Socially Awkward

I realize this is a little after everything was due, but I wanted to add a few words of reflection after I had a day to recover from all the school madness! I just wanted to say that this class has been one of my favorites at Dominican. I was a little uncertain about taking this class, because I thought, I use Facebook, I have a Twitter account, what else do I really need to know about social networking? But I can’t believe how this class has opened my eyes. First, to all the tools that are out there to use! From Animoto, to Prezi, to Carmun, I just can’t believe how many new things I want to try! And Second Life, which seemed so foreign and, well, weird to me is now something that I can’t wait to jump into. Every time we had a class, I felt like I learned something new, and something useful. I think it’s easy to theorize about different tools and technologies, but you really don’t understand them until you use them.

Second, the issues that this class raised are not only complex, but very present. The issues we discussed are being struggled over in libraries and companies across the globe. I think this class helps library students become a part of that dialogue, instead of being thrown into a library situation with no background in what some of these issues are.

I am so grateful to have been in a class of such amazing, intelligent, creative people. I feel like I’ve improved because of the energy that the class carried, and I can’t wait to put some of these skills to good use.

Dear Google,

I love you. Thank you for all your wonderful social software applications. I just completed work on a group project for my LIS 768 class (see, librarians DO love Google!), and without your Google Docs application and the Google Talk IM application, our project would have been unsuccessful, I would have failed my class, and I might currently be drowning my sorrows in a dive bar. I live in the Chicago suburbs, and the other two members of my group lived in the city. We found it difficult to find a meeting time/place, because I work a traditional 7-4 job and my group mates had complex schedules as well. Because of Google Docs, we were able to edit the presentation from our homes at the same time, see live changes, and also view a revision history just in case we made a mistake. Google Talk was also helpful, because we were able to discuss what was good, bad, and ugly about the presentation. It was also extremely helpful, Google, that you are linked with YouTube, so my Animoto video seamlessly transferred to YouTube, and I was able to easily access my Google Docs and my YouTube video from my Google account.

In an ideal world, my group would have had time to meet face-to-face. In today’s world, that just isn’t possible. With Google, I felt that we were able to collaborate as effectively as meeting face-to-face, and, ultimately, more efficiently.

If you were a person, I would buy you peppermint bark for the holidays.

Love, me.

This is a silly letter, but it does express how I felt about using these social software applications, most particularly using Google. We attempted to use a blog for collaboration, but ultimately we found Google’s applications to be the most effective and efficient.

The video size is a little large! My first foray into YouTube…

As you can probably tell from my blog posts, the ideas of open access and open source mean a lot to me. I hate the idea of corporate control over what we can and can’t do over the Internet, and, as much as I love my iPhone, I hate how Apple makes its users sacrifice development and innovation for security and stability. Shouldn’t we be able to have it all? And as for the government, I see their role in the Internet, but the over-regulation and knee-jerk reactions are not helpful to creating a safe, secure, and fair environment. They focus on the short term needs of the biggest lobbyists, and refuse to think about what the general population wants or needs. So the following is an abstract and breakdown of my paper:

Abstract:
At the inception of the Internet, it was used as a platform for exchanging ideas, mostly for military purposes. However, people saw its usefulness, and used the Internet to create new ideas, make connections, and innovate. But as the Internet grew, there has been a shift away from its foundation into a world of corporate control and government regulation. Expanding on my concept book, The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It, I want to explore how corporations have come to dictate what we can and can’t do with the Internet. Next, I will explore how copyright laws have a negative impact on innovation, and finally how fear of change has led to over-regulation. The final point of my paper is how libraries can help, and what we can do to help create informed users to help create an Internet environment that fosters creativity, not restrictions.

In addition to the Zittrain book, I am also focusing on Lessig’s ideas of copyright in The Future of Ideas, and Gassar and Palfrey’s Born Digital. I hope overall to highlight three issues that are shaping our digital future, and what libraries can do to stop it.

