Archive for May, 2003

U.S. Broadband Internet Statistics

Wednesday, May 28th, 2003

Resources, Reports, Tools, and Full-Text Documents (4 Items)
League of Nations–Photo Archive
New, League of Nations Photo Archive
Browse hundred of images by category.

Broadband Internet–United States–Statistics
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project
Full-Text, Broadband Adoption at Home: A Pew Internet Project Data Memo

Endangered Species–Digital Archive
New, ARKive
From the site, …a digital safe haven for films, photographs and sound effects of British and globally endangered species. …free click-and-view access to multi-media portraits of almost 1,000 species, created from the digital records and backed by fact-files and other information. Thanks to S.C. for the news tip.

Human Rights
Just Released, Full-Text: Amnesty International Report 2003

WWW Conference Search Papers

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003

Search Engines
Source: Wired
“Big Changes for Search Engines”
A report about a few search-related presentations at last week’s WWW Conference in Budapest. If you would like to take a look at the full-text of many conference papers, I’ve compiled links to many of them on ResourceShelfPLUS.

Metadata Forum Sponsored by The Library and Archives of Canada

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003

Metadata–Canada
The Library and Archives of Canada Announces Canadian Metadata Forum
It’s scheduled for September 19-20 in Ottawa. More details to come but some background about the focus of the forum is already available.

Learn About Octavo, A Digitization Company

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003

Information Industry–Octavo
Source: East Bay Business Times
Learn About: Octavo
From the article, When Czeslaw Jan Grycz sent a team of employees to the British Library to photograph 400-year-old Quartos of Shakespeare, he tried to anticipate the problems they might face. “I’ve learned about the vagaries of doing business in far-flung locations,” says Grycz, chief executive officer of Oakland-based Octavo, a unique publishing company that captures rare classic books and manuscripts, page by page, using the most modern of high-resolution digital media…Grycz worked for 20 years in libraries and in publishing before joining Octavo in 2000 at the invitation of founder John Warnock, a rare book enthusiast and engineer who also co-founded Adobe Systems Inc.
See Also: Direct to the Octavo Home Page

New Drug Marketing Database

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003

Health Information–Drugs–United States
Source: FDA
Searchable Database, Postmarketing Study Commitments
From the intro site, The Web site contains the basic information that FDA committed to make available to the public. The information currently available to search includes only postmarketing study commitments that have been reviewed for accuracy and made with the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at any time and those made since January 1, 1991, with the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). This site does not include commitments containing proprietary information. The Web site will be updated quarterly (in July, October, January, and April), at which time additional commitments will be added and the status of existing commitments updated.
See Also: Additional Background and Materials
See Also: “FDA Attempts To Track Drug Study Status”

2003 Intelligence Software Report

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003

Professional Reading Shelf
Intelligence Software
Source: Fuld and Company
2003 Intelligence Software Report (Executive Summary)
One of the big names in competitive intelligence consulting, Fuld & Co., is out with their Intelligence Software Report. The full-text document is fee-based but a 25 page exec summary is available for free. You’ll need to fill out a registration form to gain access. It takes about 2 minutes to complete.

Full-Text: DOJ Emergency Preparedness Manual

Tuesday, May 27th, 2003

Resources, Reports, Tools, and Full-Text Documents (3 Items)
War in Iraq
Source: House of Commons Library, United Kingdom
Full-Text Report, The Conflict in Iraq
A 90 page research report.

Terrorism
Source: GAO
Full-Text Report, Combating Terrorism: Interagency Framework and Agency Programs to Address Overseas Threat
This 274 page report is full of charts and tables.

Emergency Preparedness–United States
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Full-Text, DOJ Emergency Preparedness Manual

For Libraries, Charity Begins Online

Monday, May 26th, 2003

Public Libraries–United States
Source: AP
For Libraries, Charity Begins Online
From the article, Facing possible layoffs, shortened hours and cuts that would slash their $1.2 million book budget by a third, the staff at the Oakland Public Library in California tried a new twist on philanthropy. They posted a list of books they would buy if they could on Amazon.com, the online bookseller. The response was overwhelming.
See Also: Take a Look at the OPL “Buy a Book” Page

Libraries In A Difficult Bind Following Soviet Collapse

Monday, May 26th, 2003

Libraries–Asia
Source: RFE
Central Asia: Libraries In A Difficult Bind Following Soviet Collapse
From the article, Some of the world’s earliest and most splendid libraries arose between the 2nd century B.C. and the 16th century along the fabled Silk Road, which linked China with Europe via Central Asia. But many of the libraries that the now independent states of Central Asia inherited after the collapse of the Soviet Union have — over the past 12 years — fallen victim to neglect, theft, and inadequate funding. In a recent interview with RFE/RL in Tashkent, Uzbek political scientist Rustam Djumayev says there has been a decline in the professional qualifications of library staff over the past decade, especially in the provinces. He said this may be one of the reasons why rare books are being stolen and offered for sale.

