I decided to use this posting to sort of mirror a few key things I have learned and am still learning in this class. Of course, it’s impossible to list everything because of our assigned wordage limitation.
First and foremost I think I have a better understanding of how our public (and other types of)
libraries are taken to task and held responsible for ensuring our patrons are exposed to as much information as is humanly possible. I also understand this to be necessary in order for our citizens to responsibly participate in the democratic process.
Even though civic minded responsibility is a major goal for our libraries and for the operation of a democratic society, I also see how the free access and exchange of information contributes to a better understanding of and discourse with other societies around the world.
Throughout my SLIS studies I have been very impressed with the consistent quality in behavior and in skills of both the instructors/professors and the students. And for future libraries
I am still in awe of how librarians will have to be aware of and practice Censorship, Freedom to Read, CIPA, DOPA, and Access, along with ensuring patrons’ privacy.
You have heard me go on and on ad nauseum about what value Senior Citizens (there should be another politically correct term) should be able to share with society both socially and work related. To me, this is also another facet of the Digital Divide-the loss of productivity within all the groups who are separate from IT.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could actually bring or deliver computer access and all its benefits to those who are still a part of the “Digital Divide?” Our future holds much hope for this, especially with the possibilities the current stimulation package brings to the table.
The next few years will be crucial with respect to how we handle this stimulation package funding. Even though this money has come as the result of very hard times for many of our citizens, it could be a wonderful investment for society as a whole.
Hopefully the climate of change will be welcomed by the traditionally snail paced library community, and will bring about much needed updated library catalogs, and patron services. It would be so nice to be able to go to an online library database and be able to “shop” like you do on Amazon.com and other such sites.
I am also am hoping I will be able to spend enough time on this earth to at least try to apply what I have learned. It would be nice to feel that I can give back to the library system that has given me and my daughters so much through the years.
And, as I have said before, I am so excited about the group of younger librarians that are about to take over from people my age. When I think about the quality of students I have encountered here at IUPUI, and then when I include the groups from other quality SLIS programs I feel so good about the future.
Signing off Maywin Jackson
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
S640 Blog Posting #9 Maywin A. Jackson
S640 Blog Posting #9 by Maywin A. Jackson
Networking, Gaming, and Teen Education
First, I am not a gamer, but have spent many hours trying to talk to my grandsons while they sat drooling as their glazed eyes focused on the same screen and game they had been playing for an unbelievable amount of time.
I can not understand why our educators don’t see a wonderful opportunity to appeal to students through gaming.
After reading the article Pew Internet and American Life Project, it became clear to me that gamers are prime targets for really good games with civic information peppered throughout them.
As I said, I am not a gamer, but why can’t educators incorporate gaming into their classrooms to some degree in order to heighten these young kids’ interest in various school related topics?
I was even more certain that this could work after I read through the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
This article covers various topics about youth and gaming, but the thing I noticed the most was, again, the number of young people who love these games. As I’ve said, I see such potential for games in the educational arena. There must be someone already working on this.
Watching my gaming grandsons through the years I have seen them all take turns working their way through Grand Theft Auto, Halo and all the other popular games. They are all basically the same: The main character has only so much time to either steal a certain amount of cars; kill so many women or men, find the magic door to go through, acquire so many items to build up power and more time; etc. Pretty basic stuff, but there has to be a way to create a civic related game. Like, the main character has to act as an attorney and must select the correct court to try his best friend for hijacking an airplane. He/she will have the choice of civil, supreme/etc. and he must figure out how to open that particular door before he can represent his client. Then, he or she will have to go through the correct process of jury selection, and so on. Of course, there would be lots and lots of shootings, lots of explosions and just a general reeking of havoc; and of course blowing things up.
I can hear it now, “no mom, I don’t want dinner, I’m right in the middle of homework.”
Of course, this is just an imaginary scenario, but you get the idea.
Networking, Gaming, and Teen Education
First, I am not a gamer, but have spent many hours trying to talk to my grandsons while they sat drooling as their glazed eyes focused on the same screen and game they had been playing for an unbelievable amount of time.
I can not understand why our educators don’t see a wonderful opportunity to appeal to students through gaming.
After reading the article Pew Internet and American Life Project, it became clear to me that gamers are prime targets for really good games with civic information peppered throughout them.
As I said, I am not a gamer, but why can’t educators incorporate gaming into their classrooms to some degree in order to heighten these young kids’ interest in various school related topics?
I was even more certain that this could work after I read through the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
This article covers various topics about youth and gaming, but the thing I noticed the most was, again, the number of young people who love these games. As I’ve said, I see such potential for games in the educational arena. There must be someone already working on this.
Watching my gaming grandsons through the years I have seen them all take turns working their way through Grand Theft Auto, Halo and all the other popular games. They are all basically the same: The main character has only so much time to either steal a certain amount of cars; kill so many women or men, find the magic door to go through, acquire so many items to build up power and more time; etc. Pretty basic stuff, but there has to be a way to create a civic related game. Like, the main character has to act as an attorney and must select the correct court to try his best friend for hijacking an airplane. He/she will have the choice of civil, supreme/etc. and he must figure out how to open that particular door before he can represent his client. Then, he or she will have to go through the correct process of jury selection, and so on. Of course, there would be lots and lots of shootings, lots of explosions and just a general reeking of havoc; and of course blowing things up.
