Week 4 Readings

I found it interesting how the database information related back to the software we learned about last week. It seems like software serves as the building blocks for the database. I now have a better idea of what network encryption does for a computer and how it can protect publicly used computers in a library setting. They seem to lock down and protect computers. This makes me wonder how some viruses and spyware can get through this and corrupt PCs since the science behind the computers seems very complex. That said the database seems like a good way to store and organize a set of computers in an information science setting.

This is the first time I heard the term metadata. The definition "data about data" gave me a better understanding of it; basically, it serves as the building blocks for data. I also had no idea that there were different standards for data based on what it contains and the quality it has. The fact that there are different categories for it shows how important metadata is for computer networks. The universalization of DCMI requirements ensures that all databases run on a uniform network and they can get their job done. I also liked how metadata is not limited to digital technologies; people used it for collections since they began. Physical card catalogs are an example of this. While the technology changes over time the ideas of people using data in these tadabases remained. The developments metadata make over the next decade seem interesting.

Eric Miller's involvement with OCLC gave him validation for his over view of the Dublin Core Data Model. He describes the nature of the database and explains why it serves the needs of those who use it. The coding and symantic elements of it are designed to be universally understood. Through this unity of consistent terms and understanding one can use it to better understand what to do with the database regardless of where one is. Personally I am not too familiar with the OCLC database and I hope to learn more about it as the course progresses. It seems that a formal data model is required to make a database useful for the patrons who use it. Miller also mentioned that his work with the database is not complete. I plan to keep posted on that website to see if Miller updates it and I look forward to finding out more with how to use a database like that.