March 2005 - LIS-Forum - ncsi.iisc.ernet.in

Communication skills
by Dr. T.B. Rajashekar 02 Mar '05

02 Mar '05

Dear All It has been a fascinating week or so of discussions on this important issue. Several very useful practical suggestions have been made many of which we would like to consider for our training programme at NCSI. Some thoughts based on my experience with NCSI training programme. I think there is a strong case for introducing a formal course in communication (English) and other soft skills in L&IS courses and training programmes. As part of a 1 credit course on communication skills (IS 210) we have included in our training programme (see http://www.ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/training/courses.html) we had experimented with a faculty from our Foreign Language School in IISc, specializing in scientific/technical communication, teaching English communication skills and presentation skills to one batch of trainees. We did see appreciable improvement towards the end of the course. Unfortunately this faculty has left IISc and we are yet to find a way of regularizing this course. We also have a formal 1 credit course (IS 249), in second semester, called Seminars (see above URL page). Trainees are given select papers and are expected to give presentations after studying these. Apart from these, each instructor also makes the trainees to give ample number of presentations based on assignments. NCSI alumni association (NCSI-NET) also organizes occasional guest lectures on communication skills/ personality development as part of its monthly meetings in Bangalore. While these are a few of our efforts, we still have a long way to go in getting these efforts to produce consistently good results. I think it should not be difficult to introduce a formal 1 or 2 credits course in L&IS programmes in universities since most universities have full-fledged departments in English/ Journalism/ Mass communication. Nice to see this being done at Mysore University. British Council conducts exams and provides training material related to Business English. I believe they also conduct English proficiency exams for corporate employees. Is there someway we could get British council to conduct a few workshops for L&IS teachers? I think there is much scope in this area. I remember several workshops on scientific/ technical writing skills used to be conducted a few years back. Mr. Arunachalam (of MSSRF, Chennai) used to be an instructor a few of these courses. Could these be revived? Practice of some instructors to apportion some marks for correct use of English in the exam papers is a very useful one (something most secondary/ high schools do!). I wonder if this should be a mandatory feature in L&IS programmes. As we all know, language is something that is learnt more by practice. I find many students are either shy or scared of speaking, worrying about making mistakes. In as much as it is in their hand to overcome this, it is also the responsibility of the teachers (and fellow students) to encourage such students, instead of making fun of them (verbally or through body language). I know couple of our trainees, who were quite poor in communication, made very good progress simply by being bold and not afraid of speaking (and making mistakes). I agree with Ms. Nagarathna that in the final count, the onus is on the student doing well should come from within instructors can provide opportunities, directions and feedback based on their performance. Also, does it make sense to encourage students to spend some time reading English literature (e.g. fiction)? Though such reading habit is usually picked up in younger age, we also know that this is one easy way of improving English usage. There is lots of very useful self-learning material available online on this topic. I feel we should prepare a good gateway site pointing to quality learning material. On our training site we currently make available tutorials and self-learning material related to technical topics (see http://www.ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/training/Tutorials.htm) We can easily extend this to communication skills related material. InfoLibrarian site could also host such material. Finally, a word of caution about pushing McLuhans saying Medium is the message too far. We should avoid emphasizing this message too much, lest our students begin to think that form and style is more important than content and message. Certainly message/content should be the prime focus (Content is king!), and not form and style. I feel employers should avoid assessing potential employees based only on their communication abilities. We know competencies vary some are good in doing and relatively poor in expressing. We need to recognize this and find the proper mix of job and worker competencies. Regards Rajashekar ------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. T.B. Rajashekar Associate Chairman Tel: +91-80-23600271, 23601427 National Centre for Science Fax: +91-80-23601426, 23600683 Information (NCSI) E-Mail: raja(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Indian Institute of Science URL: http://144.16.72.189/raja/ BANGALORE-560012 (India) ------------------------------------------------------------- SciGate: http://www.ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/ The IISc Science Information Portal

