I am IM: Information Management 3.0

I Knew the Economy Was in a Downturn But...

2010-02-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

As a teaser to increase "circulation" at a regional gentleman's club south of the border this sign is posted as an advertisement for the establishment - The Library, Las Vegas Nevada

Hmmm...

I should have reconsidered my doctorate.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roadsidepictures/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Google's Data Farms and Discretionary Research

2010-02-05T13:40:00.001-08:00

As any librarian will tell you -- the statement "Why is it that you can find it - I looked on Google" will make the fine hairs on the back of their neck tingle. Increasingly, web searches are becoming more and more frequently relied upon as a means for preliminary "research." However, the sanctity and security of these "searches" is becoming more frequently challenged and scrutinized.

An article published by Briony Smith, entitled "The Public Life of Google's Private Data" (ITBusiness.ca) notes that IM professionals should become increasingly aware of Google's lax privacy policies as information squirreled away in their massive data farms may have the potential to be given to its subsidiary or affiliate enterprises; and/or sobpeaned at any time by U.S. government officials via the Patriot Act.

The article goes on to suggest that aggregated information could be a way that Google could get around their stated policy of not releasing information to outside parties—this information could be sold to competing businesses, allowing them, for instance, to see what their competitors have been searching for in Google.

As such, IM professionals should be encouraging their research colleagues and library patrons to gaze upon the navigation of the information superhighway via search engines such as Google with a greater degree of scepticism. Significantly, the data can have a significant impact not only on the privity of one's personal data but on the information seeking behaviour of individuals employed in private enterprises as well -- research regarding sensitive topics of interest, the navigation of corporate intranet sites powered by Google, competitive intelligence work, etc.

My Romance with Librarianship

2010-02-05T13:38:00.001-08:00

In my neandering around the internet I came across a cute little blog entitled "Library Career Romances" that provides a bouquet of commentary for print publications narrating the evolution of popular culture's romantic notions of librarianship.

I couldn't help but smile and get the "warm and fuzzies" when reading this excerpt from Jan Marlowe, Hospital Librarian (1960):

That was one of the delightful things about her job. It brought her in touch with so many people, all [...] of whom made her not only feel welcome but that she was doing something really worthwhile. She gave a little sigh of pleasure as she unlocked the library door. She loved working here and she loved the work itself. [p.8]

Blowing Smoke or the Big Smoke?

2010-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

As a long-time supporter and advocate for intellectual freedom... you may have spotted me lurking in the shadows of many a seedy subversive-culture venue on the matter.

However, as engaged as I am in the "good fight" I am absolutely overwhelmed by the massive explosion of events and cultivation opportunties that have found their way to Ottawa in support of Canada's Freedom to Read Week 2010... [insert sarcastic tone here].

Ottawa... the mecca of national activism... has churned out ZERO events to support this national cause. With more librarians per capita than probably any other city in the country... and not even a single event to support this cause. Boo on us.

May I point out rather frankly that Toronto -- The Big Smoke -- who already self-identifes as the fulcrum of the literati universe (cough, cough, spittle) ... has an entire program of literary events; speaker series; workshops and even educational programs to support this cause.

For those of you who believe that censorship in Canada is a non-issue... and I am just blowing smoke...

Cheers:
Challenged Books and Magazines List (February 2009)

Well I guess I should book my VIA ticket...

Is the Written Art of Conversation Dead?

2010-02-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

Nostalgia.

A word that defines my musings and sentiments as it relates to the days of yor where the written art of conversation was as much a part of the human dialogue as was the notion of courting. Love letters... penmanship... ink wells... wax seals... and a verbose vocabulary to astound and decipher the complexities of human nature. An art form that is dead?

In the digital age where emoticons and the vernacular have become common place options for conversing -- have we as a social construct turned our backs on the literary pedagogue for the efficiency gains of instant messaging and email?

Has the art of conversation been diluted by a fast-food insta-message culture?

