User:Tracy
From GSLISWiki
Hi there. I am a pre-GSLIS student. I've been accepted into the program, but am deliberating whether I'll attend as I have a few other offers. I'm here to find out what I can about the Chambana (does anyone cringe when the area is referred to as such?) area and UIUC. I'll be visiting the area on April 2nd and 3rd to sniff around. I'm here to inquire about the program from actual students. Please feel free to offer your opinion relating to the GSLIS program, living in Urbana-Champaign and anything else relevant.
I have a general idea to what I'd like to gain from the program. I would like to learn more about:
XML, Metadata, Cataloging, MARC, Dublin Core, Digital Librarianship, Digital imaging in relation to archives, Linux, mySQL, PHP, Illustrator, Flash with Actionscript, advanced web design\programming concepts, and, obviously, working with Wikis.
Do any of the above concepts relate to the GSLIS program?
Very broad, I know...
Mark Lindner here...
I may be the wrong person to answer some of this, but:
I am currently taking the Metadata class 590MD and also 577 Advanced Cataloging, which implies that I've also had 507 Cataloging.
I think GSLIS is a wonderful place, so much so that when I graduate in May I am staying for another 40 hrs. to do a Certificate of Advanced Study. Anyway, on to your list:
We learned a bit about metadata and Dublin core in the 1st of the required courses, 501. In Metadata we are learning/using XML and Dublin Core, along with other formats, although choice of other formats is under our own control based on our projects. I am encoding bibliographic citations and am also using TEI and MODS.
As for Cataloging, we are one of the few schools with 2 classes left in cataloging. That is actually my focus for my CAS, so I will be availing myself of other courses in the organization of information that I haven't yet taken.
As for digital libraries, we have a specialization in that, which (as much as I despise and distrust rankings) was just declared to be #1 by US News & World Reports.
I will leave comments about Linux, mySQL, PHP, etc. to others. We certainly have students and faculty who use these tools, although I don't, yet.
As for wikis, we have this here "playground" thanks to a few dedicated PhD students. We also have another "official" wiki that was implemented this semester for use in classes, although this one certainly has served in that role.
The fine PhD students who run this wiki are giving a full-day workshop on wikis (installation, maintenance, etc.) tomorrow (1 Apr), in fact.
There is an amazing depth and breadth of things going on here at GSLIS if you are willing to take charge of your own education. It is populated with helpful and caring people at all levels. I really could care less if we are rated #1 overall, in digital librarianship and in children's librarianship (although it can't hurt when I finally start applying for jobs), but it is a wonderful place.
I hope this helps. I am loath to put my email on here since it is wide open, but if you have any further questions feel free to go to my blog, ...the thoughts are broken..., and go to my About page to find an email address. I will be happy to address whatever I am capable of, or will point you towards other who may have the answers you need.
Tracy responds:
Thanks for the info., Mark. I'll be sure to visit your site and may contact you in the future. Good luck in your studies.
Unfortunately, you missed the ASIS&T sponsored wiki workshop which was held on Saturday. 590DEL the digitally mediated information services course covers client and server side issues relating to wikis, rss, blogs, podcasting, and virtual reference services as well as modeling using UML. 590DIL covers digital library issues. The major assignment involves working with a group to create a digital library using Greenstone. Stephen Downie and Bryan Heidorn are currently teaching the DEL course and Downie taught the DIL course last semester so you may want to see if you can meet with either or both of them while you are in town. Allen Renear teaches several courses which cover XML. There is a web design course taught by Diane Kovacs which is offered as a LEEP course. Basic Linux is taught in a few courses. There have also been ASIS&T sponsored Linux workshops taught by Jon Gorman.