1 0

Fedora 2.0 Press Release (fwd)
by Shyam Prasad pujar 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 14:28:20 -0500 From: Sandy Payette <payette(a)cs.cornell.edu> To: diglib(a)infoserv.inist.fr Subject: [DIGLIB] Fedora 2.0 Press Release Hello there, Below (and attached) please find the press release for Fedora 2.0. The Fedora Project provides powerful open-source digital repository software and is a joint developed effort by Cornell University and the University of Virginia with funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. For more information go to the project web site at: http://www.fedora.info/ <http://www.fedora.info/> - Sandy Payette ================================================================ For Immediate Release Fedora 2.0 - A Powerful Open-Source Solution for Digital Repositories The Fedora Project (http://www.fedora.info) is proud to announce the release of version 2.0 of the Fedora open-source digital repository software. This release represents a significant increase in features and functionality over previous releases. New features include the ability to represent and query relationships among digital objects, a simple XML encoding for Fedora digital objects, enhanced ingest and export interfaces for interoperability with other repository systems, enhanced administrative features, and improved documentation. More than ever, Fedora is capable of serving as the foundation for many types of information management applications, including institutional repositories, digital libraries, records management systems, archives, and educational software. As with prior versions of the software, all Fedora functionality is exposed through web service interfaces. At the core of this functionality is the Fedora object model that enables the aggregation of multiple content items into digital objects. This allows objects to have several accessible "representations." For example, a digital object can represent an electronic document in multiple formats, a digital image with its descriptive metadata, or a complex science publication containing text, data, and video. Services can be associated with digital objects, allowing dynamically-produced views, or "virtual representations" of the objects. Historical views of digital objects are preserved through a powerful content versioning system. The new Fedora 2.0 introduces the "Resource Index" which is a module that allows a Fedora repository to be viewed as a graph of inter-related objects. Using the Resource Description Framework (RDF), relationships among objects can be declared, and queries against these relationships are supported by an RDF-based triple store. Fedora 2.0 also introduces "Fedora Object XML" (FOXML) which is a simple XML format for encoding Fedora digital objects. To support multiple XML standards, Fedora's ingest/export interface has been enhanced, permitting digital objects to be encoded in different formats. Currently, there is support for METS and FOXML. In future releases other XML formats will be supported, including MPEG21-DIDL. Other new features include a mass-update utility for modifying objects, a new administrative reporting interface, improved documentation, and tutorials. The Fedora open-source software is jointly developed by Cornell University and the University of Virginia with generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Fedora 2.0 marks the final milestone in Phase I, a three year project to develop the core Fedora Repository system. Now underway, Fedora Phase II is a three year development project that will focus on advanced features including workflow, digital preservation, policy enforcement, information networks, and federated repositories. For more information, contact Ronda Grizzle (rag9b(a)virginia.edu) Technical Coordinator; Sandra Payette (payette(a)cs.cornell.edu) Co-director Cornell University; or Thornton Staples (tls(a)virginia.edu) Co-director University of Virginia. Sandy Payette Cornell Information Science 301 College Ave. Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14850-4623 Tel: (607) 255-9222 URL: http://www.cs.cornell.edu/payette

1 0

RE: [LIS-Forum] Communication Skills- LIS-DLIS, Mysore initiatives
by Vyasamoorthy＠icicikp.com 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