I can hear it now, “no mom, I don’t want dinner, I’m right in the middle of homework.”
Of course, this is just an imaginary scenario, but you get the idea.
S640 Blog Posting #8
S640 Blog Posting #8 Maywin Jackson
I chose a study’s literature review titled: “Online Threats to Youth” conducted by a Harvard Law Research group in Solicitation, Harassment, and Problematic Content.
The URL above is the actual article I read and the URL below is the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. The Berkman Center website below is the conduit for both the article above and other pertinent research findings and materials. At this site you will find that the Research Advisory of the Internet Safety Technical Taskforce is made up of many scholars and researchers who have an interest in child safety and the internet. Such topics studied are:
Teens Online: Stranger Contact and Cyberbullying
Youth and Law Enforcement Surveys
Social Networking Sites,
Unwanted Sexual Solicitation, Internet Harassment.
Panel Discussion Session
Youth Exposure to Pornography and Violent Web Sites
Online Abuse and Crime by Youth
Enhancing Child Safety and Online Technologies.
You can find these at the Berkman Center site: Some of the study findings are:
· teenagers are more at risk for online solicitation
· online harassment seems to happen more to mid-adolescent youths from ages 13-14.
· girls are more likely to be solicited and harassed than boys
· A real eye opener for me was that many of the online threats directed toward youths, including sexual solicitation are committed by peers.
I also learned some new terminology such as:
· Sexual attraction to adolescents is called hebephilia
· 95% of sexual assault cases (that are reported) are committed by family members. Wow.
· Online adult solicitations are very scary because they are looking for young people they can groom to help them solicit others.
One outcome of this study gives us some hope in that they have discovered youth internet relationships are mostly friendship oriented.
One thing I liked about this particular study and the website is that they also accept information from other countries.
Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking are especially distressing because those who do the bullying and stalking use IM, e-mail, social networks, in order to bombard their victims with more than one attack.
I guess people can behave just as badly on the internet as they can anywhere else. However, I think both the access they have to others and the anonymity of the internet encourages these people to continue to do what they do; and many times in the comfort of their homes.
I chose a study’s literature review titled: “Online Threats to Youth” conducted by a Harvard Law Research group in Solicitation, Harassment, and Problematic Content.
The URL above is the actual article I read and the URL below is the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. The Berkman Center website below is the conduit for both the article above and other pertinent research findings and materials. At this site you will find that the Research Advisory of the Internet Safety Technical Taskforce is made up of many scholars and researchers who have an interest in child safety and the internet. Such topics studied are:
Teens Online: Stranger Contact and Cyberbullying
Youth and Law Enforcement Surveys
Social Networking Sites,
Unwanted Sexual Solicitation, Internet Harassment.
Panel Discussion Session
Youth Exposure to Pornography and Violent Web Sites
Online Abuse and Crime by Youth
Enhancing Child Safety and Online Technologies.
You can find these at the Berkman Center site: Some of the study findings are:
· teenagers are more at risk for online solicitation
· online harassment seems to happen more to mid-adolescent youths from ages 13-14.
· girls are more likely to be solicited and harassed than boys
· A real eye opener for me was that many of the online threats directed toward youths, including sexual solicitation are committed by peers.
I also learned some new terminology such as:
· Sexual attraction to adolescents is called hebephilia
· 95% of sexual assault cases (that are reported) are committed by family members. Wow.
· Online adult solicitations are very scary because they are looking for young people they can groom to help them solicit others.
One outcome of this study gives us some hope in that they have discovered youth internet relationships are mostly friendship oriented.
One thing I liked about this particular study and the website is that they also accept information from other countries.
Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking are especially distressing because those who do the bullying and stalking use IM, e-mail, social networks, in order to bombard their victims with more than one attack.
I guess people can behave just as badly on the internet as they can anywhere else. However, I think both the access they have to others and the anonymity of the internet encourages these people to continue to do what they do; and many times in the comfort of their homes.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
S554 Blog Posting 6 Maywin Jackson
S554 Blog Posting #6 Maywin A. Jackson
Hopefully the current Next Gen student think-tank will result in a fantastic and practical catalog that will bring our IT into the 21st century. Of course, picking student brains such as in the Next Gen Catalog process through IOLUG is one excellent way toward finalizing the best quality of Next Gen catalogs.
The next generation catalog is a necessity and I wonder how the classic tendency for libraries to very slowly embrace change will mix with the urgent (and rapid) need for catalog upgrades? How is that going to be addressed? I wonder who will test the new catalogs. How long will it take to present the final product to U.S. public libraries and how long will it take to get approval to put this catalog in place? Will libraries eagerly accept the new system or will they take forever to decide?
Thankfully I am getting better and more comfortable with technology and will continue to keep abreast of the ongoing changes with Next Gen. I plan to follow the Next Gen progress and hope to be able to be involved in the process.
In addition to the need for Next Gen Catalogs, librarians will have to champion other much needed changes that will bring our library system into the 21st century. These changes include maintaining current and updated library policies and missions, continuing education and training in technical skills, which will improve the library users’ experience.
