Random Musings for LS 566

Random thought process - GO!

How does one name the publisher of a digital-born object?

For a book it's easy - look at the title or title verso and it's usually listed there. But a digital-born object like a digital scanned photograph does not have a title or title verso page. Cue the 'hmmmmm' and thinking induced chin stroking. According the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, the publisher is "[a]n entity responsible for making the resource available."

I thinking..............

So how is a digital photograph made available? My first thought was it can't be the photographer because he made/took the picture so that person is more along the lines of creator. My next thought was, well who handles the upkeep of the digital photograph? Electronic things to not react well to benign neglect like many physical objects do.The entity that hosts the digital photograph is the one that makes it available for people to view. So we could  make a case that they are the publisher.

Does that make sense? I think it does.

Almost There, a LS 502 Post

Almost there!!!

So close to the end and so close to finishing my conference proposal. I have learned a lot this semester in regards to the technical process of research. I had not realized the extend of preparation needed before it even starts. Literature Reviews were completely new to me and the process of explaining exactly how you intend to go about collecting your data was presented to me in a completely new angle. I just have to review over what I have, edit it, turn it in, discuss about it in class and then I'll be completely done!

Yay Learning!!!

With all the work I've put into this research idea I may keep it for a future directed study. I've learned a lot about digital archives and the process of digital preservation.

I feel like singing, but since I'm not that good at it, I'll let the professionals sing!!!

 

Deja Vu, a LS 502 post

In writing my conference proposal I feel like I'm repeating myself. Which is entirely true since I'm doing mini-versions of my literature review, problem statement, and methodology in under 2,000 words. I feel like there is so much to say, but not enough words to express it clearly. I hope nothing comes across too choppy or muddled.

So much to juggle with the upcoming holiday and this final paper. Welcome to Real Life.

Whittling, a LS 502 Post

My dad is always telling me to stop writing my papers like a novel. I just hate it when very interesting things sound dry, boring, and dull. My challenge now is to whittle away at everything to fit into the 2,000 word maximum for my conference proposal.

With that 2,000 word ceiling I will be going into this with this question in mind: What is the highlight and what is explanation? I think that this is the best course of action for this assignment.

Now excuse me while I find a machete to hack and slash at my papers.

Done-ish, a LS 502 Post

I have reached that lovely point in which if I wrote anymore on my methodology paper I will start becoming overtly redundant. I am hoping that my sample section is not going to come back and kick me down, but I honestly could not think of any other way of doing it. So, after a final look over I have turned it in. I did get my grade for my literature review today, so I was able to make adjustments based on that before turning it in.

Now, I am going to try to find examples of conference proposals so I know how to set up my own and make it as professional as possible.

Look at me - I'm learning!

While I haven't quite tossed in the one ring into Mount Doom, I have at least crossed the Black Gate into Mordor. All that's left now is my conference proposal, then the end is in sight.

Writing Woes, a LS 502 Post

This may or may not be me right now.
Pre-coffee

On this early Saturday morning I am preparing to write the bulk of my methodology. I have my notes, points I want to make, and a list of terms I am most likely going to use. I usually don't wait to write my papers this late, but I'm in a completely new territory with this paper. I'm not just starting it now, as evident of the pile of note sitting next to my computer (I feel like they're mocking me right now), but I am repeated double checking to make sure I am covering all my points and that I'm conveying what I want to say, so I feel like I've waited til the last possible minute. My biggest problem is that I know what I want to say but finding the proper technical term to describe it is hard. I had that same problem in geometry, I could describe to you the theorems and laws correctly, but ask me the names to those theorems and laws you will get a chorus of crickets chirps and me beating my head on a desk.

Plan of Attack, a LS 502 Post

After talking with people who are vastly more experienced than me in the realms of research, I have come to form a bit of an attack plan for my methodology.

For my sample, a convenience sample may work best. Convenience sampling (a.k.a. availability sampling) is a specific type of non-probability sampling method that relies on data collection from population members who are conveniently available to participate in study. I am also looking at possibly doing a user survey for digital archives to figure out what needs to be focused on in knowing what type of access method or other issues need to be focused on. The users I have in mind would be young students, the more tech savvy youth, who will most likely the main users of digital archives down the line.

I hope this works.

It Be Done, a LS 502 Post

The lit review is finished.