I thank Shalini for the quick response. The clarity she has brought in regarding LIS schools in a University set up and Training Institutions is worth remembering by everyone. The odds against which the LIS educator has to carry out his/her duties look insurmountable indeed. But then, nobody kicks a dead horse - It is only the active, energetic, enthusiastic & innovative teachers like Shalini and others get criticized! My only humble suggestion is that teachers like her should continue to serve the student & research community without getting dismayed by occasional criticisms. It is not possible to set things right overnight. Suggestions from 'users' like me may be considered as 'wish-lists', at the best. Vyasamoorthy, P -----Original Message----- From: Shalini R Urs [mailto:shalini@vidyanidhi.org.in] Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 4:51 PM To: VYASAMOORTHY /IKP/HYD; LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Subject: RE: [LIS-Forum] Communication Skills- LIS-DLIS, Mysore initiatives While thanking Vyasamoothry for his response and kind words, let me also share some of the concerns (and the burden/responsibilities) and the challenges that we- the LIS educators face. 1. Given the fast paced changes that are sweeping the LIS world, evolving a right balance of 'conventional and contemporary topics' ; 'theoretical and practical aspects of the field is a major challenge 2 .It is also felt (justifiably so), that in our efforts to transit to the digital age, our students neither have a good grounding in the conventional areas (classification and cataloguing-which I still consider as the very core of the profession) nor the contemporary ones such as Dublin Core or Ontologies or DSAPCE or Greenstone. I guess there is the danger of falling between the two stools! 3. Meeting the demands of a heterogeneous 'employer market- ranging from a small college library to a KM centric corporate sector' is kind of tough 4. LIS schools (like in any university setting) are not 'Training Institutes' (there is a big difference between education and training) 5. We are expected to provide broad theoretical grounding- which is a long term thing, which may not be appreciated by the short term needs of 'employers' 6. We only have two years (or 4 semesters) at our disposal and we have a conventional examination system to contend with 7. Our students have to be taught the ABC of Libraries- as their exposure to and understanding of libraries is minimum, especially since our education system being what it is- it is not library centered 8. On top of it all- our students lack the general communication and other skills -tools that are required to imbibe the knowledge Some times we feel overwhelmed by these issues and do try to address them as best as we can, but then LIS teaching fraternity continues to be the favorite whipping boy of the LIS community Shalini -------- Dr.Shalini R. Urs Director Information and Communication Division & Professor and Chairperson Department of Library and Information Science University of Mysore Mysore-570006 India Tele-91-821-2514699 Fax -91-821-2519209 homepage:www.vidyanidhi.org.in/shaliniurs.htm -----Original Message----- From: Vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com [mailto:Vyasamoorthy@icicikp.com] Sent: 01 March 2005 14:41 To: shalini(a)vidyanidhi.org.in; LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Subject: RE: [LIS-Forum] Communication Skills- LIS-DLIS, Mysore initiatives Dear Dr Shalini I am very happy to read your succinct statements on the importance of Language and Communication skills. Laudable are your efforts in DLIS to tackle the problem of Language deficiencies among LIS students. I suggest that all other Universities too may try to include a paper on Communication & personality development and teach this topic with equal seriousness. Many senior working librarians and LIS teachers act as resource persons during interviews to select librarians. They have lot of ideas about the situation obtaining now and they may have solutions too. LIS schools may benefit by obtaining this 'knowledge' from Interviewers through some survey/study. Such studies would indicate not only gaps in Language skills but in other areas as well. If the results of the study are used, there is a possibility of market demands being met fully by the products turned by LIS schools. Regards Vyasamoorthy, P ============== -----Original Message----- From: lis-forum-bounces(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in [mailto:lis-forum-bounces@ncsi.iisc.ernet.in]On Behalf Of Shalini R Urs Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 6:00 PM To: LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Cc: lis-forum-bounces(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Subject: [LIS-Forum] Communication Skills- LIS-DLIS, Mysore initiatives Dear Friends, Having followed with interest the discussion in this regard, I thought of sharing the following with you all. * Criticality of 'Language' as a conduit for 'carrying knowledge' and as an inevitable means of expressing and articulating ones ideas cannot be over emphasised. * Ideas/Knowledge is as good as it is packaged and presented in a medium. Let us not forget the McLuhian 'Medium is the message' axiom * Ranganathan's 'three planes of work' concept in the realm of Classification applies to all aspects of work in general. It is important that we understand the influence and impact of the verbal plane on the idea plane and vice versa * The field of Psycholinguistics has wrestled with the issues of language , concept formation and thought processes without reaching a consensus * Our ancient Indic Scholars had very skillfully and adroitly explicated the importance of interplay of 'language or words' and 'thoughts and meanings' in this way- they recognised three genres of 'UKTI' (speeches or statements'): MANTRA (Vedic Verses); SHASTRA (or precepts-learned works); and KAVYA ( Poetry or literature in general). According to our sages, words and their meanings have different levels of 'import' in these three categories. In SHASTRA ( i.e. scientific knowledge' ) the language is a tool to learn, to understand the world and we reach out to the world outside through the language. Knowledge or truths (as knowledge was known as) is assimilated through the meanings of words. If the link between 'concepts' 'words' and meanings are broken, then the world of knowledge gets segregated resulting in a kind of turmoil. Since it is not possible to express knowledge without language, it is necessary THOUGH NOT PRIMARY We at DLIS, Mysore believing in the significance of Language and communication skills have always striven to help our students augment their language skills through a variety of activities. For example some years back, we used to conduct 'what is the good word' contest. Some of our recent efforts in this direction are- 1. In the new revised syllabus for M.L.I. Sc (coming to effect from the academic year 2005-2006), we have introduced one full paper on ' Personality development and communication skills' (carrying 100 marks) in the first semester (thanks to our Board of Studies, which deemed it fit to introduce this change). Visit our website- www.lisc.uni-mysore.ac.in <http://www.lisc.uni-mysore.ac.in/> 2. We have also introduced a novel competition for the students. Recognizing the importance of reading habits in strengthening communication skills, a monthly newspaper reading and clipping contest with two prizes- of INR 100 and 75 -where in students identify, collect newspaper write ups relating to 'Information world' and submit a well presented and bound volume 3. Weekly 'English coaching classes' for students * the above two have been voluntary efforts and initiatives by the faculty Shalini -------- Dr.Shalini R. Urs Director Information and Communication Division & Professor and Chairperson Department of Library and Information Science University of Mysore Mysore-570006 India Tele-91-821-2514699 Fax -91-821-2519209 homepage:www.vidyanidhi.org.in/shaliniurs.htm