Throughout my SLIS experience I have come to understand that from now on, the library profession has a lot on their plate. I have also realized that both practicing and future librarians have their work cut out for them, and for that reason I’m hoping that librarians will learn to support each other and promote themselves to the public that they serve.
Hopefully the current Next Gen student think-tank will result in a fantastic and practical catalog that will bring our IT into the 21st century. Of course, picking student brains such as in the Next Gen Catalog process through IOLUG is one excellent way toward finalizing the best quality of Next Gen catalogs.
The next generation catalog is a necessity and I wonder how the classic tendency for libraries to very slowly embrace change will mix with the urgent (and rapid) need for catalog upgrades? How is that going to be addressed? I wonder who will test the new catalogs. How long will it take to present the final product to U.S. public libraries and how long will it take to get approval to put this catalog in place? Will libraries eagerly accept the new system or will they take forever to decide?
Thankfully I am getting better and more comfortable with technology and will continue to keep abreast of the ongoing changes with Next Gen. I plan to follow the Next Gen progress and hope to be able to be involved in the process.
In addition to the need for Next Gen Catalogs, librarians will have to champion other much needed changes that will bring our library system into the 21st century. These changes include maintaining current and updated library policies and missions, continuing education and training in technical skills, which will improve the library users’ experience.
Throughout my SLIS experience I have come to understand that from now on, the library profession has a lot on their plate. I have also realized that both practicing and future librarians have their work cut out for them, and for that reason I’m hoping that librarians will learn to support each other and promote themselves to the public that they serve.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
S554 Blog Posting #5 Maywin Jackson
After reading about podcasting and the various ways it is utilized, I am reminded that ‘everything old is new again’ because podcasting at its simplest emulates radio broadcasts. Even though Podcasts differ from the old radio shows in that they contain urls and video clips; while listening to some episodic podcasts, I think of the radio broadcasts I listened to as a child. To this day I still love to borrow old radio broadcasts from the library.
The stories, comedies, soap operas, and so on were overly dramatic by today’s standards, but were so entertaining. There was an element of mystery that kick started your imagination that is not present in movies plus they were all presented live. Any and all mistakes were included in the broadcasts. And, the weekly shows left everyone eagerly waiting for the next episode.
Here is just one of many websites that has old radio shows on MP3:
http://www.radiolovers.com/
Online classes are a great way for people to continue their education, and features such as podcasting offer online students a chance to hear and relate to both instructors and other classmates. When all learning styles such as aural, oral, visual, and textual are incorporated into online courses, students are able to select whichever style or combination of styles is best suited to their learning needs.
Now, in regards to all things technology, I am barely keeping up, but am keeping up.
I think it helps a lot to be in classes where others are at different skill levels in the various technologies. It seems the ones who are way ahead of others are very gracious about helping those who need help to catch up.
Now I do have a better understanding of how frustrating it can be for the general public when they come into the library and have one technological need or another, and don’t know where to start. And these are the patrons who can get to the library. We still have to figure out how to help the ‘digital divide’ people too.
Hopefully the upcoming funding will be used wisely and not wasted like some of it has been recently. I am a little concerned that people will react too fast causing careful planning to be forgotten.
The stories, comedies, soap operas, and so on were overly dramatic by today’s standards, but were so entertaining. There was an element of mystery that kick started your imagination that is not present in movies plus they were all presented live. Any and all mistakes were included in the broadcasts. And, the weekly shows left everyone eagerly waiting for the next episode.
Here is just one of many websites that has old radio shows on MP3:
http://www.radiolovers.com/
Online classes are a great way for people to continue their education, and features such as podcasting offer online students a chance to hear and relate to both instructors and other classmates. When all learning styles such as aural, oral, visual, and textual are incorporated into online courses, students are able to select whichever style or combination of styles is best suited to their learning needs.
Now, in regards to all things technology, I am barely keeping up, but am keeping up.
I think it helps a lot to be in classes where others are at different skill levels in the various technologies. It seems the ones who are way ahead of others are very gracious about helping those who need help to catch up.
Now I do have a better understanding of how frustrating it can be for the general public when they come into the library and have one technological need or another, and don’t know where to start. And these are the patrons who can get to the library. We still have to figure out how to help the ‘digital divide’ people too.
Hopefully the upcoming funding will be used wisely and not wasted like some of it has been recently. I am a little concerned that people will react too fast causing careful planning to be forgotten.
Monday, March 2, 2009
S640 #7 Maywin Jackson
S640 Blog Posting #7 Maywin Jackson
As seen below, this Clermont, Ohio County Public Library has sculpted its most current Meeting room policy after a court decision as opposed to a Library Board decision.
All of this happened after two people had requested the use of the library meeting room for a Financial Freedom seminar. This seminar used content from the “Crown Financial Series,” which is a Christian based financial program. If you have either the time or interest, this is the article URL.
Also, here is the URL of the very simple and more current CCLibrary Meeting Room Policy.
Evidently the couple who was refused use of the room did not appeal the decision via the library board; but took it right to the courts. It seems they also did not request a change in the room policy. The CCPL library board changed their policy (below), and then offered to help find a suitable place for the plaintiffs to conduct their meetings. The offer was declined.
