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"Open Internet" tools series - Chapter One: Google Docs
The following is the first in a semi-irregular series of posts on Internet tools and utilities. We'll start with a well-known, yet oft-misunderstood tool: Google Docs.
I hope one or more of the featured tools might be of use to you. These are written from my particular professional vantage point, i.e., that of a librarian, teacher, and manager. Note that I do NOT necessarily view myself as a technophile; rather than spending hours pounding on the computer, I'd really rather be reading a book or baffing golfing balls. Thus it's hoped that these tools will make your "screen time" hours more efficient and productive, rather than more numerous.
The posts in this series give info and background on a few common "open" Internet tools. All these tools have the following in common:
- They are available "free" on the Internet (although an initial sign-up, also free, is usually required)
- They have some utility in the world of the Internet, education, and libraries
- I, personally, use each of these tools regularly
- Google Docs: http://docs.google.com
- Example of how I use it: http://bit.ly/RO6Kd
- My first use: late 2007
- Purposes for which I use it: Post syllabus, shared editing of documents, easy net-based display of documents (especially good for presentations, a.ka., "powerpoint") Good for students sharing their work with me or with each other. If you have a Netbook, or other laptop, you could easily replace MS Office with this far-reaching set of tools. Way easier to use than a Wiki!
- Biggest drawback: Well, you are storing your work on Gooooogle... if you have qualms about this, that's fine, but I'm amazed by people who rail about the evil Google owning the world, while they carry laptops with $500 copies of MS Office... and they've never sent Google a dime.
Have other thoughts? Other tools? Post your comment below.
Tool for next time: Netvibes!
"Open Internet" tools series - Chapter Three: bit.ly
The following is the third in a semi-irregular series of posts on Internet tools and utilities. Today's tool is truly one of my favorites! It will help you both communicate and track information (as well as make Web addresses shorter): bit.ly
It's hoped that these tools will make your "screen time" hours more efficient and productive, rather than more numerous. All the tools featured in this series have the following in common:
- They are available "free" on the Internet (although an initial sign-up, also free, is usually required)
- They have some utility in the world of the Internet, education, and libraries
- I, personally, use each of these tools regularly
3: bit.ly
- Example of how I use it: http://bit.ly/nbm7P
- My first use: February(?) 2009
- How and why I use it: If you want to make a URL shorter, there are many options. First, though, why would you want to make a URL shorter at all? Well, there's Twitter and other instant messaging/microblogging services that only allow you a limited number of characters; a long URL can easily take up an entire Twitter post (140 characters max). Also, sometimes long URLs "wrap" in e-mails, making it difficult for the recipient to re-create your link.
- How: Using any of the URL-shorteners is simple; you just go to the site (tinyurl.com is the "granddaddy," and still very popular) and paste your "long" URL into the window, and click on a button. I find bit.ly to be superior for this purpose because a) it keeps track of all your links (once you've setup an account, which takes maybe 15 seconds), b) most importantly, it tracks how many clicks(!!!) each link gets, as well as when and where they came from, in real time, and c) it seems to keep getting better and better! (Just one example: In the short time since I started using it, they've added the total number of clicks for each URL to your "main" page (see my example above) as well as "previews" of where the links lead). At a certain level, I could see a personal bit.ly account serving as a "poor person's delicio.us," that is, an easy way to keep track of where you've been on the InterWeb, while sharing selected sites (it has a direct interface with Twitter and other 2.0 utilities) with your online buds.
- Drawbacks: Not too many (and they may have fixed these by the time you read this) but, it is occasionally (certainly not regularly, like Twitter!) unstable, especially as it has to do with "metrics," i.e., the numbers, timeline, and demographics of your links. (It would also be nice to get more systematic metrics, e.g., the TOTAL number of hits all your links got, but that is probably asking a lot for a free service?!?)
Previous tool: Netvibes
Tool for next time: drop.io
"Open Internet" tools series - Chapter Two: Netvibes
The following is the second in a semi-irregular series of posts on Internet tools and utilities. Today's tool will help you both organize and communicate information: Netvibes.