Breath in, breath out.

I will say that after doing the lit review I have a better grasp on the research process. It is becoming more tangible in my head and not just some high ideal found in Plato's cave. 

Next up on the list is methodology. I have no shame in admitting that is a little (well, maybe a lot) overwhelming.  Off the cuff, right now, I do not think my original thought of simple surveys and interviews to collect data will change much. However that does not really mean that it is set in stone.

I'll go over my lit review one more time before turning it in tomorrow when I'm more awake.

Writing, Right?, a LS 502 Post

Ok, so all of my notes are written up and I have a fairly certain idea of what exactly I'm going to write. That's the good news, the bad news is I'm coming down with something that is making everything sluggish in thought and movement. In that light I am very thankful for the four day extension given by my professor. So the lit review is now due on Saturday as appose to tomorrow.

In other news, I found an interesting article that gives a fantastic overview about what exactly should be involved in a digital preservation program. While it's not a research article, I'm using it in my review to say 'here's an idea, what can we do with it'. I do have the five required research articles so I think I am doing alright.

I usually write everything out by hand before typing it out. Yes it does take a little bit longer, but it helps the flow of thoughts and what I'm writing makes more sense to me.

Almost there - I hope!

My Own Fault, a LS 502 Post

I am in my current pickle for not really reading my articles thoroughly enough. While I am finding a lot of articles dealing with oral history, there not so much out there in terms of research in how to preserve it. But my idea of shift my focus to a more broader scope has helped tremendously.

To write this I am taking a similar method I used when writing my thesis for my B.A.; figure out what areas I want to cover, then as I read the articles make notes under each section. It helps me organize my thoughts and the setup of my paper.

So with a freshly made batch of french-pressed coffee I go into the unknown for my literature review!!!

Blue Screen of Death, a LS 502 post

You know that sickening feeling you get in your gut when your computer gives yo the blue screen of death?

That has happen to me twice with my computers so I really know how that feels. Well I got that feeling when I was going over my articles I've collected and something clicked in my head when I realized something. I have not been looking at research articles. The articles I've been looking at have been in regards to explaining what oral history is in relation to the archives. I feel really stupid for this lapse of judgement. I may have one or two I could use, but I feel like I'm back at square one with the final countdown yelling at me.

Gggrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!

Process of Collecting Data, a LS 502 post

So my internet cut out on me towards the end of class and by the time it came back up class was over. Fear not - I have been caught up by my wonderful classmates about what I missed and I await eagerly for the recording.

With learning about survey fatigue, I wondered how I would set up a survey for my research on protecting oral histories. I probably would not ask too many demographic questions, maybe ask how many years working with archives. Also tally frequency of updates, computer operating system, computer program, method of recording. But I think this research lends itself more for the interview format, talking one on one with archivists and anyone else who handles oral histories.

I'm wondering if there is any way for bias to creep into my mindset with this, but I honestly can't think how one could be bias with procedures. Well, besides the 'my methods' are better than yours' mindset. I shall ponder away at this.

Prep for the Lit Review, a LS 502 post

As I edge closer to finishing my article analysis (so close yet so far!), I now have a good example of a literature review, thus have a pretty good idea of what to do. I am think I need about six articles, at least, to meet the page requirement. I am going to go over things that I've read thus far to see what will work. I think the articles by Thomas Charlton, Committee on Oral History, Suzanna Conrad, and Kate Theimer that I've cited before will be a good place to start.

I think by the end of this St Joseph Cupertino will get tried of hearing me petitioning to him! ;)

A Thought on the Weather, a LS502 Post

As I was driving through a particularly heavy rain storm, a thought occurred. Oddly enough there was a flash of lighting that accompanied it. What do Archives do during severe weather? Those areas prone to flooding, hurricanes, and so forth; they must have a plan on what to do.

I think this would lend itself to my research idea. When you think about its both about being prepared for the expected.

Another thing to add to my 'to-do' list for my research.

To quote someone, somewhere - 'Expect the Unexpected!'

More Reading, A LS 502 post

More reading to examine:
ALA Oral History Resources

From JSTOR:
Charlton, Thomas L. "Videotaped Oral Histories: Problems and Prospects." The American Archivist 47, no. 3 (1984): 228-36. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/40292673.