The library’s insurance policy paid for half of the $10,000 lawyers’ fees/the Vandergriffs (plaintiffs), were awarded $2.00. I’m not sure if the plaintiffs were simply ignorant of the library’s process for dealing with such situations, or maybe did not trust an internal ruling, or if they simply wanted money. Maybe the attorneys gave the plaintiffs false hope. Who knows?
As seen below, this Clermont, Ohio County Public Library has sculpted its most current Meeting room policy after a court decision as opposed to a Library Board decision.
All of this happened after two people had requested the use of the library meeting room for a Financial Freedom seminar. This seminar used content from the “Crown Financial Series,” which is a Christian based financial program. If you have either the time or interest, this is the article URL.
Also, here is the URL of the very simple and more current CCLibrary Meeting Room Policy.
Evidently the couple who was refused use of the room did not appeal the decision via the library board; but took it right to the courts. It seems they also did not request a change in the room policy. The CCPL library board changed their policy (below), and then offered to help find a suitable place for the plaintiffs to conduct their meetings. The offer was declined.
The library’s insurance policy paid for half of the $10,000 lawyers’ fees/the Vandergriffs (plaintiffs), were awarded $2.00. I’m not sure if the plaintiffs were simply ignorant of the library’s process for dealing with such situations, or maybe did not trust an internal ruling, or if they simply wanted money. Maybe the attorneys gave the plaintiffs false hope. Who knows?
S640 Blog #6 Maywin Jackson
S640 Blog Posting #6
Now that Intellectual Freedom is something I have become more educated and passionate about I am more inclined to detect it in other arenas. For instance, I came upon this article entitled “Preserving Intellectual Freedom in Clinical Medicine,” by Giovanni, A. Fava.
In regards to Intellectual Freedom as it applies to the medical profession, in 1989 Robert G. Petersdorf stated: “we can no longer tolerate the dishonesty, cheating, fraud, and conflict of interest that have invaded science and medicine.”
Unfortunately, the same statement applies to both fields of science and medicine in the 21st century.
Basically, this article discusses the fact that the medical profession is more interested in establishing, pursuing and preserving social power than it is in investing those same efforts to improve the overall field of medicine.
Decline in intellectual freedom is mirrored in the medical ‘excellence deception’ which encourages prevailing practices and deflects constructive criticism. Excellence deception behavior also robs the profession of alternative views which could improve the overall effectiveness and quality of medicine.
Examples:
· Corporate interests :
Do sometimes become special interest groups which influence clinical and scientific information.
· Act as editors, consultants, reviewers, to medical journals,
· Can control/prevent dissemination of data in conflict with represented special interest group.
· Filtering information regarding:
o Information relating to long term use of antidepressant medications.
In the article it is suggested that in order to address the medical fields’ IF problems a good start would be to appoint/select representatives without conflicts of interest who will, if necessary, go against the powers that be in order to maintain ongoing professional values and quality.
Now that Intellectual Freedom is something I have become more educated and passionate about I am more inclined to detect it in other arenas. For instance, I came upon this article entitled “Preserving Intellectual Freedom in Clinical Medicine,” by Giovanni, A. Fava.
In regards to Intellectual Freedom as it applies to the medical profession, in 1989 Robert G. Petersdorf stated: “we can no longer tolerate the dishonesty, cheating, fraud, and conflict of interest that have invaded science and medicine.”
Unfortunately, the same statement applies to both fields of science and medicine in the 21st century.
Basically, this article discusses the fact that the medical profession is more interested in establishing, pursuing and preserving social power than it is in investing those same efforts to improve the overall field of medicine.
Decline in intellectual freedom is mirrored in the medical ‘excellence deception’ which encourages prevailing practices and deflects constructive criticism. Excellence deception behavior also robs the profession of alternative views which could improve the overall effectiveness and quality of medicine.
Examples:
· Corporate interests :
Do sometimes become special interest groups which influence clinical and scientific information.
· Act as editors, consultants, reviewers, to medical journals,
· Can control/prevent dissemination of data in conflict with represented special interest group.
· Filtering information regarding:
o Information relating to long term use of antidepressant medications.
In the article it is suggested that in order to address the medical fields’ IF problems a good start would be to appoint/select representatives without conflicts of interest who will, if necessary, go against the powers that be in order to maintain ongoing professional values and quality.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Maywin's S640 Blog Posting #5
Maywin’s S640 Blog Posting #5
More on Filtering
Unfortunately, Censorship can be strongly motivated by the fear of losing control over children rather then by the concern their childrens’ moral development. Many times fear can cause people to overreact; especially when their own children are involved.
Thinking back, I raised two children by myself, and I remembered the anxious feelings I experienced whenever my girls were exposed to outside influences. Now, the outside influences can be right in our own homes. This was illustrated by Shellie's experience with her daughter and their computer. She was understandably anxious when, for just a few seconds, her child may have observed questionable content surrounding a popular children’s character. Her natural instinct as a parent kicked in and she quickly talked with her child in order to get a better picture of the things she saw, and to explain the situation to her child as well as she could under the circumstances.