Digital Preservation: An Individual Responsibility for Communal Scholarship

Sunday, May 25th, 2003

Professional Reading Shelf
Digital Preservation
Source: Syllabus
Full-Text, “Digital Preservation: An Individual Responsibility for Communal Scholarship”

200338929

Sunday, May 25th, 2003

Resources, Reports, Tools, and Full-Text Documents
United States
Source: Library of Congress
New Online Collection, Courage, Patriotism, Community
From the announcement, In honor of Memorial Day and in celebration of the American spirit, the Library of Congress is launching a new Web site highlighting its collections of veterans� stories, patriotic music and community life. The new site, called Courage, Patriotism, Community.

U.S. Book Production Stats for 2002 Released

Saturday, May 24th, 2003

Books–United States–Statistics
“U.S. Book Production Tops 150,000 in 2002″
From the report, R.R. Bowker today released a wide range of statistics on the U.S. book industry compiled from its Books In Print database. The most notable finding is that U.S. title output increased 5.86 % to 150,000 new titles and editions in 2002, while new titles from the largest trade publishers declined 5.02%. University presses increased their title output by 10.21% in 2002, reversing a decline of 4.04% in 2001.

Learn About the BrainBrowser

Saturday, May 24th, 2003

Web Browsers
Source: Technology Review
Learn About: BrainBrowser
From the article, Georgia State University researchers have come up with a Web browser that allows people to surf just by thinking. Previous research has shown that it is possible to move a cursor by controlling neural activity. The researchers’ BrainBrowser Internet software is designed to work with the limited mouse movements neural control allows. The browser window is divided into an upper section that resembles a traditional browser and a lower control section. Common controls like “Home”, “Refresh”, “Print” and “Back” are grouped in the left-hand corner and provide feedback. When a user focuses his attention on a button, it becomes highlighted, and when the user successfully focuses on clicking the button, it emits a low tone.
See Also:

NYT Updates Movie Section, All Reviews Back to 1983 Are Available Online (Free!)

Friday, May 23rd, 2003

Motion Pictures
Source: The New York Times
New, NYT Updates Movie Site, All Reviews Back to 1983 Are Now Available Online (Free!)
Fans of the cinema will love this! You can now do a simple search (year, actor, keyword) or browse (by title, genre, year) all film reviews back to 1983 and the read the full-text online at no charge. Want more? Selected reviews back to 1929 (full-text) are also online and available for free.
See Also: The Movie Section Now Offers A Complete Chart of Weekend Box Office for the U.S./Canada, U.K., and New York Metro. All-Time Box Office Grosses for the U.S./Canada, U.K., and NY Metro Are Also Available.

The Possible Return of Northern Light? Only Time Will Tell

Friday, May 23rd, 2003

Web Search–Northern Light
The Return of Northern Light? Only Time Will Tell
The Northern Light name and search technology was purchased at a divine bankruptcy auction earlier this week by NL’s former CEO David Seuss. What this really means for a relaunch of NL in the enterprise search and the web search space is not clear, especially as to precisely when it will happen. According to the news release, “Immediately, after the acquisition, Seuss contacted the corporate customers for Northern Light�s SinglePoint Market Research Portal that had not fled during the Divine era and assured them that their customer support would soon return to the exceptionally high levels characteristic of Northern Light during its days as an independent company.” The news release goes on to note that Seuss wants to put NL’s “never before released Northern Light Enterprise Search Engine” on the market. As far as the return of the once publicly available Northern Light web engine, makes no promises about its return. Seuss says, “We have started discussions with interested parties about ideas for new approaches to the Web search problem, ideas that represent a collaboration between others who have done innovative work and Northern Light. These ideas may result in uniquely useful Web search services.” Bottom line? Another case of “only time will tell”. Good luck to David. Thanks to S.C. for the news tip.
(Updated 6/2) See Also: Paula Hane Sheds More Light on the New Northern Light (via Info Today NewsBreaks)

Area Debates Joint Public and Community College Library

Friday, May 23rd, 2003

Libraries
Source: The Smoky Mountain News
Area Debates the Building of Joint Public and Academic Library
From the article, A proposal to move Jackson County’s main library out of downtown Sylva has upset many residents, but supporters say it is the best way to get the kind of library that is needed. Some Jackson County leaders are backing a plan to build a joint library with Southwestern Community College on its Webster campus. By joining forces, residents could get a $6 million, 25,000-square-foot facility with every imaginable amenity…Joyce Moore, who owns City Lights Bookstore in downtown Sylva, is the spokesperson for KOLD (Keep Our Library Downtown). She has a degree in library science and says there are several reasons for opposing the joint proposal. �Opposition to the move centers around concerns about a conflict of missions and operations between a public and academic library, accessibility to senior citizens and young children and the negative economic impact on the revitalization efforts of downtown Sylva,� she wrote in a statement that came from the group.