1 0

RE: [LIS-Forum] Communication Skills- LIS-DLIS, Mysore initiatives
by Vyasamoorthy＠icicikp.com 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

Dear Dr Shalini I am very happy to read your succinct statements on the importance of Language and Communication skills. Laudable are your efforts in DLIS to tackle the problem of Language deficiencies among LIS students. I suggest that all other Universities too may try to include a paper on Communication & personality development and teach this topic with equal seriousness. Many senior working librarians and LIS teachers act as resource persons during interviews to select librarians. They have lot of ideas about the situation obtaining now and they may have solutions too. LIS schools may benefit by obtaining this 'knowledge' from Interviewers through some survey/study. Such studies would indicate not only gaps in Language skills but in other areas as well. If the results of the study are used, there is a possibility of market demands being met fully by the products turned by LIS schools. Regards Vyasamoorthy, P ============== -----Original Message----- From: lis-forum-bounces(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in [mailto:lis-forum-bounces@ncsi.iisc.ernet.in]On Behalf Of Shalini R Urs Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 6:00 PM To: LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Cc: lis-forum-bounces(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in Subject: [LIS-Forum] Communication Skills- LIS-DLIS, Mysore initiatives Dear Friends, Having followed with interest the discussion in this regard, I thought of sharing the following with you all. * Criticality of 'Language' as a conduit for 'carrying knowledge' and as an inevitable means of expressing and articulating ones ideas cannot be over emphasised. * Ideas/Knowledge is as good as it is packaged and presented in a medium. Let us not forget the McLuhian 'Medium is the message' axiom * Ranganathan's 'three planes of work' concept in the realm of Classification applies to all aspects of work in general. It is important that we understand the influence and impact of the verbal plane on the idea plane and vice versa * The field of Psycholinguistics has wrestled with the issues of language , concept formation and thought processes without reaching a consensus * Our ancient Indic Scholars had very skillfully and adroitly explicated the importance of interplay of 'language or words' and 'thoughts and meanings' in this way- they recognised three genres of 'UKTI' (speeches or statements'): MANTRA (Vedic Verses); SHASTRA (or precepts-learned works); and KAVYA ( Poetry or literature in general). According to our sages, words and their meanings have different levels of 'import' in these three categories. In SHASTRA ( i.e. scientific knowledge' ) the language is a tool to learn, to understand the world and we reach out to the world outside through the language. Knowledge or truths (as knowledge was known as) is assimilated through the meanings of words. If the link between 'concepts' 'words' and meanings are broken, then the world of knowledge gets segregated resulting in a kind of turmoil. Since it is not possible to express knowledge without language, it is necessary THOUGH NOT PRIMARY We at DLIS, Mysore believing in the significance of Language and communication skills have always striven to help our students augment their language skills through a variety of activities. For example some years back, we used to conduct 'what is the good word' contest. Some of our recent efforts in this direction are- 1. In the new revised syllabus for M.L.I. Sc (coming to effect from the academic year 2005-2006), we have introduced one full paper on ' Personality development and communication skills' (carrying 100 marks) in the first semester (thanks to our Board of Studies, which deemed it fit to introduce this change). Visit our website- www.lisc.uni-mysore.ac.in <http://www.lisc.uni-mysore.ac.in/> 2. We have also introduced a novel competition for the students. Recognizing the importance of reading habits in strengthening communication skills, a monthly newspaper reading and clipping contest with two prizes- of INR 100 and 75 -where in students identify, collect newspaper write ups relating to 'Information world' and submit a well presented and bound volume 3. Weekly 'English coaching classes' for students * the above two have been voluntary efforts and initiatives by the faculty Shalini -------- Dr.Shalini R. Urs Director Information and Communication Division & Professor and Chairperson Department of Library and Information Science University of Mysore Mysore-570006 India Tele-91-821-2514699 Fax -91-821-2519209 homepage:www.vidyanidhi.org.in/shaliniurs.htm

