Oct. 7 Required Readings: Computer Networks & Wireless Networks

1. Local Area Network
     A local area network or LAN is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited space, such as an office, campus, or home. The purpose of its development in the 1980's was to cut costs by allowing more than one computer share expensive storage and printers. Ethernet and Internet Protocol are the most popular modes for the network. LANs include network devices such as switches, firewalls, routers, load balancers, sensors, and the like. Another feature to note is that LANs can maintain connection with other LANs.
     Overall I felt that this reading complicated a very simple concept because of how poorly written the wikipedia entry was. And I am certain that there are much more well-written readings from much more authoritative sources about LANs that could have been more beneficial for the class to read about LANs

2. Computer Network
     As a whole I thought that this wikipedia reading was the most well-written so far, but as mentioned earlier, I am sure that are much better written readings out there. Either way, I appreciated how the reading discussed the Darknet and some of its properties. Even though I really know nothing about how the darknet works, I still think it's really cool. I also thought that it was very relevant how the reading mentioned current issues of privacy and mass surveillance.
     But the reading manly discussed computer networks and the data connections that comprise them. Computer networks support access to the web, share storage, servers, printers, fax machines, email, and instant messaging between computers within the network. Computer networks are the core of modern communication. There are many ways to link devices in a network, two of the most popular are wired and wireless. Wireless is the most popular for its speed advantages. Information is carried through the network in network packets.

3.Coyle, K. (2005). Management of RFID in libraries. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(5), 486-489.
     I feel that this article was a little too outdated to be considered relevant for technology in the library science field. I understand that RFID chips still offer a lot of advantages for libraries and their collections, but with the current shift to eResources and subsequent reduction in physical collection material- there are probably more relevant technologies. And I'm sure RFID have evolved since 2005 and can offer many more functions than the article describes.
     But, when the article was written there was some controversy over switching to RFID chips. Even though they offer many benefits and functions, the disadvantages, privacy issues, and constant evolution of the technology caused librarians to hesitate integrating the technology into their collection. The RFID is a chip that would be taped to the book and would act as an identifier for circulation purposes. The chips can hold large amounts of information and are read like a barcode with an electro-magnet. The chips main advantage is its inventory and security functions for physical materials in the libraries collection.