Of Interest

Eli Pariser: Beware online "filter bubbles"

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:07:59 -0400

In the past, I have always wondered about Google’s algorithms, knowing that the links presented were the ones that had received the most attention; being a medical library-technician I was aware of the hidden problems this could conjure up for research. With everyone citing and reworking the same materials, past pertinent information would be falling further and further out of reach, past ideas would not be as available to inform the current writing. An example of lost, invaluable, materials – though a book – would be Dr. Tim Birkhead’s experience with an obscure ornithological text that came to be a factor in brain research.

Now, Eli Pariser’s, shines a light on how Google handles it algorithms. I believe this could have far reaching implications for research. If all people do not have access to the same material, then as a research tool it can not take the place of traditional libraries and research tools. If Google only presents links that are dependant on past searches and past visits to websites, this problem gets amplified by who and what level of a search you or others have done from your browser. These changes could have serious consequences on research. A search is now skewed with past unrelated questions you may have searched out for children or other family members. The bigger questions is if everyone’s search has more to do with where they already have been on the web than the level of information needed. We now have a question of how thorough our material and ideas are, hence this brings into question the safety of searches on google, and more importantly, their legality.

Patti Smith Interviewed by Jonathan Lethem at the PEN Festival of International Literature in NYC just after the release of her book Just Kids

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:23:06 -0400

Patti Smith’s love of books and book collecting is highlighted in this interview with Jonathan Lethem. The writing of her latest book “Just Kids” is explored as is the loving relationship between her and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

Vivian Maier - Chicago’s Street Photographer

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:19:58 -0500

What a discovery for John Maloof to find Vivian Maier’s lost photo career in an abandoned storage locker in Chicago. Chicago has not only found another piece of its history but a visual history through Maier’s excellent photographic eye. Almost lost forever, or worse recycled for it’s silver content, Maloof realized the quality of the work and returned to save the rest of her archives. Maloof’s has created a tribute website for Vivian’s work that is ongoing as he and his assistants uncover her legacy through the many boxes of photographs, negatives, unprocessed film, a collection of cameras, books, show catalogues, and even a suitcase of her clothing. Sadly, Maier and Maloof had never met though she was still alive when he purchased the boxes from the locker sale. It is difficult to know if Maier would have approved of his tireless uncovering of her very private world up to that point but I like to think she would have left this world knowing she had created a visual world for people to discover and research going forward.
http://www.vivianmaierphotography.com/

The Wisdom of Birds

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 13:49:44 -0500

One of the things I love almost as much as books is birds. Tim Birkhead shows us how finding an old book on birds can actually lead to major medical discoveries. In a round-about way Birkhead illustrates the value of physical books and libraries as well as the joy of bibliographic discovery. Birkhead is an amazing storyteller.

Adele McAlear on Death and Digital Legacy

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:37:22 -0400

Adele McAlear explores the intersection of death, social media and technology, and what can be done to to protect our digital assets.