Introducing The Source
Cloud computing: Challenges and future directions (Note: PDF)From the website of the Australian Institute of Criminology
This paper explains the various cloud architecture and usage models that exist and some of the benefits in using cloud services. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the emerging threat landscape created by cloud computing, with a view to identifying avenues for risk reduction. Three avenues for action are identified, in particular, the need for a culture of cyber-security to be created through the development of effective public-private partnerships; the need for Australia’s privacy regime to be reformed to deal with the issues created by cloud computing and the need for cyber-security researchers to find ways in which to mitigate existing and new security risks in the cloud computing environment.
Member states continue discussions on key copyright issues
From the WIPO website
WIPO’s top copyright negotiating body has continued discussions on limitations and exceptions to copyright law, as well as updating the rights of broadcasting organisations and the rights of performers in their audiovisual performances. The Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR), meeting from November 8-12, 2010, took stock of the status of discussions in each of these three key areas and agreed on a road map for future negotiations.
Digital cultural collections in an age of reuse and remixes
From the First Monday website
This paper explores the circumstances under which cultural institutions (CI) should seek to control non–commercial reuse of digital cultural works. It describes the results of a 2008 survey of CI professionals at U.S. archives, libraries and museums, which gathered data on motivations to control access to, and use of, digital collections, factors discouraging control, and levels of concern associated with different types of unauthorised reuse. The analysis presents three general themes that explain many of the CI motivations for control: “controlling descriptions and representations”; “legal risks and complexities”; and, “getting credit: fiscal and social costs and revenue.”
The digital divide in internet information searching: A double-hurdle model analysis of household data from Vermont
From the First Monday website
While most studies on the digital divide in the United States focus on disparities in access to computers and the internet, this study examines the digital divide in internet information searching. With data from 476 Vermont households surveyed in 2009, a double–hurdle model is used to identify the factors that impact the likelihood and frequency of using the internet for information searching. Empirical results suggest that there are significant disparities in both the likelihood and frequency of online information searching in Vermont and that these disparities are closely associated with several socio-economic and demographic factors such as education level, income, and age. Also, the impacts of some variables on the likelihood to use the internet to search for information are different from their impacts on the frequency of using the internet for information searching. These research findings are expected to be useful when developing programmes and policies for reducing the digital divide.
PDF/A: A viable addition to the preservation toolkit
From the website of D-Lib magazine
PDF/A, the archival version of the PDF file format, is an International Standards Organisation (ISO) vetted, open source tool that can be added to the librarian's and archivist's preservation toolkit. This article describes the format itself, the lessons learned as the authors investigated the tools readily available for creating PDF/A files and the design of the pilot to test implementation of the use of the format in the Ohio State University's repository, the Knowledge Bank. Further, we identify issues in conversion of diverse original formats; strategies for time-saving batch conversion; and considerations in deciding whether to attempt full or partial compliance with the standard.
Taming the metadata beast: ILOX
From the website of D-Lib magazine
We propose a framework for organising multiple metadata specifications in a container that can be handled as a whole. This framework, named Information for Learning Object eXchange (ILOX), is developed as part of the IMS Learning Object Discovery & Exchange (LODE) specification that aims to facilitate the discovery and retrieval of learning objects stored across more than one collection. While thus far ILOX has been demonstrated to resolve a number of challenges specific to the e-learning domain, it is a generic framework that can be profiled to organise metadata about any type of digital content.
The world in 2010 (Note: PDF)
From the ITU website
According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
- By the end of 2010, there will be an estimated 5.3 billion mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide, including 940 million subscriptions to 3G services
- Access to mobile networks is now available to 90% of the world population and 80% of the population living in rural areas
- People are moving rapidly from 2G to 3G platforms, in both developed and developing countries
- In 2010, 143 countries were offering 3G services commercially, compared to 95 in 2007
- Towards 4G: a number of countries have started to offer services at even higher broadband speeds, moving to next generation wireless platforms – they include Sweden, Norway, Ukraine and the United States
Trends in large-scale subject repositories
From the website of D-Lib magazine
Noting a lack of broad empirical studies on subject repositories, the authors investigate subject repository trends that reveal common practices despite their apparent isolated development. Data collected on year founded, subjects, software, content types, deposit policy, copyright policy, host, funding, and governance are analysed for the top ten most-populated subject repositories. Among them, several trends exist, such as a multi- and interdisciplinary scope, strong representation in the sciences and social sciences, use of open source repository software for newer repositories, acceptance of pre- and post-prints, moderated deposits, submitter responsibility for copyright, university library or departmental hosting, and discouraged withdrawal of materials. In addition, there is a loose correlation between repository size and age. Recognising the diversity of all subject repositories, the authors recommend that tools for assessment and evaluation be developed to guide subject repository management to best serve their respective communities.
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