It's hoped that these tools will make your "screen time" hours more efficient and productive, rather than more numerous. The posts in this series give info and background on a few common "open" Internet tools. All these tools have the following in common:
- They are available "free" on the Internet (although an initial sign-up, also free, is usually required)
- They have some utility in the world of the Internet, education, and libraries
- I, personally, use each of these tools regularly
2: Netvibes: http://www.netvibes.com
- Example of how I use it: http://bit.ly/8h24b
- My first use: early 2008
- Purposes for which I use it: Netvibes is free "portalling" software, that is, a utility to bring together resources and web pages and so on, and store and display them all in one spot. Once you create an account, it has both a "public" and "private" side, so if you want to organize some private pages and resources and bookmarks, you use the "private" side (visible to only you), while the "public" pages can be used to easily share and showcase information with others. Netvibes is so versatile and easy to use, that, for the course linked above, I basically used it in lieu of a course management system! Most of the student's work was posted there, although I couldn't, of course, post grades. Also note, that I gave the students perhaps five to ten minutes of instruction on how to do the basics (click on "Add Content," then "Essential Widgets" gets the basics)
- Biggest drawback: It IS one more thing to remember to check, but, if you have a specific Web communications purpose (such as creating a rudimentary personal e-portolio) you will remember...
Have other thoughts? Other tools? Post your comment below.
Previous tool: Google Docs
Tool for next time: bit.ly
blueREVIEWS - A Confederacy of Dunces
Review by Professor Michael Couvillon of A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole.
blueREVIEWS - A Confederacy of Dunces from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - A Leader's Legacy
Review by Ben Cooper, Drake University Vice President of Student Life, of A Leader's Legacy by James Kouzes and Barry Posner.
blueREVIEWS - A Leader's Legacy from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - Dandelion Wine
Review by Rodney Henshaw, Dean of Cowles Library, of Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.
blueREVIEWS - Dandelion Wine from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - I, Claudius and Claudius the God
Review by Professor Eric Saylor of I, Claudius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves.
blueREVIEWS - I, Claudius and Claudius the God from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in
briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at
mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - Lies that Bind: Chinese Truth, Other Truths
Review by Kirk Martin, Director of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Program at Drake University, of Lies that Bind: Chinese Truth, Other Truths by Susan Blum.
blueREVIEWS - Lies that Bind: Chinese Truth, Other Truths from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - Outcasts United
Review by Sean Holmes, Drake University Head Men's Soccer Coach, of Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town by Warren St.John.
blueREVIEWS - Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - Quiverfull
Review by Professor Beth Younger, Drake University Department of English, of Quiverfull by Kathryn Joyce.
blueREVIEWS - Quiverfull by Kathryn Joyce from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - The Adventures of Augie March
Review by Mansah Asare, senior Biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major, of The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow.
blueREVIEWS - The Adventures of Augie March from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - The Ascent of Money
Review by Bruce Gilbert of The ascent of money by Niall Ferguson.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - The Ugly American
Review by Carrie Lewis, Drake University Assistant Director of International Admission, of The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick.
blueREVIEWS - The Ugly American from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
blueREVIEWS - The Warrior's Apprentice
Review by Anna Dieterman, Secondary Education and History major at Drake University, of The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold.
blueREVIEWS - Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold from Cowles Library on Vimeo.
In the comments section, you can tell us what you thought of the item reviewed!
Also: if you are a part of the Drake University community and are interested in briefly reviewing a book or media item for blueREVIEWS, please contact Mireille Djenno at mireille.djenno@drake.edu or 515-271-2862.
Internet Tools, Part IV: Drop.io
The following is the fourth in a semi-irregular series of posts on Internet tools and utilities. Today's tool takes the pain and mystery out of file sharing. It will help you share information and comments; it has improved over time, and is amazingly versatile: drop.io
It's hoped that these tools will make your "screen time" hours more efficient and productive, rather than more numerous. All the tools featured in this series have the following in common:
- They are available "free" on the Internet (although an initial sign-up, also free, is usually required)
- They have some utility in the world of the Internet, education, and libraries
- I, personally, use each of these tools regularly
4: drop.io
- Example of how I use it: http://drop.io/cowlesdemo
- My first use: February 2008
- How and why I use it: If you have a large file and want to share it with a friend, colleague, or even a vendor, you'll want to know how to use drop.io First, why not just use e-mail? Let me count the ways! For one, e-mail is notoriously insecure. Moreover, many email systems block files over a certain size, or of a certain type (files with a ".zip" or ".exe" extension (that is, the last three characters in the file name) are common files that get blocked). Finally, if you care about the health of the Internet (or your email account!) at all, remember that email is an extremely inefficient way to share files; e-mail attachments, sent from one system to another, create copies all over the place, and then they pile up in your account, using up your quota!
