DL week1 background reading notes

William Y. Arms. “Automated Digital Libraries, How Effectively Can Computers Be Used for the Skilled Tasks of Professional Librarianship?” D-Lib Magazine July/August 2000. 6(7/8). http://www.dlib.org/dlib/july00/arms/07arms.html.

" Automated Digital Libraries" is an interesting topic. Because computer programs can substitute for intellectually demanding task such as selection, cataloging, indexing, seeking information and reference services, which are traditionally carried out by librarians. If ADL works out, large number of librarians will be laid off. On one hand, I truly feel how strong the computer power is, since it can change one's career; on the other hand, I sincerely hope that this day will come slowly because I want to find a job a year later.

C. Schwartz. (2000). Digital libraries: an overview. Journal of Academic Librarianship 26(6): 385-393. [Available online at Pitt E-Journal http://ug4fn7ck2h.search.serialssolutions.com/

This essay presents an overview of the basic components of a digital library. It is comprehensive and meticulous. Nothing to comment on, but I think this essay is worth to read twice for me.

D.M. Levy. (2000). Digital libraries and the problem of purpose. D-Lib Magazine 6(1), January 2000. http://www.dlib.org/dlib/january00/01levy.html.

The essay talks about the problems of Digital Libraries that we discussed in class. I agree with the author's ideas about Digital Libraries. If we put all materials on the web, we will diminish the diversity of materials. I like to read physical collections, since I am accustomed to read knowledge on paper. The best way is provide tools to organize digital and non-digital collections together and research them. Besides, information does not mean good and more information do not mean better. We are now exposed to huge number of junk information and advertisements. Some of it is hazardous to people like criminal and addicted drugs. I totally agree with the author's opinion that " the current digital library agenda has largely been set by the computer science community and clearly bears the imprint of this community's interests and vision". I feel that many computer scientists exclude librarian's views when they are building DL. In this condition, DL is cold and distant to me, because what I saw from the interfaces is a combination of glut of programming languages. We need a feel of warm and comfort when we log in Digital Library.