solutions, the niche is getting broader and bigger" (Saracevic 3). Over time, this niche has come to interact very closely with the realm of computer science, which has greatly influenced the tones of how information science has evolved. Both fields specialize in providing information and making that information more usable to the everyday user. "The common ground between library science and information science, which is a strong one, is in sharing of their social role and in their general concern with effective utilization of graphic and other records, particularly by individuals" (Saracevic 10). Although there is some tension between those who operate in these fields, the dividing line is becoming much easier to cross and as the niche continues to become 'broader and bigger' the desired 'manifestations' and 'attempted solutions' will become cleaner and clearer.

digital reality: response to Libraries: Digital, electronic, and hybrid.

There are many changes occurring in libraries across the globe, but not all are as easily discernible as a building renovation or a change in section or shelving placement. Like any profession or field of study, library science is greatly influenced by the factors that create its foundation. Components such as academia, finances, technology, and the trends of the business world can all have, to varying degrees, a powerful influence over the structure of a library. This is especially apparent in the digital library. "The developments surrounding digital, electronic, virtual, and hybrid libraries are symptomatic of impeding changes in scholarly publishing, the entire academic realm, and in the sociological structures of education, research, and scholarly activities as a whole" (Rusch-Feja 4). The influence of technology has become the structure behind almost any professional decision and without learning how to successfully integrate the tools of today into older methods of operation, librarians risk becoming outdated compared to the spheres of influence in which they rely. While the changes wrought by technology are unappealing to some, in order to be successful and have continual purpose in the field, "the librarian must become an information specialists, continuously remaining on the cutting edge of information technology, on the various forms of information offered by the content providers, on the cost-effectiveness of physical and electronic document delivery options, and lastly continuously update the users, to train and motivate them to use the full range of adequate information resources"(Rusch-Feja 4). How are librarians supposed to fulfil that last portion of the quote preceding this sentence if they do not first create a standard of expectation when interacting with technology? In order to appropriately compete with other professionals or stay up-to-date with the societies in which a library generally operates, it must help set and monitor the pace rather than constantly trying to catch up to an overwhelming and sometimes harmful expectation.

Libraries dream in digital

"The digital, virtual, or electronic library, sometimes called the library 'without walls' inevitably threatens the traditional library" (Pawley 2). This statement is a concern that many librarians and preservationists share in a world of looming digitization. However, while there is justification for this concern, there is a way for both the physical and the digital to work together. Among the support that there can be harmony between these two realms of information is the fact that, "a digital library does not only consist of digitized and digitally born information resources, but also of electronic metadata on non-digital objects" (Pawley 6). This consideration for 'non-digital' objects helps blend the different information mediums through the effort to take the methods of old and integrate them within the new systems of cataloging and research support. Although there is a risk that the converted digitized information may reduce user interaction with the physical items, it can also be viewed that having digital access to the catalog information of a physical item can in turn make it more appealing and convenient for the user to access data beyond the limits of their computer. In other words, going digital may very well preserve and better market the physical.

Archive Fever: Response to "Traces: Document, record, archive, archives."

"The recordkeeping processes of selection, classification and description as described above are based on the records creators' view of their mission and the nature of the activities they engage in..." 17



The 'above' in the context of chapter 1 in Archives : Record Keeping in Society by Sue McKemmish highlights a discord amongst those who are in the profession of preserving, cataloging, and collecting information. Whether in the archival setting or a records management facility, the basic foundation of information integrity remains the same. Although it has become increasingly more popular for professionals in these fields to publicly state a code of ethics, this code has not always been in the spotlight. Instead, images such as the one from the 'Children Overboard' story take up a majority of the focus through mass media frenzy and misrepresentation. Working with these materials either during their currency or after their social expiration presents many challenges, specifically in maintaining the 'true' story and information they have to share. Within this process, those working with these materials find themselves balancing between the attempt to 'memorialize' and the action of 'killing the memory' 2. The individuals who argued that the 'Children Overboard' photo was evidence towards the theory of children being thrown into water worked towards 'memorializing' an account of an injustice, but they were working dangerously close to 'killing the memory' by the action of overriding the truth with a more powerful image of inaccuracy. However, this kind of response is frequent and eventually becomes just as important to the story and the historical event as the original meaning behind the item before any alterations or misrepresentations took place. Although doctored, the 'falsified' view needs to be accounted for in records to tell the full story because now it has become a part of the memory.