Management of RFID in Libraries, by Karen Coyle
Coyle has done an excellent job at making a case for future forward librarianship. I appreciate her questions "what is the motivation for libraries to embrace new technologies?" This is an essential question being asked across libraries and by the spectrum of library staff. However, I felt that Coyle's article could have used a brief description of what an RFID device is and does. She references two great articles, but left the reader in the dark. I had a vague notion that was eventually proven correct about three quarters of the way through the article. If Coyle is truly making a case for techno-progressive librarianship, then she could at least illuminate the less tech-savvy readers.
As mentioned in the article, there are several implications to attaching an RFID tag to library materials. What Coyle seems to suggest is that library efficiency will increase as a result of adopting this tracking -slash- security device, partially because of decreased human time spent checking books in and out. She asserts that this could be a positive and beneficial side effect for human staff and judges that checking materials in and out and be "mind numbingly dull."
Now, more than ever, libraries need to be community spaces where people are connected to the information they seek by other people. If an RFID tag and barcode combination are going to be the the end user's interaction with the library, why not stay in the comfort of their home and buy the book online? People need library clerks, pages, and librarians. Human interaction is an essential part of what the library has to offer. I worry that as we adopt more and more technologies, the fundamental human element will be lost in translation.
Computer Network - Wikipedia
Sometimes I get lost in imagining the different kinds of overlapping circles that connect different points, places, and people. This article was helpful at refreshing some basic ideas related to computer networks. While I don't think I will ever become an expert at how different computers are linked and the way that the processes truly operate, I recognize it's importance, especially at a fundamental troubleshooting level. I anticipate working in a public library and it will be highly advantageous to understand how our computers are connected and protected without constantly relying on tech support.
My favourite part of this article was about IP over Avian Carriers. It's interesting that once again, our bird friends capable of performing communicative functions between humans!
Local Area Network - Wikipedia
Building upon my comments from reading the Computer Network article, I believe that understanding the functions of my organizations LAN will be essential for helping patrons and fellow staff. I'm also curious to know how the concept of local area networks are going to change, evolve, and grow with the continued proliferation of smart phone and tablet technologies, as well as other devices which rely heavily on wireless internet for their use. Will books - or other printed media - begin to be equipped with tiny chips to connect them to different networks, thus becoming interactive?
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