When I began this course, I was familiar with Linux only as an alternative to Windows as an operating system. Having become comfortable with the Microsoft product line over many years, and not having suffered too many problems with it, I have always been content to stay put, as it were, and not bother learning something (else) new… on my own (which is pretty much how I learned what I know about computers, operating systems and software).
In beginning this program in digital information management, I’m not sure I realized I would be ‘elbow-deep’ in the command-line interfaces again, but it was a comfortable feeling based on my past success with MS-DOS. I have also been motivated by the hope that learning to function in the SQL and PHP environment will help me finally know how to better utilize the platforms associated with the hosting service for my own website(s). All I need now is that elusive factor, time, to experiment with SQL & PHP on my own.
My perspective of digital information has been expanded through the past 11 weeks of this course. I have always been, and continue to be, amazed at the information that is available via the Internet and the World Wide Web. So much of this content is collaborative and donated and circulated… truly mind-boggling. And yet, the average user is completely unaware of the vastness, and the usefulness of it all.
I love books. I love the idea of being a librarian and all that entails, from reader’s advisory to technical researcher to data quality management – however, I do like the term “information specialist” for its connotation that my knowledge and expertise will be beyond the shelf list, beyond the building, and beyond Google.
No comments:
Post a Comment