The readings this week focused on databases. The 3 articles combined with the chapters in the book were somewhat confusing because it seems that the same vocabulary has different meanings depending upon the author.
The article in Wikipedia originally caused confusion, namely concerning database models and database management system models. I realized that I confusing a structure to store data with a type of software used to organize the stored data. The database management system models in the Wikipedia article did not match those described in Discovering Computers 2009. I wonder why since both are suppose to be up to date?
The article on the Dublin Core Data Model was enlightening. In a global setting there is need for some standardization of databases, since the goal is to access information. The goal of this effort is to foster interoperability between databases by establishing a formal data model by identifying a set of metadata (data about data) elements that can be used to describe and search across information sources.
"Setting the Stage" was an article about metadata and its use in databases and other digital and non-digital information systems. This article also made reference to library situations! Also mentioned was the importance of structure of information objects and the need for some sort of metadata standards. The Dublin Core Metadata Element Set was also mentioned, as was the need for standards for purposes of interoperability. Information is processed data that is organized, meaningful, and useful, and hopefully retrieveable both now and in the future.
Senior Computer Class 2011 Photo Album
14 years ago
1 comment:
I also liked the Dublin Core article. The problem with standardizing databases for global use is that there is always so much infighting in libraries about which collections and/or projects should get priority over others. The effect is usually that progress is slow and metadata remains patchy.
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