Bib Essay
Unit 3 Hardware Issues
Katy
Armstrong and Nicole Cignoli
June 11
-16, 2007
Hardware
Books are a technology, and writing is also a
technology, and every technology has a limited lifespan. Thomas Frey, Executive Director of
the DaVinci Institute
Staying ahead of hardware needs proves challenging in
today's world of rapidly changing applications and computer performance. In
order to enhance the library experience, libraries weigh four basic components
when expanding or upgrading: input, processing, storage, and output. Input
hardware devices translate data into a binary code language the computer can
process. These are the keyboard, pointing devices, and source data-entry
devices. The computer stores that information temporarily (primary storage) or
permanently (secondary storage). Once processed, information is converted by
output hardware into a human-useable form. (Williams & Sawyer)
Consideration to equipment compatibility, durability, and longevity influence
hardware purchase decisions within budgetary constraints.
Input
The keyboard was the first input device for the computer
quickly followed by the mouse. The keyboard became smaller, faster (with its
own memory and processor), and wireless. The mouse lost its tail and stylus
pens and touch screens are quickly replacing it. Other input devices are
scanners, imaging systems, bar code readers, mark and character recognition
devices (MICR, OMR, OCR), and fax. Multifunction peripherals (MFPs) combine the
scanner, fax, and the digital camera docking station into one user-friendly
device. (DeStefanis) And with MicrosoftÕs recently released Surface, visual recognition input has
arrived.
As with any equipment in a library, librarians are
required to understand how to use it, how to fix it and or how to maintain the
service contract then be a resource to their patrons. The more-user friendly,
the more often it will be used justifying the expense. Although SurfaceÕs cost prohibits it coming to a
library soon, it is thought that both younger and aging populations will
persuade libraries to purchase hardware that shortens user-input interface
replacing the mouse and keyboard with touch screens or visual/biometric
recognition devices.
Processing
The speed at which a computer translates input into output
is the processing time. The processor chip, primary storage capability (memory
chip), and power source determines the speed of the process. All three connect
to the motherboard that connects to input and hardware devices. The more
powerfully designed processor chip and memory chips (RAM) the more quickly the
process and the more expensive a system. Technological advances occur so
quickly that operating budgets cannot keep up. The objective is to purchase
systems with a motherboard that has enough expansion slots to increase the
computerÕs capabilities. Expansion cards are small, circuit boards that plug
into an expansion slot and can add hardware for sound or video. In addition, replacing
the memory chip with more memory can extend the computer's usefulness. Both are
relatively inexpensive solutions versus purchasing a new computer. If the
processing unit has reached it expansion capability and a new unit is required,
it is possible to purchase the computer only and use existing input and output
hardware to remain within budget. Careful research prior to purchase is
necessary to ensure the newer product is compatible with the current machines
and applications.
Storage
What does digital storage mean for libraries and their
objectives? To review the mission of libraries we can use the Acronym from Alan
Pratt of the University of Arizona, CPOD. These are the objectives of a
library: Collect, Preserve, Organize and Disseminate information.
Obviously with larger storage abilities more information
can be collected. This used to be the advantage of only those fortunate enough
to have a large physical space. Much more is able to be preserved digitally
because it doesnÕt require large spaces. A larger collection can mean a
challenge to organize it. But with more information in our collection, we have
a greater chance to disseminate exactly what the patron needs.
Storage and memory of computers are not the same thing.
Memory refers to internal storage areas in the computer.
This data storage comes in the form of chips
and it holds information that is currently being used by the computer. It is
referred to as RAM or random access memory of the computer. The larger the RAM
the more capability it has to run more programs with greater complexity. The
word storage is used for memory that exists on tapes or disks.
(memory)
Secondary storage is a permanent form of memory; when the
electricity is off, the data is still intact. (Williams & Sawyer) A
computerÕs secondary storage provides a second place where your programs or
data is stored. This copy can be removed from the computer and serve as a back
up of data if something happens to the hard drive. Storage is measured in bits
and eight bits make up a byte. There are many different types of secondary
storage; floppy disks, zip disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, smart cards,
flash memory sticks, and online storage. A floppy disk holds 1.44 megabytes; a
zip disk holds 100-750 megabytes and devises increase their storage up to 250
gigabytes found in external hard disk.
Perpendicular recording technology allows a higher density
of data to be packed onto a single disk. (Williams & Sawyer) Our textbook
notes that Ôin mid-2005 Seagate Technology announced a disk drive for notebook
computers that stores 160 gigabytes of storage. Yesterday, a headline on
storagereview.com. read, ÒBuilding on its storage technology
leadership, Seagate today announced that it has begun worldwide volume
shipments of the industry's first 250GB-per-disc, 3.5-inch disc drive on the
strength of second-generation perpendicular magnetic recording technology.
(Seagate ShipsÉ ) ÒMaxell and InPhase hoped to have a 300GB disks the size of a
CD sometime this yearÉ the drives costing upwards of 15,000 and the media $120
a piece.Ó (Abro ) But the trend is these prices will come down. Marshall Breeding noted, ÒThree
years ago É a DVD-R drive sold for just under $1,000 and the blank discs cost
as much as $20 each. Now, drives are under $200 and a blank disc costs well
below $1.Ó (Breeding)
Online storage is another strategy for preserving data if
you donÕt have the space to back up your records in house. Usually you pay for
these services but some are being offered free now. They are likened to car
insurance reminding potential customers that their service could make the
difference between a bad day and catastrophe. (Larkin) This type of back up may
not be necessary for school Libraries for but it may be useful for larger
Libraries.