This is the question that Google is asking… and providing the answer for. This week there has been a lot of buzz regarding Google’s new operating system (OS): Chrome OS. Basically, Google has taken the concept of cloud computing, and is making it into a viable OS for the average person to use.

Why is this important?

This is hugely important! Google wants us to rethink a computer. Right now, you have a computer with a (probably huge) hard drive. On this computer, you may have bought expensive programs, or an expensive external hard drive, or an expensive operating system (don’t fool yourself, it’s part of the price of the computer). Google says wait! Why keep all of this stuff on your computer, where it can be cumbersome to store files in multiple places, make back-ups, and carry a flash drive with your files… why can’t you store it all on the Internet? Why can’t you do all you need to do on a computer via the Internet?

Fabulous.

Yes, this technology is not for the hard core computer user. I have a feeling that the spreadsheet application will not be nearly as robust as Excel, nor does this encompass programs such as Adobe’s Creative Suite. But if you have a netbook, you do light computing, and you love surfing the Internet, this could be a viable option over clogging up your computer’s memory with a graphics-heavy, memory-intensive OS.

This obviously means something to you on a principle level. Open source, right?

Yay! This is an OS based on the principles of Linux. Open coding, open to improvements from all. This is great for the consumer for many reasons:

1. The possibilities are endless. Programmers can work with a dynamic format to create an OS for the 21^st century. As computers become ultra-portable, this new OS will eliminate the need for external hard drives/flash drives… which will allow people to use the devices in a truly untethered way.
2. Your library can’t afford that expensive PC with all the programs? No problem! Google is presenting a viable option to the Microsoft/Apples of the world. When the PC/Mac is purchased, it is usually preloaded with programs… like Microsoft Office, for example. What if you didn’t need those? Could PC prices decrease? This could create opportunities for libraries that previously couldn’t afford enough machines for the patrons.
3. It’s time for a change. Microsoft/Apple have made amazing strides in home computing… it’s almost mind-boggling! But times are changing, and we are becoming an Internet-dependent culture. Shouldn’t our OS reflect what we need the computer to do? Google’s OS is trying to become the defining factor for the Internet (digital) generation.

Only time will tell if Google can pull this off. There are definitely going to be some major issues, privacy and security being the two big ones. Most people don’t trust storing their personal files/information on the “Internet,” because what, exactly is the Internet? But I for one will be loading this OS on my netbook, and I can’t wait to see if this OS will be as liberating as I hope it will be! The following are a couple of great videos, taken from http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/.

What is Google OS? YouTube

Chrome OS explanation YouTube

And here are a few links discussing what may be:

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/07/google-announces-pc-operating-system-to-compete-with-windows/

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/11/20/google.os/index.html

http://blogs.computerworld.com/15134/googles_chrome_os_will_make_a_good_second_computer

Purpose:

Whoville Public Library (WPL) wants to use the emerging social media technologies as a way to create a familiarity with our patrons. WPL defines social media as online platforms that are created for sharing information and opinions via written, spoken, or video forms.  These include popular social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, virtual worlds like Second Life, blogs, wikis, and other technologies in which information is being made public.

Policy:

We encourage and respect our employees’ use of social media, and feel that our employees’ relating to the public through online means is in keeping with our mission to promote an environment of assisting our patrons through technology.  When associated with the library’s name, there are a few guidelines to adhere to in order to best promote our position in the public eye.

Be responsible. When using social technologies, being responsible is really the golden rule. Remember that you are promoting yourself and the library. How do you want to be perceived? How do you want your place of business perceived? The rule of thumb: if you are unsure, then do not publish. If you have any questions regarding what is appropriate, your manager or the Human Resources (HR) department are always available for advice.

Use common sense. Opinions are an important aspect of who we are. But when expressing those opinions online, you must keep in mind that you are a public face of the library. As such, please refrain from making the following types of comments:

1. Racist, bigoted, and/or prejudiced against any groups
2. Libelous and/or threatening
3. Violating copyright laws and/or plagiarized from an original material
4. “Trolling” comments, aka incendiary comments on a forum stated to incite argument as opposed to discussion
5. Spam
6. Sexual or offensive in nature

Be creative! The library loves to see our employees using technology in new and exciting ways. If you have a particular flair (making movies, witty blog posts), please let us know and we could feature you on the library’s social media!