- How: Setting up a drop.io "drop" is very easy. Once you go to the drop.io homepage, you simply choose a name for your "drop," select one or more files, and create it! Then, you choose an "admin" password (so you'll be able to change options, such as the layout of files, or when the "drop" expires) and supply an email address. That's it! Is your total file size bigger than 100 MB? No problem! Create a second, third, or more additional "drops"!
- This "upfront" simplicity masks a lot of features, however! Once you've shared the "drop" with whomever you wish, they may add their own files, add comments, re-arrange the files, etc. (You control how much they can do, when you are logged in as "admin"; look for the "settings" link which is a little hard to find on the upper right-hand of the page) Most file types (such as .pdf or .jpg or even video such as .avi) allow the user to "preview" the content; that is, they can see what the file consists of BEFORE they download it. "Settings" mode has all kinds of different stuff, including how many times the drop has been accessed. Drop.io is so potentially versatile, I have used it as a de facto course management system; way whippier than BlackBoard!
- Drawbacks: The limitation of 100 MB for the "free" version is a potential issue, I suppose, but how often do you share individual files over 100 MB? (Sure, you could get there pretty quick with video files, but that's what vimeo and YouTube are for!) Another caveat: Although you are getting a certain amount of privacy by using drop.io, it is NOT an excuse for copyright violation, so don't use it to share pirated mp3s!
- Also (and this may seem like an odd thing to complain about) for a simple tool, it really has a LOT of different options; when you're in "Admin" mode, as a result, you may overlook the "basic" stuff (such as how to change a password, or the name of the "drop") because of all these different options (is setting up a different flower-colored background REALLY that important for file sharing?) drop.io has recently added all kinds of "collaboration" tools, such as "chat" and so on (a la Google Docs) but that's not why I use it. This is picking nits, I know, but it's a common issue: A tool is "good enough" for a specific service, but then "creeping featurism" comes in, and after a while, you forget why it was useful in the first place!
Previous tool: bit.ly
Tool for next time: picnik
Open Access Initiative: Open Science Directory
The world of publishing continues to be transformed by (among other things) the Open Access Initiative or OAI. Cowles Library has been a longstanding proponent of this trend, as demonstrated by eScholarShare, our scholary "open" repository of publications by Drake students, faculty, and staff.
This is a trend that continues to accelerate, as Universities and Libraries continue to react against the skyrocketing costs of "traditional" publishing models. One concrete, and useful, example is the Open Science Directory (not just about science!) that I have described elsewhere. In addition to being a useful source for virtually anyone doing research, this project has a laudable goal: making research available to scientists and others in the developing world.
Select Biology Books
What bugged the dinosaurs? : insects, disease, and death in the Cretaceous
Poinar, George O., QE720 .P65 2008
"[A] detailed study of insects' role in the life and extinction of Cretaceous plants and animals. In scientific but straightforward language, the Poinars advance convincingly the thesis that insects acted as vectors for pathogens, spreading bacteria, fungi and viruses to plants as well as dinosaurs, who then passed it on to others. Using current examples like Dutch elm disease, speculative scenarios of Cretaceous life and plenty of research data, the authors add an intriguing new dimension to the dinosaur apocalypse narrative: periods of temperature change, marine regression, volcanic eruptions, and one or more meteor impacts. . . . A perfect setting for the spread of diseases."--Publishers Weekly
Structure and function in cell signalling
Nelson, John, QP517 .C45 N45 2008
Richly illustrated with full-color molecular graphics (created by RasMol, a freeware molecular visualization program), Structure and Function in Cell Signaling provides a clear, engaging introduction to signal transduction. Each of the book's 10 chapters includes tables and charts in color to illustrate signal transduction pathways and genetic relationships between signal transduction molecules. Nelson (Queens Univ. Belfast, UK) provides enough background information to make this complex subject accessible even to beginning students. Readers can easily re-create all of the molecular graphics for themselves in an interactive format by following simple instructions included in the appendix. Signal transduction has applications in all of the biological sciences. Thus, students in cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular genetics, and other life sciences will all find much valuable information in this work. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic libraries, all levels. -- C. A. Klevickis, James Madison University (Choice, February 2009)
Bird song: biological themes and variations
Catchpole, Clive, QL698.5 .C38 2008
“Bird Song has long been an inspiration to poets, and a delight to many other people, but why do birds sing? Bird song has been studied extensively in the past few decades, so that there is now hardly an area of animal behaviour on to which studies of song do not shed light. This book explores the study of bird song from the biological viewpoint, reviewing the literature written on the subject and considering its intricate nature. It is written with a wide readership in mind so that, while undergraduate and postgraduate students of biology may gain particularly from it, both professional biologists interested in bird behaviour and amateur ornithologists with some knowledge of biology will also find it a mine of information.”