Regarding the filtering issue I realize there are extremists such as the Christian Right, in every nook and cranny; however, I truly understand the parental side of the censorship/filtering/IF issues. I can also understand how intelligent people can and do support having filters in the library. Maybe the parents who do not monitor their children as closely as Shellie and others like her, would feel more secure knowing their children were safe (with safe including filtering) in their neighborhood library. I say this based on my experience with people who leave their children unattended in libraries. Responsible parents don’t do this; Irresponsible parents do.
And, if I am just now learning about the plus and minuses of the filtering process, you can believe there are many more people out there who do not know these things. Or at least not both sides of the issue.
We are right back to the importance of education and advocacy. How are people going to learn to make educated choices if no one is there to teach them? It seems that librarians have a lot on their plates.
More on Filtering
Unfortunately, Censorship can be strongly motivated by the fear of losing control over children rather then by the concern their childrens’ moral development. Many times fear can cause people to overreact; especially when their own children are involved.
Thinking back, I raised two children by myself, and I remembered the anxious feelings I experienced whenever my girls were exposed to outside influences. Now, the outside influences can be right in our own homes. This was illustrated by Shellie's experience with her daughter and their computer. She was understandably anxious when, for just a few seconds, her child may have observed questionable content surrounding a popular children’s character. Her natural instinct as a parent kicked in and she quickly talked with her child in order to get a better picture of the things she saw, and to explain the situation to her child as well as she could under the circumstances.
Regarding the filtering issue I realize there are extremists such as the Christian Right, in every nook and cranny; however, I truly understand the parental side of the censorship/filtering/IF issues. I can also understand how intelligent people can and do support having filters in the library. Maybe the parents who do not monitor their children as closely as Shellie and others like her, would feel more secure knowing their children were safe (with safe including filtering) in their neighborhood library. I say this based on my experience with people who leave their children unattended in libraries. Responsible parents don’t do this; Irresponsible parents do.
And, if I am just now learning about the plus and minuses of the filtering process, you can believe there are many more people out there who do not know these things. Or at least not both sides of the issue.
We are right back to the importance of education and advocacy. How are people going to learn to make educated choices if no one is there to teach them? It seems that librarians have a lot on their plates.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
S554 Maywin Jackson's Blog Posting #4
Maywin Jackson S554 Blog Posting #4
Since groups have been assigned and we have started thinking about our own group’s responsibilities along with our responsibilities in connection to all the other groups, I feel less
at-a-loss. Or maybe I mean I just feel a little more focused.
First, knowing that our project Wiki for Work will target many people, and will have to be built to serve various user needs seems pretty challenging. However, as I have experienced in the past, these types of projects are usually of better quality as the result of a team effort.
Just during the last few minutes of our Friday the 13th class, ideas were, again, flying around, but for me they made more sense as I could see some connection to a more tangible project.
It will be very interesting to learn about each other and just group dynamics in general.
I have worked on other similar group projects and have been quite surprised about some things I learned. For instance, I had no idea that the typical or average reading level of this country’s population is seventh grade and lower. The Digital Divide; What about the Literacy Divide? This is a little humbling since we are supposed to be such an advanced country. I learned this fact a couple of years ago and am still chewing it over.
I am so glad that there are people who are much more technologically advanced than I am, but maybe I should have taken Dr. Ball’s advice and signed up for a more difficult aspect of the project in order to be more challenged.
However, I may end up being more challenged than I expect, which is fine.
Since groups have been assigned and we have started thinking about our own group’s responsibilities along with our responsibilities in connection to all the other groups, I feel less
at-a-loss. Or maybe I mean I just feel a little more focused.
First, knowing that our project Wiki for Work will target many people, and will have to be built to serve various user needs seems pretty challenging. However, as I have experienced in the past, these types of projects are usually of better quality as the result of a team effort.
Just during the last few minutes of our Friday the 13th class, ideas were, again, flying around, but for me they made more sense as I could see some connection to a more tangible project.
It will be very interesting to learn about each other and just group dynamics in general.
I have worked on other similar group projects and have been quite surprised about some things I learned. For instance, I had no idea that the typical or average reading level of this country’s population is seventh grade and lower. The Digital Divide; What about the Literacy Divide? This is a little humbling since we are supposed to be such an advanced country. I learned this fact a couple of years ago and am still chewing it over.
I am so glad that there are people who are much more technologically advanced than I am, but maybe I should have taken Dr. Ball’s advice and signed up for a more difficult aspect of the project in order to be more challenged.
However, I may end up being more challenged than I expect, which is fine.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Maywin's S640 Blog Post #4
Maywin’s S640 Blog Posting #4
Ethics of Librarianship
In their day to day work lives, librarians incorporate ethical behavior toward the public in various ways. For instance, one patron comes in and very quietly whispers a request for medical information about HIV aids. From their demeanor it is obvious they do not want their request to be overheard. Or, a teenager requests a book on suicide; a man wants “How to Do Your Own Divorce” forms, and so on. Therapists, MD’s, and others who counsel the public take oaths promising to keep their patients’ information confidential. Librarians also work to treat their public/patrons with high standards as set forth by the ALA. They, too, implement their own agreement/oath as established by the profession in order to “protect the library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality,” (IFM 245).