Remember that there is really no privacy. When using Internet technologies, there are no amount of privacy settings that can make what you write 100% private. When expressing yourself online, please keep the following in mind:

1. Write opinions online that you would say to your manager. It is always the opinions you state in frustration or anger that come back to haunt you. Please remember that if you would not say what you are writing to someone in management, you should not post that information online.
2. Respect our library and employees, as well as other libraries and employees. The library will not tolerate unprofessional behavior towards employees of our libraries and other libraries. We are a professional community, and if you would not say what you are writing to the person’s face, you should not post this information online.
3. Remember: you signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) upon hire. Any confidential information should not be posted online. If you have any questions as to what is considered confidential, please ask any manager or a member of HR.

Adhere to the idea of community. Social media is an excellent way to create connections and develop new ideas. Remember that you want to contribute as well as receive information. Have fun and be an active member of the thriving online librarian community!

Treat others as you would like to be treated. This is the golden rule of online social media. If you are positive, positivity will come back to you. If you are negative, negativity will follow. The online forum is not the place to air grievances, but it is the place to praise.

If your social media site is directly connected with the library, please understand that there will be unspecified date/time monitoring of the site. Should the library see the information as violating any of the guidelines above, we retain the right to request removal. Please note: the library is not responsible for information posted online by its employees. By signing this policy, you free the library from any liability from posted content. As always, if you have any questions regarding this policy, or defining any element of this policy, please refer to your manager or a member of HR.

Why do it this way? Or, what was I thinking??

When I was reviewing the websites showing social media policies, there was a blend between those who were all about telling you what you can’t do, and those telling you what you can do. I tried to make my social media policy a fair mix between both. I don’t believe that you can only say can… I mean, you have to tell your employees under no circumstances should they write about confidential information. But you can’t just tell people what they can’t do on the Internet. The Internet is all about what you CAN do! Social media is a huge tool for companies and libraries alike, and fostering creativity and promotion are important to survival. So I tried to lay the ground work (by gently reminding the employees that they signed an NDA and that being courteous is always appreciated) and then promote creativity. I wanted to leave it a little open for flexibility, but make my stance on how social media should be utilized clear.

Sources of inspiration:

http://www.hightechdad.com/2009/05/11/crafting-your-companys-social-media-policy/

http://www.intel.com/sites/sitewide/en_US/social-media.htm

http://www.biblioottawalibrary.ca/files/OPL%20social%20media%20policy.pdf

http://www.shiftcomm.com/downloads/socialmediaguidelines.pdf

http://tinyurl.com/yz2khjv

Oh, Apple. I whined and complained about your lack of openness, and you listened! To me! It’s about time, Apple. Seriously. I’m getting ready to write a paper about how your sexy design, easy-to-use software interface, and (for the most part) idiot-proof operating system is the downfall of society. Just as I sit down to write my opening paragraph, you decide to take a step towards transparency! You support open source! You want programmers to develop apps for all! Thank you Apple!

Okay, those last few statements are pretty much not true. But Apple does seem to be feeling some of the pressure of the Android open source smartphone applications. Apple is now taking steps to provide a greater amount of transparency in the app approval process, helping developers to understand the time line for approval. Previously, programmers had no idea where their application was in the approval process. Apple provided a cryptic ‘your application may possibly be approved in two weeks or whenever we get around to it’ message. Now, Apple has devised a system that actually shows the programmers the process that their application is making. Neat.

Photo Taken from Website Above.

So how does this benefit the average iPhone user? Well, when developers are happy, more will be attracted to develop applications, creating an even more robust and competitive market. Then… the consumer (You!) will benefit. A more transparent system enticing a larger group of programmers means more and better choices. Because, let’s be honest, with more than 100,000 options, we don’t really need more. But we could use better.

