Wikipedia article about networks that exist on a small scale. Used initially for sharing expensive items like printers and disk space, now help in high speed transfers of information. This type of network is basically seen everywhere now, and most people deal with it daily, sometimes without even realizing it. Libraries will obviously have this type of network set up, assists in the faster transfer of information and helping better serve our patrons.
Computer Network-
This wikipedia article looks into the aspects of computer networks. A very self-explanatory title, computer networks are computers networked together. I knew that there were wired and wireless networks, as the article first explains, what I did not realize was the wide variety of computer networks that existed. Local Area Networks are just one of a wide variety of networks that can be created among computers. There is such a wide variety of options for how to connect not only the computers that exist locally but to also be able to connect globally is impressive. I was especially please by the color coated chart of a library network that was in the article.
Common Types of Computer Networks-
While the first two wikipedia articles did not confuse me that much, it was nice to be able to watch a video that explained exactly what was what. It was brief and to the point, but I appreciated the clarification that it gave me.
Management of RFID in libraries-
This article is about the use of radio frequency identification tags in library books instead of barcodes. While in principle the same concept, a system dedicated to identifying what items are being checked in and out of the library, there still are questions and hesitations surrounding its use. While it could ease the burdens on librarians, making inventorying processes easier, for example, there are a whole range of security issues and cost. I feel that just like libraries have had to deal with the influx of new technology, so will we have o deal with the upgrading of our systems to match. We have moved from card catalogs to online catalogs, and if the technology is there, which it obviously is, then it is time to start the upgrades in our barcode systems as well.
I agree with your last comment regarding RFID technology and how libraries will have to embrace changing technology. I think that it could be really beneficial to use RFID tags in libraries and hopefully enough research will be done about the issue in order for some libraries to convert to the tags with minimal problems.
ReplyDeleteRFID technology can be a great benefit to libraries. A lot of the security concerns, I feel, always come up with new technologies. It takes time for people to trust it.
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