Technically Random

This probably falls under the “random” category, but Science Direct has upgraded their user interface (UI) with more changes to follow:

http://newsbreaks.infotoday.com/nbReader.asp?ArticleId=48792

Copyright? That’s not technically random! Well, I may be stretching it with this–my first Technically Random post–but copyright has a huge impact on the extent to which I can use random technology to disseminate av media.

After close to 3 years of mulling over reports and testimony the  Section 108 Study Group released its recommendations on March 31: http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2008/08-063.html Why is section 108 relevant to us? It’s “the section of the Copyright Act that provides limited exceptions for libraries and archives so that they may make copies to replace copyrighted works in their collections when necessary, preserve them for the long term and make them available to users.”

Their recommendations include the following:

• Museums should be included for Section 108 eligibility, as they perform many of the same functions as libraries and archives.
• A new exception should be added to Section 108 to permit certain qualified libraries and archives to make preservation copies of at-risk published works prior to any damage or loss. Access to these “preservation-only” copies will be limited.
• A new exception should be added to Section 108 to permit libraries and archives to capture and reproduce publicly available Web sites and other online content for preservation purposes and to make those copies accessible to users for private study, research or scholarship. Rights holders would be able to opt out of this provision.
• Libraries and archives should be permitted to make a limited number of copies, as reasonably necessary, to create and maintain a single replacement or preservation copy. This alteration to the current three-copy limit would, among other things, enable libraries to more securely preserve digital materials, which often involves making copies.

At this point these are just recommendations. Congress, et al, needs to consult with the RIAA, MPAA, and hopefully others before signing this into law.

-John V

Further to our organizational communication thread, Webchattr is a neat application which creates an instant chatroom for impromptu (or even promptu) meetings.  I like apps like this where there is no sign-in, no set up - nada. It’s pretty ingenious, actually.  Just put this URL into your browser (substituting the part at the end for a room you want to create):

http://www.webchattr.com/go/PUT_A_ROOM_NAME_HERE

A room is instantly created and you are there ready to chat.  Let other potential members know about your little meeting and they can join by simply pointing their browsers to the same URL.  And voila! Instant meeting / chatroom - no muss, no fuss.  The rooms seem to stick around for a while, so you can go back to them.  Best of all, Webchattr works really well on an iphone /ipod touch.  So, let’s meet virtually next time - my new office location is now somewhere called Starbucks.

from Kate Sheehan’s blog  (the Loose Canon Librarian):

Saw this little bit in OnTechNews today:

“An exciting concept is taking form at the UW: Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focused particularly in technology and information across the university. The UW Computing Directors group asks you to take a brief survey so they can build connections between people with similar interests.  https://sig.washington.edu/itsigs/index.php/Survey “

Ken Varnum posted a directory libraries that have experimental “labs” of beta services and tools on his blog, RSS4Lib awhile back:

http://www.rss4lib.com/2007/10/directory_of_experimental_libr.html

These sites are a great source of inspiration & ideas for homegrown mashups and other library apps. Especially cool are the Undergraduate Virtual Library at University of Minnesota Libraries and NYPL’s enabling use of their digital images in a collaborative online video platform.

Take a look!

Welcome to the blog for the Random Technology Un-Committee at the University of Washington Libraries.  We have no charge, we have no agenda.  Our only goal is to share information and look for new, fun and interesting solutions.

This blog is jointly authored and we will be posting… well frankly whatever we feel like posting.  If you want to join in the fun, post a comment or ask to become an author.

Onward, ho!