3 2

Proficiency in English
by Sheshadri K.N 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

Dear fellow professionals I am proud to say that I am the product of Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore. Now I am working at Dubai as Assistant Librarian for BITS PILANI Engineering College, Dubai Campus, Dubai, UAE. Department of LIS, University of Mysore is encouraging students to improve their communication skills in so many ways during their course days. All teachers are giving much importance to Communication skills & English. I got maximum utility from our department in this connection. Even though, Post graduate departments are not the place for students to learn Basic English, Basic Communication skills etc., Department of LIS, University of Mysore has taken one step ahead in this concern to help students. Thanks & Regards SHESHADRI.K.N Assistant Librarian P.O Box 500022, Block No. 11 BITS, Pilani - Campus, Knowledge Village Dubai, UAE. Tel : 009714 3664575 / 76 Mob:00971506944301 Fax : 009714 3664579 E-mail: sheshu150(a)yahoo.co.in --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - 250MB free storage. Do more. Manage less. Dear fellow professionals I am proud to say that I am the product of Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore . Now I am working at Dubai as Assistant Librarian for BITS PILANI Engineering College , Dubai Campus, Dubai , UAE. Department of LIS, University of Mysore is�encouraging students to improve their communication skills in so many ways during�their�course days. All teachers are giving much importance to Communication skills & English.�I got maximum utility from our department in this connection. Even though, Post graduate departments are not the�place for students to learn Basic English, Basic Communication skills etc., Department of LIS, University of Mysore �has taken one step ahead in this concern to help students. � Thanks & Regards SHESHADRI.K.N Assistant Librarian P.O Box 500022, Block No. 11 BITS, Pilani - Campus, Knowledge Village Dubai, UAE. Tel : 009714 3664575 / 76 Mob:00971506944301 Fax : 009714 3664579 E mailto:E-mail:sheshu150@yahoo.co.in -mail: � mailto:sheshu150@yahoo.co.in sheshu150(a)yahoo.co.in Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - 250MB free storage. http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=29915/*http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 Do more. Manage less.