Much like the multi-core processor the RAID splits the
work up, allowing for more storage. ÒThe RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive
Disks) system has been widely used in practical storage applications for better
performance, cost effectiveness, and reliability. This study proposes a novel
variant of RAID named Zoned-RAIDÓ (Z-RAID). ÒZ-RAID improves the performance of
traditional RAID by utilizing the zoning property of modern disks which
provides multiple zones with different data transfer rates within a diskÉ.
Z-RAID provides a higher effective data transfer rate in normal mode with no
disadvantage.Ó (Kim, Seon Ho)
Preservation of Digital formats
There are many miraculous things about this tiny
technology that opens up vast preservation possibilities for Libraries. The
Library can preserve and archive more information but needs less physical space
to store it. In the short term this archival digitized information can be
shared or accessed many times without any degradation, unlike the dangers to
paper objects. But there are issues with long-term accessibility. Information
has to be able to survive the long-term changes in storage media, devices, and
data formats. (Lorie) This digital format has to be readable by the machines in
the future. It is not practical to keep one sample machine from each generation
of hardware to read the old formatted storage. It is also impractical to copy
it from one medium to the next. Hilde van Wijngaarden, head of the National
Library of the Netherlands said, ÒIt is a major problem, but it is remarkable
how little known it isÉPeople just accept that things no longer work after ten
years.Ó(A New Way toÉ) But new technology is being developed to address this
issue. IBM is working on the Universal Virtual Computer. This device Òallows
the preservation of the original bit stream of digital information objects in a
way that can be interpreted by future computers.Ó (Kol, N.J.C.) Right now Magnetic Tape has been voted the
best option for long-term data archival storage. (Moore)
Output
Once data is processed, output hardware is the devices
that translate the information processed by the computer into a form that
humans can understand. There are two types of output. The first is soft copy
that exists only electronically on the display screen or audio or voice form
and the second is hardcopy, information that is printed out. (Williams &
Sawyer) As a library upgrades its hardware, consideration is given to which
components are clearly not up to grade and which can last longer. Usually the
decision is made that monitors can printers can last longer than the processing
components. Although libraries are not expected to be state-of-the-art
technology centers, a critical assessment of the overall impression of the
libraryÕs equipment should be part of the upgrade or expansion decision.
Computer Replenishment Policy
Keeping
systems up-to-date so users are satisfied and productive warrants a computer
replenishment policy. Even though price per unit costs have steadily gone down
over the years, the replenishment cycle has gone from a five to seven year
cycle down to two to three years, dependent on the applications used and the
capacity of the server to support existing and new applications (Briggs, 2006).
In a replenishment policy, hardware purchases are timed so that the existing
hardware is used to its fullest potential and isnÕt outdated before rollout of
the new equipment.
There
are options to achieve this balancing act. For instance, Advocate HealthCare in
Oak Brook, Illinois gave their front-end users the new computer hardware while
the support functions are given the existing computers. Another option is to
work with one provider as some software providers are beginning to bundle
applications, support, and hardware in their contract. Or lastly, purchase
equipment directly during sales offers which may help reduce costs for a
library, but may not yield the best price nor resolve software and hardware
integration issues. (Briggs, 2006)
As
previously stated, purchasing a system that can be easily expanded with
additional RAM or memory cards is critical. Adding more memory is less
expensive than adding new equipment, but eventually equipment will need
replacement based on application upgrades and warranty expirations.
It
is not feasible that one or two individuals can research and assess the best
solution for the library. As baby-boomers reach retirement age, libraries can
reach out to their patronsÕ expertise to comprise a replenishment committee charged
with the specific responsibility of designing a policy and its administration.
This
is not your parentsÕ library
Although
it is not believed that print media will completely disappear, Pod and
vidcasting lead the way toward a more realistic and real-time interface.
Patrons use these communication vehicles at home and will want to experience it
in public venues. Libraries will look to embrace technology and create space to
integrate it with soft hardware (books, periodicals, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs).
One example currently in use by the Minneapolis Central Public Library is to
have soft hardware collections surround a bank of computers. Patrons can access
inter-related information through a variety of tools in a dedicated space.
(Bednarz)
Librarians would do well to attune themselves to the ways
different generations approach technology. Mark Presky coined the terms
Òdigital natives and digital immigrantsÓ The generation growing up now are
confident in their approach, experimenting with new hardware until they get
what they need. These are the ÒNative Speakers.Ó The rest of the generations
are new this territory, they are the Òdigital immigrants.Ó They often
experience apprehension with trying and trusting these new devices. Librarians
can play a role in helping digital immigrants get accustomed to and enjoy this
new territory, the digital age.
With the powerful processing and storage devices Òinformation
is more fluidÓ. (Fischer) It moves with people in their daily lives and it
changes form. We listen to our book, we watch items in our e-mails and with the
right equipment we see our phones calls. ÒThere are over 2.7 searches performed
on google each month.Ó To whom were these questions addresses before google?
(Glumbert) Technology will continue to advance and it is up to the library to
stretch and grow with it. It is an opportunity to reflect on their patronsÕ
needs and reinvent their role within the community. Thankfully,Ò 91% of the
total respondents believed libraries will exist in the future, despite all of
the information available on the Internet.Ó (ALA library fact sheet) Libraries
will continue to play a key role archiving and disseminating information.
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