Library and Information Science Commons^™

Empowering Web Experiences With Ajax And Rss Feed, Win Shih, Hongbin Liu

Win Shih

The rapid evolution of Web technologies and standards has fueled the development of a raft of highly interactive and personalizable Web applications. AJAX (Asynchronous javaScript and XML)-powered and RSS-enabled Web sites, such as Google/IG, Google Map, Start.com from Microsoft, and Flickr.com from Yahoo make Web interfaces out of normally-nonweb-eanbled functionalities as running typical applications on your local PC.

Using similar technologies, we have been exploring the possibilities to a library-based portal that allows users freely configure their customized portal with contents of their choosing. Be this content e-mail, news, weather, blogging, photos, library’s catalog, or any RSS feed from publishers, …

Virtual Evidence: Analyze The Footsteps Of Your Users, Win Shih

Win Shih

This paper presents a study of Web Crawler activities based upon Web access logs from the Web site of an academic library. It further compares crawler behavior with that of regular human visitors. The results provide practical insights and foster a culture of evidencebased practice for better managing network-based resources and maintaining a reliable IT infrastructure.

Working With Generation-D: Adopting And Adapting To Cultural Learning And Change, Win Shih, Martha Allen

Win Shih

Purpose – The paper aims to discuss the expectations and needs of Generation Y students for higher education specifically targeting issues relating to libraries and library management. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a brief overview of Generation Y personality traits and characteristics. This is followed by a discussion of organizational culture, explaining how to effectively adapt to meet the expectations of the Generation Y students. Two academic libraries’ programs designed to meet the needs of the new learners are discussed. Findings – The paper recognizes the need to address the challenges of the new learners from all levels of library …

A Brave New Web: Health Informatics And The Emergence New Technologies, Win Shih

Win Shih

The sky-rocketing evolution of web technologies and standards has fueled development of a raft of highly interactive, collaborative and personalizable Internet applications. Librarians and other information professionals are exploring innovative and creative ways to deliver increasingly indispensable web-based, media-rich content and services in order to encourage, as well as cultivate, a network of expanding communities across a geographically-swelling patron base.

Focusing upon the field of health informatics, we explore a wide range of technologies, based on two key elements of effective communication and value creation: personalization and interaction that will improve patrons’ information access experiences; unlocking and unblocking new outreach …

Working With Generation-D: Adopting And Adapting To Cultural Learning And Change, Win Shih, Martha Allen

Win Shih

Look around today’s college campus. You can’t help noticing students “tuned in” with “earbuds” securely fastened, a laptop and PDA in their backpacks, camera-phone affixed to their belts. Campus life now includes: Downloading lecture notes, viewing course videos and taking quizzes via class websites; checking E-mail every 30 minutes, interacting with friends locally/globally courtesy of IM/“blogging;” MMORPGing (“Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Play Gaming”); downloading music/video files in MP3/M4A formats; sharing multi-megapixellated jpeg photos with online friends, vis-a-vis highspeed internet “lines.”

Who are these students? They are “Generation D:” So-called “digital natives,” the “net generation;” the first ubiquitous cohort of learners raised …