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!!!!!!!!!!!

Articles to Read, a LS 502 post

I found these last night:

Altman, Micah, Margaret O. Adams, Jonathan Crabtree, Darrell Donakowski, Marc Maynard, Amy Pienta, and Copeland H. Young. "Digital Preservation through Archival Collaboration: The Data Preservation Alliance for the Social Sciences." The American Archivist 72, no. 1 (2009): 170-84. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/40294601.

 Greenstein, Shane. "Tape Story Tapestry: Historical Research with Inaccessible Digital Information Technologies." The Midwestern Archivist 15, no. 2 (1990): 77-85. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/41101771.

The second looks promising since it is talking along the same lines that I am thinking. Breathing a little easier now.

Insane Robot Dancer Looks A Little Too Robotic

I love the fact that he is dancing as Wall*E!

More Readings and Thoughts, a LS 502 post

Deals with videos, but has the similar concepts Digital Video Preservation and Oral History, could be used for lit review.

Very useful: Collection Management Systems: Tools for Managing Oral History Collections, also could be used for lit review.

I feel like the information is out there, but I don't know where to look. But right now - focus on find tuning and organizing what I have so my thoughts are clearer.

Short and to the point.

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! ;)

Musings on Research, a LS 502 post

I think that for my research there are two areas to consider: technology changes and natural disasters. These two things have a huge impact on archives.

This was an interesting read: (Theimer, Kate. "What Is the Meaning of Archives 2.0?" The American Archivist 74, no. 1 (2011): 58-68. http://www.jstor.org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/stable/23079001.) that I'm filing away. I don't know if I will use it, but it's here.

In talking with my supervisor at work I learned that an archive practices boxing up their collection into trucks and moving them away when major storms hit. I wonder if there is a virtual version of that?

Hurricane Katrina and Oral History, a LS 502 post

Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent memory. I found this article:

Sloan, Stephen. "Oral History and Hurricane Katrina: Reflections on Shouts and Silences." The Oral History Review 35, no. 2 (2008): 176-86.

Which talked about the impact of Hurricane Katrina told through oral history and how it was collected. It struck me at how a moment of someone's life in extreme pain was captured  to be reviewed at a later date years down the line. It's today's version of personal diaries from the past.

It's something to think about as I research.

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.

Breath In, Breath Out

There is a that tired feeling one gets when one has had enough. Some people call it burn out, others call it world weariness. Of the two, I think I am somewhere in between. It is a surreal sense of being alone in an overcrowded room with all the shouts and noise muffled in your own mind.

I do not really need a life line, just some prayers, positive thoughts, and so forth. Intercessory prayers with these guys would be very much appreciated.

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!

Here We Go, Again

Guess what?!

Youth Group is starting up again, and I've been asked to help out again. I truly do enjoy teaching the kids every week some random tidbit of the Catholic faith. So if you see me rubbing my hand maniacally in the background with a insane cackle, just move along.

This year a few things are different. Instead of the High School and Middle School being separate they are going to meet together for food and talk then break down into groups for small group discussions. Also the kids are going to be in 'houses' a la 'Harry Potter' style, named after different Saints, such as St Maria Goretti, St Faustina Kowalska, St Maximilian Kolbe, and St Thomas Aquinas. Each house has a head, and I'm going to be head of the Aquinas House. It will be interesting to see how the kids adapt to the changes.

However it goes, it will be a lot of fun.

St John Bosco, Patron of Youth Ministries, Ora pro nobis

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!!

Useful Articles, a LS 502 Post

I forgot to mention that the journaling for my research class is going to be a bi-weekly posting. Thus another post this week! (Much better than I usually do with this blog.) Just to let you know, these may appear to be random - but, there is a madness to my method.

Over the past few days I have mostly been looking at online articles to get an idea of which direction I want to take my research.

Articles/Posts (that tickled my fancy):
Smithsonian Oral History Collection (What they have in their collection)
Assistive Technology Oral History Project
How Digital Technology Has Changed Oral History
Digital Omnium
List of All Oral Histories (ETHW)
Oral History in the Digital Age

Down into the Depths of Research, A LS 502 Post

Breath in, breath out.

I survived summer classes, but I now start the class that ellicits cringes from all that I have told I'm talking - Research Methods. All those cringes did not help my confidence in regards to this class. But I like to learn new things and explore the unknown.

As part of the class we must do journalling to aid in our research, so now will begin the random entries of research ideas, posts, and articles that peak my interest in areas I would like to research.

Today I was transferred to the Genealogical and Historical Room of my library's system; it houses a lot of local history objects and a wide variety of genealogical research (so if you're interested in joining groups like Daughters of the American Revolution or Sons of the Confederacy, drop in for a visit and find that family member). I am very interested in archives and the role they play in the community in terms of identity. I also love the role of the storyteller in society, how they weave tells of heroes, journeys, and life into ways that touch us personally. There have been many times I have found myself listening to the tales of others; things that their grandparents did in World War II, what happen when they were caught in a flood ending up rowing up the Ocmulgee River, or the story of how they met the love of their life.

There are stories that cannot just be written down and read; some stories have to be told and listen to. But how to we collect and preserve the oral stories of our community? What are the methods available? How to we brace for the changes in technology so things are lost in conversions?

Breath in, breath out.

Here I go.

Take a Gander, a cross posting

Check out my review of 'The Geeky Chef Cookbook' over on the Catholic Geeks blog called 'A Taste of Fandom'.