I was sitting in the dentist chair last week and had the IFM with me. My dentist asked me what it was, and I told him. He had no idea what I was talking about in terms of the connection between IF and libraries/librarians. Onto my soap box I did jump. Well whenever I had a free mouth anyway. In the span of a cleaning and a flouriding, he heard: (a condensed version of) the process of challenging library materials, patrons’ privacy, confidentiality, and so on.
The whole discourse brought me back to Dr. Ball’s, comment about advocacy taking many shapes.
I am proud to say that many of the librarians I know conduct themselves in ethical professionalism on a daily basis.
Ethical behavior of librarians weaves its way into so many areas and is discussed in Moya K. Mason’s article, “The Ethics of Librarianship: Dilemmas Surrounding Libraries, Intellectual Freedom, and Censorship in the Face of Colossal Technological Progression.” Author Mason states: “Librarians often decide the direction that an inquiry will take and therefore it is necessary that librarians continually strive not to let personal judgments interfere with their professional activities.”
Ethics of Librarianship
In their day to day work lives, librarians incorporate ethical behavior toward the public in various ways. For instance, one patron comes in and very quietly whispers a request for medical information about HIV aids. From their demeanor it is obvious they do not want their request to be overheard. Or, a teenager requests a book on suicide; a man wants “How to Do Your Own Divorce” forms, and so on. Therapists, MD’s, and others who counsel the public take oaths promising to keep their patients’ information confidential. Librarians also work to treat their public/patrons with high standards as set forth by the ALA. They, too, implement their own agreement/oath as established by the profession in order to “protect the library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality,” (IFM 245).
I was sitting in the dentist chair last week and had the IFM with me. My dentist asked me what it was, and I told him. He had no idea what I was talking about in terms of the connection between IF and libraries/librarians. Onto my soap box I did jump. Well whenever I had a free mouth anyway. In the span of a cleaning and a flouriding, he heard: (a condensed version of) the process of challenging library materials, patrons’ privacy, confidentiality, and so on.
The whole discourse brought me back to Dr. Ball’s, comment about advocacy taking many shapes.
I am proud to say that many of the librarians I know conduct themselves in ethical professionalism on a daily basis.
Ethical behavior of librarians weaves its way into so many areas and is discussed in Moya K. Mason’s article, “The Ethics of Librarianship: Dilemmas Surrounding Libraries, Intellectual Freedom, and Censorship in the Face of Colossal Technological Progression.” Author Mason states: “Librarians often decide the direction that an inquiry will take and therefore it is necessary that librarians continually strive not to let personal judgments interfere with their professional activities.”
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
S554 Blog Posting #3 Floundering
Hello again class. Since we are not yet in the thick of our projects, I will just talk a little about my feelings about last week's class.
First, I appreciated Dr. Ball's comments about the positive aspects of floundering. and struggling during the learning process. She is so right...I am the queen of flounderers (sp?) and strugglers. However, during our last (my first) class, I heard a lot of very intelligent and rapid fire comments. (Not quite what Garfield calls 'snappy patter,'), but enough to be just a tad intimidating. Was anyone else kind of out to sea last Friday or was it just me?
Even though I have taken a couple of project management classes I still get just a little weak in the knees when I think about teams working toward a deadline. In a way it's fun. But then it can also be frustrating and extremely challenging.
Just FYI, I am a pretty good writer/editor in case anyone needs an anal retentive English major- type on their team.
I really like having blogs included in classes..they give you another way to communicate. It's hard to do that in class, and most people do not have a lot of time to get together in a community college setting.
Also, I really liked the Adobe Connect class, but I would imagine having to monitor and control the Connect class would not be as enjoyable as just being a part of it.
First, I appreciated Dr. Ball's comments about the positive aspects of floundering. and struggling during the learning process. She is so right...I am the queen of flounderers (sp?) and strugglers. However, during our last (my first) class, I heard a lot of very intelligent and rapid fire comments. (Not quite what Garfield calls 'snappy patter,'), but enough to be just a tad intimidating. Was anyone else kind of out to sea last Friday or was it just me?
Even though I have taken a couple of project management classes I still get just a little weak in the knees when I think about teams working toward a deadline. In a way it's fun. But then it can also be frustrating and extremely challenging.
Just FYI, I am a pretty good writer/editor in case anyone needs an anal retentive English major- type on their team.
I really like having blogs included in classes..they give you another way to communicate. It's hard to do that in class, and most people do not have a lot of time to get together in a community college setting.
Also, I really liked the Adobe Connect class, but I would imagine having to monitor and control the Connect class would not be as enjoyable as just being a part of it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Maywin's S640 Blog Posting #3
Maywin’s S640 Blog Posting #3
First, unless filtering has undergone a miraculous change and can magically block all things deemed by everyone as pornographic, or at least the ones set down by CIPA, as far as I am concerned, there is no need for filtering.