1 0

creators and users of information
by nandeesh nandu 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

Dear Sir/madam. Iam going to present a seminar on "creators and users of information" so if you have any full text articles or any information relating to this issue please provide me. with warm regards Nandeesha,B MLISc, University of Mysore Manasagangothri, Mysore Dear Sir/madam. Iam going to present a seminar on "creators and users of information" so if you have any full text articles or any information relating to this issue please provide me. with warm regards Nandeesha,B MLISc, University of Mysore Manasagangothri, Mysore http://clients.rediff.com/signature/track_sig.asp http://ads.rediff.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.cgi/www.rediffmail.com/inbo…

1 0

Copyright act for news paper articles
by Sreeharsha_Gopalakrishna＠i2.com 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

Dear Professionals, I would like to know whether articles appear on news paper have any copyright issues. Is it permissible to scan the news items and use it for personal matters? (Ex. Using on our personal blogs, Circulation purpose...) Thanks n Regards **************************************** Sreeharsha BG KM Group i2 Technologies ‘One i2 Place’ #132 / 133, DivyaSree Technopolis Yamalur Post, Off Airport Road, Bangalore 560 037. Phone: +91-80-3028 8293 Email: sreeharsha_gopalakrishna(a)i2.com visit us @ www.i2.com **************************************** Heart has its reasons which reason can not understand...!!!

5 4

Path To an Alternative Career
by Jayadev P Hiremath 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

My Path To an Alternative Career by Paul Duckworth How does a librarian move from a traditional job to something outside the box of library walls? If this sounds like a Zen koan to you, perhaps you're thinking about it too hard - just let the energy flow into your solar plexus. When you're centered, you can follow the path of the stepping stones that are submerged below the surface of the water. How? Step-by-step, feeling your way, remembering to breathe and center yourself - and not being afraid to get your feet wet. First Steps First My path began with the recognition that it was time to move on from my public library job in Missouri. I'd been there for over twenty-five years, moving upwards in responsibility. The job was great, my salary was excellent, and I had every reason to stay, except three: I was restless, felt stagnated, and found myself experiencing boredom. "What to do?" I thought. "How do I uproot myself? Where do I begin?" For me, a recent marriage had brought a fresh perspective and someone else's needs to consider. For many reasons, we decided to relocate to within a few hours of Toronto. So, the first decision had been made: the geographic focus was defined. Time to get out the career and resume guides. I raided my library's shelves, looked at more than a few, studied every style and strategy, then set the books down and never picked them up again. What I did reach for, though, was the ear of anyone who would listen to me as I told my story. Never underestimate the power of these words: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." I found talking with many people, especially those not in the library field, of immense assistance in clarifying muddy waters. I began bookmarking library job sites and searching them again and again - sometimes to the point where I felt desperate. There were jobs, but few interesting ones in the geographical area where I needed to land. I also reached out to colleagues through the networking approach, including joining an e-mail list from a state adjoining Ontario. It was fascinating to learn about the issues going on there, which affected services, employment, selection, and the financial health of libraries. Alternatives Can Find You Time was getting short. We needed to move before autumn, but nothing seemed to pan out. What to do...? Be persistent, I reminded myself. Success is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration. So, I did everything I could not to let discouragement slow me down: meditation, yoga, talking to friends, and strategizing through good note taking. And then, there it was - a job posting on an e-mail list for a library vendor in New York State. Good fortune - the vendor was a major supplier for my library. My application led to a response with a questionnaire to fill out; this led to more e-mail, and then... a call out of the blue from the company's sales manager, followed by a second one. Could I come to the ALA conference in Orlando, expenses paid, to meet with the company president and him? Yes, I could, and I did! I flew to Orlando and visited with them. And, while I was there with some free time to visit the exhibits hall, I stopped by the booth of another vendor I worked with on materials acquisition, to meet some of the friendly staff I had visited with on the phone over the years. So, I had a good chat with several staff, and casually mentioned that I was interviewing for a job that would take me to New York State. "We just happen to have an opening for an account rep for that area," one of their vice presidents mentioned. Would I be interested in talking about this position? Yes, I was, and I did. We talked, and the job sounded as intriguing and challenging as the first one. Always keep as many options open as possible, I reminded myself. Don't start closing doors until you know for sure which door you're going to walk through. When One Door Opens... At the end of the weekend I expected a job offer from the first vendor, who had flown me to the conference. It didn't come. So I waited, weighed my options, and decided that the better choice for me was the new possibility. Then, amazingly, a friend told me about yet a third prospect with the university library in the town to which we were considering moving. While in Toronto on vacation, I faxed my application, and within a few days had a telephone interview with the search committee. Within days, an offer was made by the second vendor and I accepted. A few days later, the initial vendor indicated they wanted to hire me. And, as I withdrew my application for the academic position, they indicated that I had been their top candidate. How is it, you ask, being outside those traditional walls? Well, I travel inside those walls throughout my sales territory, meet great people (we librarians ARE interesting), and sometimes have the exciting opportunity to show up for work in my home office in my pajamas. I still speak "library," am appreciated by my employer, and network every day with colleagues and customers across the country. My employer is tops, the job brings me the challenge I was looking for, and I'm traveling to lots of places I had never seen before. The path ahead isn't clear, but, truly, it never is. For right now, I'm enjoying getting my feet wet, taking one step at a time, and remembering to breathe.