Also, it does show that the open source market for applications is having some impact on Apple. Apple has been one of the more closed companies on the technology front, and any steps towards transparency is big for this company. For the world of open source, this could begin to establish better relationships between those who develop and program, and the corporation that controls them.

Finally, it gives some (not much, but some) insight into the review and approval process. Why are some applications approved (yes, we need 100 applications that makes our iPhones do classy things like make bodily functions), and some not? Okay, this process really doesn’t provide any transparency into this part of the process. But this is at least a step in the right direction. Maybe one day Apple will reveal its reasoning for approvals. We can hope.

But what does this really mean for you? Well, for the average person, it appears that nothing has changed. Apple still maintains strict control over the App Store, and we are at the whim of a closed review process from an unnamed group of reviewers to determine what we can and cannot do with our iPhones. And for most of us, that’s fine. I’m not savvy enough to design an application, and so far I’ve found an app to suit what I’ve needed. But it is important that Apple is taking small steps to improve upon a system for the benefit of all.

After reading Zittrain’s The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It, I knew that I wanted to write something about how we are letting the government and corporations dictate what we can and can’t do with Internet technologies. I thought about my generation, the first generation of digital natives, and I find it scary that not only do we not care that this is taking place, but we don’t know any better. At the end, I would like to tie in how libraries can help promote open source, and why open source will become vital to the library’s survival. The following are some of the resources I would like to incorporate:

• The Future of the Internet and How to Stop It, Jonathon Zittrain
• Born Digital, Palfrey/Gasser, focusing on the “Pirates” and “Innovators” chapters
• The Future of Ideas, Lawrence Lessig, focusing on Part 3: Dot.Control (copyright and controlling the wired)
• http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125354032776727741.html: Article from the Wall Street Journal regarding Net Neutrality
• http://www.liblime.com/open-source/why-your-library-needs-open-source: Online source discussing the growing need for open source in libraries
• http://www.aclu.org/technology-and-liberty/library-filtering-after-us-v-ala-what-does-it-all-mean-and-what-should-we-do: Discussion of the repercussions for libraries after the decision to incorporate filtering for funds
• http://www.free-music.org/articles/kaleshian_comments.shtml: An article written in 2001 stating how the public will not accept the regulations imposed on file sharing.
• http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/11/open-source-napster-resurrected/: The resurrection of Napster (!) and how it will skirt the copyright laws.
• http://www.wired.com/listening_post/2008/12/songbird-the-op/: Open source iTunes competitor
• http://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2009/10/the-quest-for-a-truly-open-smartphone-can-it-be-done.ars: Can the Smartphone be truly open?
• Schlesinger, R., & Lessig, L. (2008, December 29). Don’t Make Kids Online Crooks. U.S. News & World Report, p. 15. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.: Discusses how “kids” are turning to piracy online and becoming criminals, many before entering high school!
• Milberry, K. & Anderson, S. (2009, October). Open Sourcing Our Way to an Online Commons: Contesting Corporate Impermeability in the New Media Ecology. Journal of Communication Inquiry, 33, 393 – 412.: Again, an article discussing the corporate regulations imposed on the Internet and the effect on open source.
• Wisniewski, J. (2009). Next-Gen OPACs: No Time Like the Present. Online, 33(5), 54-57. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.: As libraries seek to enter the digital age, open source will assist with lessening the cost.
• Jefferson, G. (n.d). Google eyes window of opportunity in operating systems. USA Today, Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.: An open source OS, similar to Linux a possibility for Google.

So far, these ideas are a little disjointed, but I want to tie them all together under the idea that libraries can drive the change from strict regulation to open platforms. I will also compare the iPhone App Store with the Android App Market, iTunes with Napster, and Open Source office suites to Microsoft.

Why kittens?, originally uploaded by jessicacbee.

Testing Flickr link. Yay Gino’s for interesting photos.

That’s right, y’all. New photo fun. As if I weren’t vain enough…