Study after study these days seems to be revealing an incredible reduction in the human vocabulary... words are being lost... expressions being swept into the abyss of syndromes assigned to technological advancement. In summation, each seems to reveal that over the course of the last 50 years the average vocabulary of a U.S. high-school graduate has been downsized from 25,000 words to 10,000.

Emotional literacy levels to follow? My portfolio is going to include Hallmark... immediately!!!!!!!

Like OMG! ... K-Fed was dumped by Britney via text-message. 'Nuf said ballaz.

Return from Hiatus - Its All About Service Convergence for Small Corporate Libraries

2009-05-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus ... I am back to blog to my heart's content. For better or for worse :)

CONVERGENCE... AND LIBRARIES

Customarily convergence is identified as a mathamatical term or that of the telecom industry. As a profession rooted deeply in the technologies offered by the ICT industry and scientific-oriented analysis... why not appeal to this notion?

Does it fit? Does the idea of service convergence towards a single organizational knowledge nexus work in small corporate libraries? What are your thoughts?

Here is a reading to help the creative juices flow:

http://www.smr-knowledge.com/articles/KS%20Organ%20Know%20Nexus%2002-28-03.pdf

IM Key to Big Business -- Financial Post (2007 11 13)

2007-11-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

An Article published today in the Financial Post, entitled "Demand High for Information Management - Key to Big Business," (David George-Cosh) articulates what librarians and information scientists have known for years:

--> Profits and the preservation and dissemination of intellectual capital are strategically aligned in a corporate environment. Information Management (IM) is the basis for business intelligence and the foundation for making efficient and accurate business decisions.

As my former graduate school classmate (Senior Research Analyst, Info-Tech Research Group and PhD Canadiate, Library and Info Science - UWO) George Goodall states in the article - "Control the information, control the world."

Why Do Canada's Private and Public Sectors Have a CKO Deficit?

2007-10-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a web-surf session that was going nowhere fast - I came to the realization that Canada's private and public sectors seem to have a limited membership of executives commonly referred to in the United States, Europe and elsewhere as the Chief Knowledge Officer - CKO.

I would love to start compiling a list for research purposes - so send me your thoughts and entries!!!!

What is a CKO?
According to a Wikipedia entry for CKO:
A chief knowledge officer is an organizational leader, responsible for ensuring that the organization maximizes the value it achieves through "knowledge". CKO is not just a relabelling of the title "chief information officer" - the CKO role is much broader. CKOs can help an organization maximize the returns on investment in knowledge (people, processes and intellectual capital), exploit their intangible assets (know-how, patents, customer relationships), repeat successes, share best practices, improve innovation, and avoid knowledge loss after organizational restructuring.

[Further Reading]:

Bontis, Nick. "CKO Wanted - Evangelical Skills Necessary: A Review of the Chief Knowledge Officer Position," Knowledge and Process Management: 8(1): 2001.

Bontis, Nick. "The Rising Star of the Chief Knowledge Officer," Ivey Business Journal:
March/April 2002.

Datta, Raj. "Treacherous Path of the CKO," Inside Knowledge: 31 May 2007.

Earl, Michael and Ian Scott. "The Role of the Chief Knowledge Officer," National Post [online]: 24 July 2001.

Muir Gray, J A. "Where's The Chief Knowledge Officer?" BMJ: 317(7162), 19 September 1998, 832–840.

Legal OnRamp - Networking Tool for Legal Practitioners Launched

2007-10-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

FACEBOOK FOR IN-HOUSE COUNSEL AND LAW FIRMS?

According to a Slaw.ca post published by Ted Tjaden (October 17, 2007), a social and professional networking tool has been recently launched by Cisco Systems General Counsel Mark Chandler. " The idea is that in-house counsel would have an online source of expertise when deciding to retain outside counsel, etc."