I think Nancy Kranich makes a good point when she suggests we remember the core values of libraries:
Equity of access
Privacy
Democracy
Diversity
Education
Intellectual Freedom
Service
The author mentions that both pornography and swimming pools are hazardous (dangerous) for children. Teaching children to swim lessens their danger of drowning, but protecting children from pornography or dangerous websites is not quite as simple. However, I get that she is saying education is important in both situations.
Another aspect of filtering that concerns me is where and from whom do libraries get their filtering software?
For example, in the article, “Internet Filtering Companies with Religious Affiliations in the Context of Indiana Public Libraries,” author Rachel Radom talks about how 15.9% of Indiana Public libraries use filtering software provided by conservative religious organizations. (In 2005). This makes me wonder about the status of affiliations between public libraries and filtering in general. Does the acceptance of E-Rate funding mean that libraries have to take what software the government selects for them or do they choose their own?
First, unless filtering has undergone a miraculous change and can magically block all things deemed by everyone as pornographic, or at least the ones set down by CIPA, as far as I am concerned, there is no need for filtering.
I think Nancy Kranich makes a good point when she suggests we remember the core values of libraries:
Equity of access
Privacy
Democracy
Diversity
Education
Intellectual Freedom
Service
The author mentions that both pornography and swimming pools are hazardous (dangerous) for children. Teaching children to swim lessens their danger of drowning, but protecting children from pornography or dangerous websites is not quite as simple. However, I get that she is saying education is important in both situations.
Another aspect of filtering that concerns me is where and from whom do libraries get their filtering software?
For example, in the article, “Internet Filtering Companies with Religious Affiliations in the Context of Indiana Public Libraries,” author Rachel Radom talks about how 15.9% of Indiana Public libraries use filtering software provided by conservative religious organizations. (In 2005). This makes me wonder about the status of affiliations between public libraries and filtering in general. Does the acceptance of E-Rate funding mean that libraries have to take what software the government selects for them or do they choose their own?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Blog Posting #2
Maywin A. Jackson
S554 Blog Posting #2
Due Feb. 6
Hanging around my neighborhood library watching librarians interact with patrons of all ages, shows me that I really need all the current technical help I can get. The next gens, the baby boomers, teens, tweens, all have such different skill sets and needs. For instance, a baby boomer may need help with word processing or spreadsheets; other patrons may need to find an instructional website; or learn how to IM, and of course, gaming is huge. This class offers me much needed challenges from learning how to apply screen captures, to using podcast tools. In addition, building case studies of an integrated library system, developing a project, and evaluating and testing next generation library catalogs, should just about complete a well rounded LIS education. Except, of course, keeping abreast of any and all ongoing changes in technology that need to be learned just nanoseconds after mastering the current ones.
Although each new technical aspect can be very challenging for me, I feel wonderful when I master something new. Also, my grandsons are so impressed with me when I help them with certain things like Word processing and such.
I am in another of Dr. Ball’s classes which covers Intellectual Freedom issues, and I am trying to master recording and embedding a podcast into the class wiki.
As I improve my skill set, I have been able to help other seniors get comfortable with techy things so they can also be a part of today’s technology either through online communications or in using Excel, Access, or Powerpoint.
S554 Blog Posting #2
Due Feb. 6
Hanging around my neighborhood library watching librarians interact with patrons of all ages, shows me that I really need all the current technical help I can get. The next gens, the baby boomers, teens, tweens, all have such different skill sets and needs. For instance, a baby boomer may need help with word processing or spreadsheets; other patrons may need to find an instructional website; or learn how to IM, and of course, gaming is huge. This class offers me much needed challenges from learning how to apply screen captures, to using podcast tools. In addition, building case studies of an integrated library system, developing a project, and evaluating and testing next generation library catalogs, should just about complete a well rounded LIS education. Except, of course, keeping abreast of any and all ongoing changes in technology that need to be learned just nanoseconds after mastering the current ones.
Although each new technical aspect can be very challenging for me, I feel wonderful when I master something new. Also, my grandsons are so impressed with me when I help them with certain things like Word processing and such.
I am in another of Dr. Ball’s classes which covers Intellectual Freedom issues, and I am trying to master recording and embedding a podcast into the class wiki.
As I improve my skill set, I have been able to help other seniors get comfortable with techy things so they can also be a part of today’s technology either through online communications or in using Excel, Access, or Powerpoint.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
S640 Blog Posting #2
Maywin Jackson/Blog Posting #2
Current Stem Cell News
First, I want to make sure everyone knows I am not using this article as a platform for my beliefs about stem cell research. This topic has been chosen to illustrate an example of how censorship takes many forms.
In anticipation that President Obama will relax stem cell legislation, “the Food and Drug Administration” cleared Geron (privately funded) Corporation's application to conduct early-stage clinical trials on its stem-cell based therapy, aimed at treating severe spinal cord injuries.” ( MSN). And, related stocks are rising based on the possibility of such legislative changes.
In regards to this particular legislation, we can find past examples of IF abuse (or science censorship), enacted by President G.W. Bush. The controversial issue of Human embryonic stem cell research (hESC) was acted upon by President Bush in the early part of his first term.
This president took (illegal) actions to quickly rule that the U.S. government determined stem cell research as neither moral nor ethically legal. These illegal legislative actions were:
1. His policy decision to disallow funding of (hESC) research was not vetted through the Administrative Procedure Act’s regulation- creation process.
