Week 6 Notes

Local Area Network (Wikipedia)

The Wikipedia article was a great general explanation of a local area network (LAN).  It was helpful in describing the use of, the history, and the technical aspects of a LAN.  I learned that LAN was more for smaller, limited areas such as your home or school or office building (one or a couple in close proximity of each other).  It was interesting to read that LAN was only really established in the late 1970s, so therefore has only been around 35 to 40 years of existence.  Also, it was explained which cables were used for connection and how Ethernet and Wi-Fi are the most popular now, over twisted pair cable.  Since, I understood all the terminology, the article was very easy to follow and a nice read. 

Computer Network (Wikipedia)

A computer network help facilitates communication among users.  In the Wikipedia article the numerous components of a computer network is explained.  Firstly, the article describes the four purposes of computer networks, which are communication, sharing hardware, sharing files, data and information, and to share software.  Then connection methods and types of networks follow.  Learning about the different types, was the most enjoyable aspect of the article.  From LAN to GAN I finally understood the range of each type and learned interesting facts such as the internet is an example of a Global Area Network and a Wide Area Network spans not only a city, but could span a country or even intercontinental distances.  Lastly, hardware components such as repeaters, hubs, and routers were described.  The article in a whole was very detailed and helpful in expanding my knowledge on terms I was familiar with. 

Common Types of Computer Networks (YouTube Video)

The YouTube video by Relativity, narrated by CEO Frank J. Klein, was a wonderful short quick summery of the types of computer networks.  I wouldn’t recommend the video if you are trying to learn in depth details of the different types, but it was nice to learn by just listening rather than reading. 

“Management of RFID in Libraries” by Karen Coyle (Journal of Academic Librarianship)

This journal article was an educational summary of the definition of RFID and how this technology can affect and impact libraries.  RFID is a radio frequency identifier that consists of a computer chip that can be attached or printed on paper.  It is similar to a barcode, but uses an electro-magnetic field to be read.  It can also contain more information than a barcode, which is a benefit within the library system.  With supplying more information on the book that is attached to the RFID tag, the library can acquire more knowledge on the circulation of the book.  Also, the benefits of using an RFID tags are the advancement in inventory tracking, an anti-theft security mechanism, and the ability to check out a stack of books at once.  However, with these benefits also come disadvantages.  Coyle reveals that one can dupe the RFID tag by placing a piece of aluminum over it or by simply removing it, since most tags are attached just on the inside of the book.  Also, with this new technology and the invention of self-checkout, there will be a decrease in the need for a circulation staff.  It is hard to deny the pros to RFID tags, but I would never agree with the cut of staff or jobs.  I still feel that man to man contact is needed and important to library checkout, just for the fact that if the patron needs to ask a question, a machine cannot verbalize or explain the answer.