Comments for Walshkam's Weblog

Comment on Response to week 12 readings by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:56:03 +0000

I know, isn’t it crazy how quickly technology changes? One day people may not be able to access cd’s because there is no technology that exists to play them…the quicker we digitize, the better!

Comment on Rethinking Museums by awc4

awc4 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:49:52 +0000

I believe there should be collaboration between the public and the museum. Both sides will be able to contribute a significant influence on a particular collection.

Comment on Rethinking Museums by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:04:57 +0000

I totally agree! Just because the public is participating does not mean that the curator no longer has a voice. I am sure it would be quite simple to serparate the “professional” from the “amateaur.” I also believe it is the job ov the curator to monitor what is being written. You are right, they are still the professionals, but they need to keep and open mind. They can certain edit if something is incorrect or inappropriate.

Comment on Week 8 Comments-late but better than never :) by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:02:34 +0000

I agree as well. I think a lot of students think the library is drab and boring and does not have a lot to offer. I did not truly appreciate the library until I got to college. I think libraries need to reinvent themselves and becaome more warm and inviting. You see a lot of libraries adding little coffee shops, food, classes and lectures, etc. I certainly do not think libraries are going anywhere, despite the increase in digitized books and other materials.

Comment on Reaction to Digital History – Website How To! by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:00:10 +0000

Ok, I said that wrong. Obviously “websites” cannot allow anything. The designers cannot allow the “pretty” to overshadow the content.

Comment on Reaction to Digital History – Website How To! by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:59:27 +0000

I am a huge fan of flash and pictures and what not, but you are absolutely right. Websites cannot allow the “pretty” to overshadow the content.

Comment on Week 4 Response to Readings by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:57:52 +0000

Wikipedia is still a great source for basic information. I use it frequently, especially when I am reading a book and there is a name or event mentioned, and I know I know it, but I cannot quite put my finger on it. That is when I go to Wikipedia. But we as historians must continue to stress that while Wikipedia is great for finding basic information, it should not be used as a source when doing original research.

Comment on Response to Week 3 Readings by mckinleyalbert

mckinleyalbert — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:55:40 +0000

I think the concept of the Digital Library is great because there are now two resources at our fingertips…”digital” books and physical books. You are absolutely right in saying that books are expensive and it is hard to purchase everything you may want or need on a teachers salary. By being able to quickly browse books online, you can either use the digital materials, or if you find them to be so useful that you have to have them, you can go out and purcahse them.

Comment on Week 8 Comments-late but better than never :) by Hunter

Hunter — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:03:07 +0000

Kate, you make some clever points about the library, and I concur about needing to educate students in what libraries have to offer. But do we force people to make the library cool? Maybe because it’s free it’s like the Kmart of the fashion world.
-Hunter