An August 2007 article published in the ABA Journal, entitled "New Routes into the Corporate Door" goes on to identify Chandler's Legal OnRamp initiative to harnass the information superhighway as a means to successfully bring together "in-house legal departments and like-minded law firms that can think outside the clock, a safe route for those lawyers who get it already is being paved." The article goes on to note that the web-tool:

... is a members-only online community of corporations’ in-house legal staffs and outside law firms. Everything about LegalOnramp is geared to information sharing, collaboration and (its main reason for being) negotiating honest value for legal work.

In place of surfing from one law-firm Web site to another in search of legal updates, FAQs, forms, templates and the like, LegalOnramp offers all that and more in a single, limited-access site. Added to that mix are: The entire knowledge-management databases of individual member firms; Wiki collaboration on legal knowledge and strategies; A version of the Facebook social-network site for greater community; A developing, “craigslist” way of pitching and getting business that avoids the troublesome features of requests for proposals.

World Digital Library Prototype Unveiled

2007-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Reporters in Paris got a peak Wednesday at a prototype for the World Digital Library, an online initiative by the U.S. Library of Congress, the U.N. cultural body UNESCO and international partner libraries. Officials are aiming for a 2008 launch of the online site. The international digital library will be free and multilingual, with contributions from around the world, including rare books, films, prints, sound recordings and musical scores.

The project has sought help from the business world since its beginning. In 2005, soon after Billington (Librarian of Congress) proposed the project, Google Inc. announced that it would provide $3 million.

FURTHER READING:
Preview of World Digital Library, CNN [online]: October 18, 2007.

World Digital Library Project [website]: http://www.worlddigitallibrary.org

Women in eDiscovery Panel to Speak at "Masters Conference"

2007-09-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Orlando, FL (OPENPRESS) September 28, 2007 -- The Masters Conference, an educational conference staffed with well-respected and knowledgeable experts in the legal profession, announced today that Women in eDiscovery will hold a panel discussion titled, “Litigation Readiness: Reining in Your eDiscovery Costs (How to Save Millions).”

A roster of female eDiscovery thought-leaders will come together for a discussion on how to strategically and tactually address cost containment through the development of a proactive approach to eDiscovery. For more information on The Masters Conference: E-Landscape and the FRCP Fallout, scheduled October 25-26, 2007, at Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC, visit http://www.themastersconference.com/

ABOUT WOMEN IN eDISCOVERY:
Women in eDiscovery is a newly formed global organization with a mission to bring together businesswomen interested in technology related to the legal industry and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and other businesswomen grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

http://www.womeninediscovery.com/Welcome.html

Why do Librarians Blog?

2007-09-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

CRANG'S DISSERTATION EXAMINES THE IM PHENOM

Crang, Leslie T. (September 2007). Blogging and Libraries: An Evaluation and Impact of Social Media on Libraries. [City University (UK) dissertation].

KEY FINDINGS:

Top 5 Reasons Given:

1) Share Info or Insight 40%

2) To participate in a conversation or community 28%

3) To archive information or experience 25%

4) To enhance professional development 24%

5) To express my perspective or identity 25%

In my own experience I would have to say that I blog for a combination of reasons that include all of the aforementioned. However, as the sole librarian in a very large corporate conglomerate my blog is a forum where I can have an open dialogue to advocate about the profession and related IM issues.

Happy Blogging?

Bibliophile Historiography - The Librarian (1565)

2007-09-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Giuseppe ARCIMBOLDO, The Librarian, towards 1565, Collection Eva Hökenberg, Stockholm

Your Life Work: The Librarian

2007-09-07T18:29:00.001-07:00

Hollywood Librarian Makes Canadian Film Debut at OPL on October 6th, 2007

2007-09-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Ottawa Chapter of CASLIS presents...

The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians Through Film

Tuesday, October 2, 6:00pm Ottawa Public Library Auditorium (120 Metcalfe)

CASLIS Ottawa is proud to present this feature-length documentary as part of the film's North American release, when it will be screened at libraries across Canada and the U.S.A.