A New Database for U.S. Media Ownership Info

Friday, May 23rd, 2003

Resources, Reports, Tools, and Full-Text Documents (5 Items)
Media Ownership–United States
Source: Center for Public Integrity
New Database, The “Well Connected” Database
From the site, This searchable database contains basic information on every radio and television station in America as well as every cable television system and telephone company. You may search by company, by call sign or by area. Searchers will find basic information on some of the most important telecommunication companies, including a brief corporate profile and basic financial information.
See Also: Rankings, Top 10 Media Holding Companies

Veterans–United States
Source: U.S. Census
New, Full-Text Report: U.S. Veterans
Summary ||| Direct to Full-Text
A 12 page brief about the veteran population using Census 2000 data.

Business–United States–Lists & Rankings
Source: Forbes
2003 Lists, Best Places For Business And Careers
Web site includes “Best Places for Small Business and Careers”. This list isn’t available in print edition. Other lists are searchable.

People–Canada–Lists & Rankings
Source: ROB
“top forty/under forty”
This is the 8th annual list.

Presidents of the United States
Source: GPO
Volume I of the 2001 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, George W. Bush Now Available on GPO Access
Volumes covering the administrations of Presidents Hoover, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush are included in the Public Papers series. Currently, GPO Access contains the Public Papers for Presidents George H.W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. Additional volumes covering the administrations of Presidents Hoover, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan will be made available from GPO Access in the future.

New ERIC Search Engine Debuts

Thursday, May 22nd, 2003

Web Resources of the Week
Two entries for you this week!

Canada–Web Directories
Source: Micromedia/ProQuest
1) HOTLinks from Several Well-Known Canadian Directories (Free)
Four Directories of urls and e-mail addresses. The full-text of each directory is a fee-based product. However, access to each HOTLink directory is free.
Directory of Libraries in Canada HOTLinks
Browse by subject area.

Associations Canada HOTLinks
Browse trade/professional associations.

Financial Services Canada HOTLinks
Browse by company/organization type.

Canadian Environmental Database HOTLinks


ERIC (Educational Resources Information Clearinghouse)
2) Now Online: New Search Technology/Interface to ERIC Database
The engine offers four search options:
(Direct to Search Options)
A) Basic Search
“Conduct a simple keyword search of the ERIC Database. Searches may be further limited by publication type, target audience, record type (RIE/CIJE), EDRS electronic availability, and year added.”
B) Advanced Search
“Conduct a more complex search using Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” Searches may be further limited by author, title, electronic availability, target audience, journal name, publication type, etc.”
C) Topics Organized Hierarchically
Browse more than 2000 ERIC TOPICS in 50 general subjects areas arranged hierarchically. ERIC TOPICS are based on the content of the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors.”
D) Topics Organized Alphabetically
“Browse more than 2000 ERIC TOPICS arranged alphabetically. ERIC TOPICS are based on the content of the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors.”

Other Notes:
* Utilizes Search/Content Management Technology from Artesia
* The Basic/Advanced search interfaces contain spell-check tool.
* The % is the truncation symbol.
* Basic Interface offers numerous limiting options via pull-down menus.
* Results can be sorted by using one of 12 criteria (Basic and Advanced)
* Boolean Connectors AND/OR Must Be Upper Case
* Records are clearly labeled. “ED” records contain a direct link to the ERIC Document Reproduction Service where these items can be purchased.

A very useful chart comparing four ERIC search interfaces/engines is also available. In other news, the entire ERIC site has received a makeover.
See Also: Directory of ERIC Resource Collections

Web Credibility: Transcript of Summit

Thursday, May 22nd, 2003

Professional Reading Shelf
Web Credibility
Source: Consumers Union
Full-Text Transcript, “Building Trust on the Web Consumer WebWatch’s First National Summit on Web Credibility”
Participants include, Eugenie Prime, Librarian, Hewlett-Packard
Doug Leeds, Overture
Matt Cutts, Google
Sandy Schlosser, ConsumerReports.org
Leslie Marable, Consumer WebWatch

Public Libraries–United Kingdom
Source: Demos
Full-Text Report, Overdue: How to create a modern public library service
Direct to Full-Text ||| Commentary from ManagingInformation.Com

200323665

Thursday, May 22nd, 2003

Resources, Reports, Tools, and Full-Text Documents
Veterans–United States
Source: Library of Congress
Material Available Monday, Veterans History Project Goes Online on Library of Congress Web Site
From the announcement, This Memorial Day, May 26, 21 fully digitized collections of materials submitted by veterans and civilians will be available for the first time on the Library of Congress Web. Direct to Web Site