Thursday, September 6, 2007

D#2,HW#6 Annotated Bib for Internet

The first article I chose was located using Google advanced search. My search terms were “internet filtering” + libraries + CIPA. I clicked on the WebJunction Pathfinder link.

Faulkner, Marcel H. “Filter Schmilter: Libraries and Internet Filtering Software.” WebJunction. 6 Dec. 2006. OCLC Online Computer Library Center. 5 Sept. 2007 <http://webjunction.org/do/PrinterFriendlyContent?id=1462> .

This is an extensive article, discussing the pros and cons of Internet filtering. It contains bibliographic references for the data, including live links to the sources.

The second article was found using Google Directory. I clicked on the Education link, then did a site search for “Internet filtering.” The link I used was for “Children’s Internet Protection Act.” There was no author named.

“Children’s Internet Protection Act.” NERIC. 23 June 2003. Northeastern Regional Information Center. 5 Sept. 2007 < http://cipa.neric.org >.

This article explains the key points of the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The information is geared toward states in the Northeast, but it is still useful. There is also a link for the full text of the Act.

Reply to Linda

To get the class names on my blog, I followed the help advice Jared gave to Jeanine, and clicked on "customize" then "add an element" and "links" to paste in the blog addresses for each class member. It took a few minutes, but was well worth the trouble.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

D#2,HW#5, Topic reflection

My initial interest in Internet filtering was sparked when I was asked to help revise the student computer user agreement at the school where I work. I did some basic research a few years ago, but the issue continues to evolve. My plan is to work in a library until I am ready to retire, and I know this issue will continue to generate controversy. One library I know of had to implement a filtering policy after a child was exposed to a patron viewing pornography and touching himself. There are very strong arguments on both sides of the issue. I am basically in favor of filtering, although I realize that it is not the whole solution to the problem. I am looking forward to researching it further.

D#2, HW#4, Narrow topic

The topic I selected is Internet filtering in school libraries. I wanted to research a topic related to libraries to add to my library portfolio. I did some mental brainstorming as I was looking at articles on CQ Researcher, and had some basic topics in mind. Then I analyzed some of my broad choices, and did a little searching on the Web. Internet filtering is addressed every year at the school where I work, as well as in public libraries that I am familiar with. I would like to develop a research question based on the pros and cons of filtering.

Monday, September 3, 2007

D#2, HW#3, Annotated Bibliography

For my first exploration in CQ Researcher, I typed “immigration” in the “Quick Search” box. I looked at the following three reports:

Cooper, Mary H. "Exporting Jobs." CQ Researcher 14.7 (2004): 149-172. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Mesa Community Coll., Paul A. Elsner Lib. 2 Sept. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2004022000.

This report deals mainly with employers opting to move jobs offshore for various reasons. It makes good use of charts and graphics. One issue that I could pursue would be the problems associated with consumers dealing with offshore customer service representatives.

Katel, Peter. "Illegal Immigration." CQ Researcher 15.17 (2005): 393-420. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Mesa Community Coll., Paul A. Elsner Lib. 2 Sept. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2005050600.

The author discusses the effects of illegal immigration on the US economy. The extensive overview presents many issues to investigate further. Some information is outdated, but the bibliography provides many sources for current data.

Katel, Peter. "Real ID." CQ Researcher 17.17 (2007): 385-408. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Mesa Community Coll., Paul A. Elsner Lib. 2 Sept. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2007050400.

This report investigates aspects of a law that calls for national standards to be used for identification documents in every state. Details explain some strong organized opposition to the law in many states. Could be an interesting issue to explore.

My second search was: “Browse by Topic” – “Education” – “Libraries and Educational Media.” The three reports I skimmed were:

Glazer, Sarah. "Video Games." CQ Researcher 16.40 (2006): 937-960. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Mesa Community Coll., Paul A. Elsner Lib. 2 Sept. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2006111000.

The author makes a strong case for allowing students to play online games in schools and libraries. She links gaming skills to those associated with problem solving, learning history, and using math. There is also discussion of the possible link between graphic violence and violent behavior. This issue would be a good opportunity for further investigation.

Jost, Kenneth. "The Future of Books." CQ Researcher 10.24 (2000): 545-568. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Mesa Community Coll., Paul A. Elsner Lib. 2 Sept. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2000062300.

Published in 2000, this article covers the trend toward digital publishing of books and other print materials. Much of the information is no longer accurate, but the subject itself continues to make headlines. Possible research questions could address current statistics for e-book use among students or the general public.

Jost, Kenneth. "Libraries and the Internet." CQ Researcher 11.21 (2001): 465-488. CQ Researcher Online. CQ Press. Mesa Community Coll., Paul A. Elsner Lib. 2 Sept. 2007 http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2001060100.

This is a hot topic in my Library Tech classes. Subjects covered in this report include filtering and blocking of the Internet in public and school libraries, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the strong opposition by members of the American Library Association.

D2HW2Reply

There was one question in the D1HW8 postings that I was able to reply to, about managing multiple Google Mail accounts. link to post
I think that was what she was looking for. Hope it helps.
Kathy

D2HW1 Reading Reflection

The textbook readings this week were very helpful to me. I have always struggled when trying to pick a research topic in the past. Now I find myself writing ideas down when they first come to mind, rather than trying to recall them later. Following the steps for topic exploration in The Bedford Researcher (Chap. 2a) should make it even less painful.
The assigned web pages also provided some great templates for me to use when narrowing my topic. I especially like the layout of the Paradigm site, <>. When I am using dial-up at home, I appreciate pages that show links when the cursor hovers over the tab. It gets very frustrating if I have to wait for every linked page to load just to see what information it covers. Creating a free account was a simple process, too. I plan to recommend this site to our HS English teachers. The tutorials will be great for some of our struggling students.