From the movie's website:( http://www.hollywoodlibrarian.com/). "It is the first movie ever on the subject of the real lives and actual work of U.S. librarians. Using the "hook" of Hollywood motion picture clips, it introduces the audience to all kinds of librarians: school and children's librarians, special librarians (medical and corporate), academic librarians, library educators and graduate students, a cataloger, and public librarians."

Ticket prices:
Adults: $8
Seniors: $5
Children (6 years and older): $5
Children (under 6 years) Free
Library/information Service Employees – Free with staff I.D. or documentation
LIS/LIT students - Free with student I.D. or documentation

For more information, please contact CASLIS Ottawa at mailto:info@caslisottawa.on.ca

MOVIE TRAILER:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A8kd4fC1bwo

iCaucus - 19 NA Universities Begin Attempts to Re-Brand Information Science as Key to ALL Disciplines

2007-08-21T18:23:00.001-07:00

In a sign of further potential divergence between more traditional library schools and those also identified as information schools, a group of 19 I-schools in the United States and Canada—15 of them with programs accredited by the American Library Association—today announced themselves as the "iCaucus," with a major branding and marketing communications program. "

The intent of the formation of the iCaucus, according to an article recently published online via Library Journal.com (2007 08 21), is to elevate the perception of information science as a field of study offering huge promise and potential for both students and organizations that rely heavily upon information and information professionals," said Ronald L. Larsen, dean of the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. "Few people realize that information management is key to all disciplines."

The article's author, Norman Oder, goes on to note that:
The effort, initially facilitated by the branding company MBS Associates, will contain educational components, graphic identifiers and common language aimed at positioning the field as a preferred area of study and a potentially lucrative and rewarding career choice

The only Canadian iCaucus member is the Faculty of Information Studies at the University of Toronto.

New Survey Reveals 69% of Legal Departments NOT E-Discovery Ready

2007-08-09T06:25:00.001-07:00

IT AND LEGAL IM RIFT HIGHLIGHTED

A survey recently released by Contoural Inc. and Osterman Research indicate a significant gap between enterprise IT and legal departments, and that companies are largely unprepared for having to respond to litigation. More than 69 percent of the survey’s respondents were not litigation ready. Only 6 percent claimed they could immediately and confidently handle e-discovery requests. More than half thought they were at risk of not being able to enforce a litigation hold.

IS YOUR IT GROUP OR IM PROFESSIONAL READY TO TESTIFY?

More than 51 percent of organizations surveyed had not yet identified anyone in their IT departments prepared to testify in court regarding electronically stored information – what records are retained, where the records reside, how they are protected, and how the information could be retrieved if necessary under court order.

CONTOURAL BREAKS-DOWN PROCESS TO BECOMING E-DISCOVERY READY:

Contoural distills the process for corporate IT organizations to prepare for the prospect of litigation into five easy steps:

• Create or update a record retention policy and schedule
• Develop a current data map to enable fast and efficient production of relevant information
• Establish litigation hold processes and procedures to ensure responsive records – those that match the legal search criteria - are not destroyed
• Develop e-discovery data collection and review processes
• Evaluate and deploy e-mail and file system archiving solutions

Progressive UWO MLIS Grads Embrace Civic Responsibility with Creation of Librarians Without Borders

2007-08-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

CHAMPIONS RE ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

Librarians Without Borders (LWB) began as a conversation in December 2004 between two graduate students at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). Thereafter, it evolved into a progressive non-profit organization that strives to improve equitable access to information resources. By forming partnerships with community organizations in developing regions LWB seeks to support learning and literacy, reduce poverty and empower citizens.

Hats off to these FIMS Alum for their forward-thinking venture and preserving the sanctity of the role of librarians as the gatekeepers of democracy!

FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO GET INVOLVED:
http://www.lwb-online.org/index.html

Facebook and Your Personal Data

2007-08-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

PERSONAL IM IN AN EPOCH OF SOCIAL NETWORKING

I'll admit it - I have given into the peer pressure of my academic and professional colleagues and signed up for a Facebook account. At first it seems like a wonderful way to network and catch-up with old friends and acquaintences from yesteryear. Where else can you find your Grade 6 pal, play PacMan and obtain your daily Chinese zodiac reading?

However, as an IM professional my "spy-d"-senses were tingling once I considered the data management issues surrounding this online tool. An article recently published via ITBusiness.ca (2007 08 01) by Shane Schick, entitled "Hey, That's My Data!", examines the Facebook phenomenon and the data management implications generated by this service. Signficantly, Schick states:

"... what happens to data in an age of social networking [?] We don't necessarily create the content, we don't store the content, and we have little to no control over how it is managed, distributed or manipulated."

So, in a nutshell what could this mean? Potentially companies like Facebook can manage, create, store and mine all the content that is presented on their platform. In turn, concerns regarding the accuracy and privacy of the data presented can jeopardize the social utility function that is identified as the main function of the online tool.

YOUR PERSONAL INFO AND 3rd PARTY MARKETING STRATEGIES
So, the next time that you connect with old friends via an online social networking tool take note of the level of personal information that you are sharing with the site managers - your education; employment history; personal photos and videos; alumni networks; interests; hobbies; vacation spots; address; sexual orientation; relationship status; etc.

Facebook's Privacy Policy notes:
Facebook may use information in your profile without identifying you as an individual to third parties. We do this for purposes such as aggregating how many people in a network like a band or movie and personalizing advertisements and promotions so that we can provide you Facebook. We believe this benefits you.

Correspondingly, the "Sponsored Polls" feature (for as little as $6) allows opinion seekers to ask questions on a given issue that has considerable value for the private sector - Case in point the poll that appeared on my site today is "What is your favourite Soft Drink? Coke; Pepsi; Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper or Red Bull?"

TAKE CONTROL
Nevertheless, Facebook notes in its Privacy Policy that disclosure of one's personal information to 3rd parties is up to the discretion of the account user. As such, the policy goes on to note: "We let you choose to share information with marketers or electronic commerce providers through sponsored groups or other on-site offers."

Arizona PL Opts for Chaos Theory over Traditional Dewey Classification Scheme

2007-07-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

PERRY BRANCH CATALOGUERS OUT OF A JOB?

The Wall Street Journal reported today (July 20, 2007) that the Perry Branch Library in Gilbert Arizona has ditched Dewey Decimal classification system for its books whose spines instead carry labels with plain-English subjects such as "history" and "weddings." Instead of locating books by the traditional numerical system, patrons use a computerized catalog to find out which subject a book has been filed under, and then follow signs posted throughout the library. Many visitors skip the catalog altogether, and just head for the aisles that interest them.

Is this the beginning of the end for organized resources and standardized classification in favour of the "Google-ization" or "Chapters-ization" of traditional public libraries?

OPCC Recommends that LSUC Cease Taking LSAT Test-taker's Thumbprints as Breach of Privacy Rights

2007-07-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

It is within the confines of recent memory that I remember sitting my LSAT exam. Nervous and anxious and armed with 4 bags of HB pencils (just in case), a silent timer and 6 litres of coffee in my system. When I got to the test facility I had my passport picture reviewed and a thumbprint taken -- and I implicitly thought of a lawyer joke or two in relation to the "stereotypes" of the profession. What was I getting myself into?

However, new Canadian LSAT-takers will not be coming to the same realization as I as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPCC) recently released a report upholding a complaint that the requirement for test applicants to provide a thumbprint for identification purposes violates PIPEDA. Accordingly, LSUC was recommended to cease collecting thumbprints in Canada, and to provide evidence of its plans to implement the recommendation within 30 days.

