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Introduction to Readings The readings this time are focused on a different class of computerized information systems: on-line information systems and digital libraries. These systems fit much more into the "library and information science" concept of information than the business-oriented "information systems" concept -- though they certainly have a place in business. Most of the material in chapter 4 of the textbook (assigned last week) is also related to this topic. So start with that, if you have not already read it carefully. Then read the chapter by Chu. That is a slightly dry article, but gives a food introduction to the range of current information retrieval technologies and compares them to each other. Make sure you know what CD-ROMS, OPACS and the different kind of Internet systems discussed are. The article also discusses search engines, which we will be looking at in detail next week. For this week, you only need to read as far as page 130. Then read Wolf's article from Wired about current digital public library efforts, including Amazon's "search inside the book", and the Internet Archive. Make sure you know the basic objectives and methods of each project. This article draws attention to the many on-line projects being launched from outside the traditional library field. Discussion Questions 1) According to the textbook (ch. 4), what is "metadata" and why is it important? 2) After reading the chapter by Chu, what are do you think are the key features of each of the following for information retrieval. Include both strengths and weaknesses.
3) The textbook also discusses digital library efforts. What are the advantages of digital libraries over traditional libraries? What are some potential disadvantages (use common sense to answer this, and read the part of the chapter about preservation issues)? 4) After reading the article by Wolf, what are the key features of each of the following projects
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