 Committee on Oral History of the Society of American Archivists. "Oral History and Archivists: Some Questions to Ask." The American Archivist 36, no. 3 (1973): 361-65. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/40291513.

Morrissey, Charles T. "Beyond Oral Evidence: Speaking (Con)Strictly about Oral History." Archival Issues 17, no. 2 (1992): 89-94. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/41101827.

 Conrad, Suzanna. "Analog, The Sequel: An Analysis of Current Film Archiving Practice and Hesitance to Embrace Digital Preservation." Archival Issues 34, no. 1 (2012): 27-43. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/41756160.

Now You See - Wait, a LS 502 post

"And then, last week, it all vanished without warning."

The quote sounds like it's taken from the beginning of a scary story that causes the hair to rise up on the backs of necks, but it is actually taken from this article that my supervisor emailed me today. While it is not about oral histories per se but it does illustrate rather closely what I am looking into. The article is about the Milwaukee"s Online Newspaper Archives and how they were here yesterday and gone today without any warning whatsoever. So whatever research was depended on that online collection is now in a pickle. The article goes on about the logistics of online indexing and paid versus free online services.

Could this transition of this archive been handled better, especially in regard to the users who ? Maybe. It does illustrate the fragile nature of digital services if we are not careful.

Other Fields, a LS 502 Post

As per suggestion of my professor, I am looking at other fields (a.k.a. not Library Science) to see they handle keeping up with technological changes. I will most likely take a glance at other research heavy fields, maybe medical science (since that's an area that really cannot avoid tech. changes), or history (since they benefit from tech. advances). I don't know, really - I'm getting really deep into the unknown here and I think I need something more than little yellow floaties to stay above water.

Other reflection - there is something about the storyteller that cannot be replaced by anything else. In their stories they give us a peek from within their world and we gain a better understanding of their point of view. Story Corps is a wonderful modern day example of storytellers. Check them out!

Irksome Problem, a LS 502 post

In my pursuing of the wondrous realm of JSTOR I am finding interesting articles in regards to oral history in archives. I've enjoyed reading them, but I have one small issue:

Not many deal with changing technology or the procedure to deal with it. Just mostly suggestions of updating every two to five years.

OK, so maybe not a small issue. But let us not view this as a issue but a challenge to make me think. Yeah - I'll go with that. So I will have to look at procedures that some archives have published dealing with adapting the archive collection to technology and the technology most likely used by the users, and see if that will not lead itself to an update procedure. I'm also going to see if anyone has published any books on the subject.

Ready, set, . . .  RESEARCH!!!

Ponders and Wonders, a LS 502 post

The mind ponders and wonders

A few brainstorming ideas I have in regards to preserving oral history (or any archive object in general):
Is there a procedure on what to do when the technology the data is stored on changes?
Is there a standard to follow with changing technology?

This area is where my mind is keeps wondering towards, so I think this will be my research focus for this class.

Most of the stuff I'm finding deals with updating archives in dealing with technology like scanners and cameras. But nothing really on what to do when that computer you have in the back archives is not compatible with the scanner or printer right next to it.

Random articles to ponder over:
Taking a Byte Out of the Archives: Making Technology Work for You
Preserving Oral History Recordings (from down under)

I think I'm still breathing calmly . . . I think.

The Idea Emerges, a LS 502 post

"Madness does not come by breaking out, but by giving in; by settling down in some dirty, little, self-repeating circle of ideas; by being tamed."
--G.K. Chesterton, Manalive

I have mentioned I'm a little freak out over my Research Methods class? I've done research before for my undergraduate degree, but I can't help but feel that I'm a little out of my depth.

But the Muse has struck!

As I was weeding a collection in the branch library I worked before my transfer, I found a book on Windows 3.1, complete with floppy disks. Now, when I say floppy disks, I mean floppy disks.

For your viewing pleasure:

Note: Advance claim no longer valid.

It struck me that there are people who probably never seen an actual floppy disk in there life. I remember explaining a floppy disk to a friend of mine who is only a few years younger than me and she gave me a confused look. So the thought in my mind is if there are no machines that can read these storage device how can we recover the information that is on there. The door is now locked, never to be open because we have lost the key.

So, with this class I want to look into how do archives make sure that the information, like recordings of oral history, that is saved on computers is not lost because of changes in technology.

I refused to be tamed!!