RESOURCE:
Letter Decision Issued by the OPCC Containing its Recommendations

FBI Releases Plans re IM System for Profiling of Foreign Terrorist Suspects

2007-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post reported (July 11, 2007) that the FBI recently unveiled plans to Congress regarding the implementation of a data management system used to profile potential terrorrists. The program focuses on foreign suspects but also includes data about some U.S. residents. A prototype is expected to be tested this year.

Of particular signficance to IM professionals is the data mining methods, IM preservation and retention policies, privacy concerns, data reliability, and the information seeking behaviour that the FBI is said to be employing in relation to the STAR program:

After STAR has received the names of persons of interest, it runs them through an FBI "data mart" that includes classified and unclassified information from the government, airlines and commercial data brokers such as ChoicePoint. Then it runs them through the terrorist screening center database, which contains hundreds of thousands of names, as well as through a database containing information on non-citizens who enter the country. It also runs the names against information provided by data broker Accurint, which tracks addresses, phone numbers and driver's licenses.

*(Article extract)

She Is IM

2007-07-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Simon Fodder for posting this message regarding my blog on the SLAW site on July 05, 2007:

She Is IM

Or, as Nicole Godin puts it, I am IM: 21st Century Information Management, which is a new blog by the Managing Librarian of Regulatory Information Services for Bell Canada. Nicole Godin, besides being a lawyer and information professional worth reading, seems also to be a bit of a glutton for punishment, having started not one but two blogs recently: her other venture is Librarian 2.0.

Welcome to the world of blogging, Nicole

As an aside, Simon is the former Associate Dean of Law and Professor Emeritus at York University.

Belgian Court Rules ISPs Liable for P2P File Sharing

2007-07-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

In a first of its kind ruling in Europe, a Belgian court has ruled that the ISP Scarlet must take responsibility for stopping illegal P2P file-sharing on its network. In its sentence on June 29th, 2007, the Court of First Instance of Brussels ordered the ISP Scarlet to adopt one of eleven technical measures put forward by a court-appointed expert in order to prevent Internet users from illegally downloading copyrighted music content of The Belgian Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers (SABAM) using P2P and file-sharing software.

[BELGIAN COURT DECISION]: (click on hyperlink provided to preview the judgement)
Sabam v. Tiscali (Scarlet), Belgian Court of First Instance: 2007.

[SUMMARY OF ISSUES RELATING TO DECISION]:
- ISPs responsible for illegal file-sharing on its networks
- ISPs in Belgium must screen traffic for music piracy
- Court ruling overturns conventional thinking on how 2 major EU Directives relate to one another (E-Commerce and Copyright Directives)
- ISPs to become copyright “police” – absorption of significant costs associated with such action
- 6 month window to implement technological copyright protection and policing function
- Mass amounts of data management issues associated with assessing traffic flow and downloading activities of clients and customers

Canadian Sovereignty Challenged in New Gazette Notice

2007-07-04T18:02:00.001-07:00

NOT NECESSARILY AN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ISSUE - BUT ONE WORTHY OF REVIEW IN RELATION TO DOMESTIC POLICY

On June 23, 2007 The Government of Canada published a proposed regulation in the Canada Gazette detailing plans to relax rules to foreign law enforcement who carry weapons into Canada - subsequently allowing off-duty U.S. police officers to carry guns in Canada WITHOUT a permit.

An esteemed acquaintance of mine, and brilliant litigator, Alex Colangelo notes in his comments to the Niagara Falls Review that "Canadian sovereignty could erode if non-Canadian police officers are allowed to carry guns into Canada without a permit."

Have your say!

Welcome!

2007-07-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

In the knowledge economy WHAT you know is just as important as who you know. Accordingly, the 21st Century is increasingly being recognized as an epoch forged by the conceptions of the learned information professional.

I hope you enjoy my blog and the articles posted as I navigate through issues of particular relevance to me in my vocational journey for excellence as an information scientist.

Keep Informed!