Malformed frogs: the collapse of aquatic ecosystems
Lannoo, Michael J., QL668 .E2 L298 2008
“The widespread appearance of frogs with deformed bodies has generated much press coverage over the past decade. Frogs with extra limbs or digits, missing limbs or digits, or misaligned appendages raise an alarming question: "Are deformed humans next?" Taking a fresh look at this disturbing environmental problem, this reference provides a balanced overview of the science behind the malformed frog phenomenon. Bringing together data from ecology, parasitology, and other disciplines, Michael Lannoo considers the possible causes of these deformities, tells which frogs have been affected, and addresses questions about what these malformations might mean to human populations. Featuring high-quality radiographic images, Malformed Frogs suggests that our focus should be on finding practical solutions, a key component of which will be controlling chemical, nutrient, and pesticide runoff into wetlands.”
Superdove: how the pigeon took Manhattan-- and the world
Humphries, Courtney, QL696 .C63 H86 2008 Browsing collection - Ground floor
“Why do we see pigeons as lowly urban pests and how did they become such common city dwellers? Courtney Humphries traces the natural history of the pigeon, recounting how these shy birds that once made their homes on the sparse cliffs of sea coasts came to dominate our urban public spaces. While detailing this evolution, Humphries introduces us to synanthropy: The concept that animals can become dependent on humans without ceasing to be wild; they can adapt to the cityscape as if it were a field or a forest.
Superdove simultaneously explores the pigeon's cultural transformation, from its life in the dovecotes of ancient Egypt to its service in the trenches of World War I, to its feats within the pigeon-racing societies of today. While the dove is traditionally recognized as a symbol of peace, the pigeon has long inspired a different sort of fetishistic devotion from breeders, eaters, and artists—and from those who recognized and exploited the pigeon's astounding abilities. Because of their fecundity, pigeons were symbols of fertility associated with Aphrodite, while their keen ability to find their way home made them ideal messengers and even pilots.
Their usefulness largely forgotten, today's pigeons have become as ubiquitous and reviled as rats. But Superdove reveals something more surprising: By using pigeons for our own purposes, we humans have changed their evolution. And in doing so, we have helped make pigeons the ideal city dwellers they are today. In the tradition of Rats, the book that made its namesake rodents famous, Superdove is the fascinating story of the pigeon's journey from the wild to the city—the home they'll never leave.”
Urban ants of North America and Europe: identification, biology, and management
Klotz, John H., QL568 .F7 U725 2008
“Ants that commonly invade homes, damage structures, inflict painful bites, or sting humans or their pets are considered pest ants. This illustrated identification guide highlights forty species of ants that pose difficulties in urban settings. Included are well-known invasive troublemakers such as the red imported fire ant and Argentine ant, as well as native species.
After an introductory chapter on the evolution, biology, and ecology of pest ants, the book follows a taxonomic arrangement by subfamily. Each subfamily chapter includes separate illustrated keys to both the genera and species of that group to enable entomologists and pest control professionals to identify pest ants correctly. The species accounts cover biology, distribution, and methods for excluding and/or removing ants from human structures and landscapes. The authors focus on the ants' biology and nesting behavior, life cycles, and feeding preferences; an intimate understanding of these factors enables the implementation of the least toxic control methods available.
A chapter on control principles and techniques encompasses chemical strategies, habitat and structural modifications, biological control, and integrated pest management methods. Urban Ants of North America and Europe also contains valuable information on the diagnosis and treatment of human reactions to ant stings and bites. This comprehensive reference work on these economically significant ants includes the scientific, English, French, Spanish, and German names for each species and a summary of invasive ant species in the United States and Europe.”