2. His decision was not embodied in an executive order.
3. Congress never voted on the decision.
My reaction to Bush’s stifling and mishandling of the funded stem cell research is varied; however, I am adamant in that I believe no government official should be allowed to ignore due process or practice censorship in any way.
Current Stem Cell News
First, I want to make sure everyone knows I am not using this article as a platform for my beliefs about stem cell research. This topic has been chosen to illustrate an example of how censorship takes many forms.
In anticipation that President Obama will relax stem cell legislation, “the Food and Drug Administration” cleared Geron (privately funded) Corporation's application to conduct early-stage clinical trials on its stem-cell based therapy, aimed at treating severe spinal cord injuries.” ( MSN). And, related stocks are rising based on the possibility of such legislative changes.
In regards to this particular legislation, we can find past examples of IF abuse (or science censorship), enacted by President G.W. Bush. The controversial issue of Human embryonic stem cell research (hESC) was acted upon by President Bush in the early part of his first term.
This president took (illegal) actions to quickly rule that the U.S. government determined stem cell research as neither moral nor ethically legal. These illegal legislative actions were:
1. His policy decision to disallow funding of (hESC) research was not vetted through the Administrative Procedure Act’s regulation- creation process.
2. His decision was not embodied in an executive order.
3. Congress never voted on the decision.
My reaction to Bush’s stifling and mishandling of the funded stem cell research is varied; however, I am adamant in that I believe no government official should be allowed to ignore due process or practice censorship in any way.
Friday, January 23, 2009
S554 Maywin's Blog Posting #1
Working with technology
I have a love/hate relationship with technology. The love part encompasses all good things related to technology such as email, social networks, instant messaging, and now, blogging, rss, and wikis.
The hate part is what I am experiencing now which is how slow I am in acquiring the technical abilities and skills necessary to participate in wiki and blogging technology. For instance, I am learning three techie things this semester: 1. How to blog 2. How to podcast 3. How to wiki. (So far, just the technical aspects needed for course work are a big challenge for me.)
These challenges are helping me realize how necessary it is for professional librarians to be both up to date and experienced in every aspect of the ongoing nature of changing technology. This experience is necessary in order for librarians to best serve their public. I am looking forward to teamwork in this class, because most teams I have worked on (via SLIS courses) have been wonderful and helpful learning tools.
I have a love/hate relationship with technology. The love part encompasses all good things related to technology such as email, social networks, instant messaging, and now, blogging, rss, and wikis.
The hate part is what I am experiencing now which is how slow I am in acquiring the technical abilities and skills necessary to participate in wiki and blogging technology. For instance, I am learning three techie things this semester: 1. How to blog 2. How to podcast 3. How to wiki. (So far, just the technical aspects needed for course work are a big challenge for me.)
These challenges are helping me realize how necessary it is for professional librarians to be both up to date and experienced in every aspect of the ongoing nature of changing technology. This experience is necessary in order for librarians to best serve their public. I am looking forward to teamwork in this class, because most teams I have worked on (via SLIS courses) have been wonderful and helpful learning tools.
Maywin's S640 Blog Posting #1
S 640 Blog Posting # 1/Reaction to a current IF news item.
(I have already submitted this posting to Oncourse using another Blog site.) I have returned to Blogger so I will just resubmit this then will use Blogger from now on.
Disclaimer: I am not using this website as an example of my opinion of the current situation in Gaza.
There are so many IF issues out there, but one thing came to mind as I scrolled through both ALA and online sites. After selecting the current Gaza situation, and including news censorship as a search subject, I noticed a topic consistent with most websites I read through, (regardless of their support for one side or the other,) which was that U.S. news coverage was either limited/nonexistent, or biased toward the Israeli point of view.
With this in mind, I decided to select, at random, one website that used this topic to represent the large number of websites with the same opinion.
I found the If Americans Knew.org website, from which one author (among many) states: “we are attempting to fill in the many important news items – most of them about incidents in the Palestinian territories – that are not available in the U.S. media. “
My reaction to this statement, (whether or not it is a fact), resulted in my question: In reporting the news, is omission of certain facts also a form of censorship?
(I have already submitted this posting to Oncourse using another Blog site.) I have returned to Blogger so I will just resubmit this then will use Blogger from now on.
Disclaimer: I am not using this website as an example of my opinion of the current situation in Gaza.
There are so many IF issues out there, but one thing came to mind as I scrolled through both ALA and online sites. After selecting the current Gaza situation, and including news censorship as a search subject, I noticed a topic consistent with most websites I read through, (regardless of their support for one side or the other,) which was that U.S. news coverage was either limited/nonexistent, or biased toward the Israeli point of view.
With this in mind, I decided to select, at random, one website that used this topic to represent the large number of websites with the same opinion.
I found the If Americans Knew.org website, from which one author (among many) states: “we are attempting to fill in the many important news items – most of them about incidents in the Palestinian territories – that are not available in the U.S. media. “
My reaction to this statement, (whether or not it is a fact), resulted in my question: In reporting the news, is omission of certain facts also a form of censorship?
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