Reading Assignment #6
Local Area Network: Pretty simple article to understand and helped my understanding of how this all works.
--Xerox was involved in the mid 70’s but I am surprised that they aren’t mentioned more in terms of computer development over the years. Almost of us know them for is copiers kinda sad when you think about it.
--I was interested to see that Microsoft isn’t more prominent in this field. With all of the things that they do you’d think they would be, and to find out that their foray into the L-A-N arena wasn’t that successful.
--I remember when I was in Seminary and all the apartments and dorms were wired with Ethernet cables. That was a big deal that we were all wired and could work on projects and research together. Yes we also played a lot of on-line games as well.
Computer Network: Much like the previous article.
--Our library uses a wireless network. Can’t count the number of times we have had to help students log in because of a lap-top issue that they had.
--Had no idea that there were that many different types of area networks. Global Area Network was the one that caught my attention. Sounds like it could be difficult to keep operating with all the things that could go wrong.
--For some reason I am not too surprised that the Government was involved in the Internet’s creation.
--I now understand how my router works thanks to this article. Hey I am an average computer user I plug in the equipment and I want it to work as it should…no more, no less.
You-Tube video: Summarized everything I had read very nicely, and I liked the fact that the Gentleman presenting the video didn’t make me feel like he was talking down to me.
RFID Article: I have had no experience with RFIDs but reading about them was interesting.
--Why is it when I hear about something like this and the FDA I always get a little nervous?
--RFIDs sound like they would make shelf reading a whole lot easier to do.
--A concern of mine in getting something like this set up is the trial and error that would probably go in the early stages of this. I mean the barcodes that are used I remember when we first went to them at a library I worked at and to say it was a learning experience is an understatement. However I can’t imagine ever going back to a stamp and library due-date slip.
--As I read this I realized that the cost for a system like this must be unreal.
--I am sure though that if more libraries adopt this system that the vendors will find a way to make this system more “user-friendly” for DVDs & CDs & magazine articles.
Muddy Question: Why did the author feel the need to tell us how it is possible to beat an RFID tag? That isn't exactly a good idea.
Blogs where I have posted:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4181925387762663697&postID=2484512840620987532&page=1
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1129785935180596689&postID=7650461811986294684&page=1
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4527425204800506090&postID=9024962617698144764&page=1
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1475137707322366107&postID=8624094078636163671&page=1
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1491308052360981630&postID=107352555931312506&page=1
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12 comments:
Re: the muddy question, I think he did that because people who want to steal library materials are going to find a way to steal no matter what we do, so we may as well know how they did it. A bit cyncical, but then again I have a "Brinks Home Security" sign outside my house even though I'm not signed up with them.
Jake,
Cynical? Maybe...a lot of truth in what you are saying...yeah I can buy that.
In regards to your muddiest point, I agree with Jake that people wanting to steal from libraries will always rise to the challenge.
I am curious about how much the RFID would facilitate shelf reading. I am a huge proponent of shelf reading. Library staff that can, in slow times, separate themselves from the tendency to stand around yakking with others to shelf read earn my utmost respect.
Its just one of those crucial but often neglected library things. Will this technology really help people become motivated to shelf read though? It seems to me that it is important to like to shelf read to do it well and thorough...
To add to Jake's point, there are probably a dozen other sources of information on how to steal from libraries. He was merely repeating something that was already out there.
To respond to your comment about microchips, I think it is fairly common for dogs to have microchips... at least it is among the dog-owners I know. I will say that it was not our decision. Our pets were already implanted before we got them, but I appreciate that they have it.
I thought the same as you--really, is it necessary to tell people how to steal material from a library? I know, there are other ways for them to find out how to beat the system, but why be a contributor to that delinquency? I do, however, believe that RFID tags could be a great thing--once we get the cost down, and figure out how best to utilize their potential. If they could truly help with multiple things (security, shelf-reading?, etc), then it sounds very promising.
I think RFID technology for shelf reading has the potential to save library staff a lot of time, but like you I wonder what the financial/labor costs would be to ensure every book has an RFID tag and how much of a wrench would be thrown in if a patron rips the RFID tag out not knowing what it is...
So many libraries are still using due date slips though! I actually miss them--think about how much more convenient it is to thumb to the back of the book and see when it's due back versus having to log in online to find that same information. Yes, you can do the internet log in from anywhere versus having to be physically present with the material to see the due date slip, but when you consider all the things that go regularly wrong with the internet (especially if you only have it at home, not at work and/or school too) it makes me wonder if libraries who still use due date slips haven't got the right idea in sticking to their (due date) guns.
Like a few have mentioned, if someone wants to steal something they will find a way, knowing how they can gives you a way of identifying the behavior. I was a police officer and one of the best things to do when looking a vulnerabilities is to "think like a crook." It sounds silly, but is effective.
bkd10,
What you said doesn't sound silly...it sounds very logical..can't fault you for that.
Well, as librarians, if we see someone walk in with a roll of tin foil--we now know exactly what they're up to. And that's why information can be fun.
I think the reason why the author said that it s possible to beat the RFID is to let everyone know that no system is really foolproof. I might trust people a little too much and thnik to myself, "Why would anyone steal something from a place that offers it for free for a few weeks?" but that is just me. I someone really wants to take something they are going to devise a way to do it.
Maggie,
LOL....I like that point.
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