1 0

Re: [LIS-Forum] Why do we need high proficiency in English language ?
by SCKumaresan 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

Hello Mr. Jayadev P Hiremath, Greetings. I appreciate your love and concern for Hindi language. But please ask your self how many languages these european countries and for that matter any other country have compared to India. And by the way why do you think any two librarians in india should converse in hindi when they meet? Have you thought of a librarian from south or from far eastern state meeting with the librarian from hindi belt. What language do you think they should converse in, if hindi then why? I guess every one would have the same love for his language. If you say Hindi is the National language,excuse me.. then you have to read the constitution of India which does not specify so, provided 18 indian languages (pls corret if i'm wrong in the no) are given equal status. I guess one should think beyond the borders of such restrictions based on language and have a broader mind and thought, The point Dr. Vyasmoorthy has raised has some substance in it and we should give a thought to it, Ofcourse you have the right to express your opinion, but i think you should not get personnel. Try to take things in a broader sense. Is it not worth giving it a try. Good Luck and Best Regards S.C.Kumaresan On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 Jayadev P Hiremath wrote : >How many Librarians in East Europe, Japan, France, China and Russia >and many other countries know English. Haven't these countries >progressed ? If the Librarian has studied in Vernacular upto high >school, is it his fault ? Library Science teacher's are there to teach > Library Science and not English Language skills. > >When you were recruiting an Information Officer, what was the basic >requirement ? Was it his skills in Information Management or English >language ? > >You have a done a great disservice by writing highly unwarranted >mail. This will dissuade many Librarians from writing to this forum. >They all will develop inferiotity complex. Itis a national shame that >when two Indians...Librarians.... from different parts of the country >meet they have to communicate in English language. Have you ever >thought about conversing in Hindi ? > >I jolly well know the importance of English language in the world. But >that doesn't mean that we have to look down upon our fellow >professionals who are not proficient in English. We have all become >slaves to English language and take great pride in being so. > >I as a customer, have received many e-mails from your Organization and >I don't think ICICI as such attaches much importance to English >language skills and rightly so. Why is it that only you are so keen >about it when it is not an Institutional policy. Working knowledge of >the languages is more that sufficient for providing the services. >Unless ofcourse you are going to write a treatise. > >Jayadev P Hiremath > > > >On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 12:36:38 +0530, Vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com ><Vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com> wrote: > > Dear Friends, > > > > I am sure that some of you were expecting this. I am really appalled at the lack of any semblance of proficiency in the use of English language among many librarians. I wonder how one could pass through some 17 years of schooling and even after that manage not to learn basics of English Language. It is regrettable that our present system of Education does not emphasize the importance of Language abilities. Because of selfish politicians promoting their own agendas at the cost of the nation and because of a tendency to promote or put up with mediocrity everywhere -- the necessity for striving for excellence is once in a way heard from our president, though -- students do not look at Language skills with any concern. > > > > Recently we had to recruit an Information Officer for our VIC. Out of about fifteen persons we considered, hardly two or three could measure up as far as basic English Language skills are concerned. > > > > On one hand we find the Indian librarians community in India to be prolific writers - even an entry level resume mentions two or three 'papers' published and on the other hand we find that their presentation and communication skills at horribly very low levels. What are reasons? How can this be changed? Who should take action? Is it OK to be where & how we are? What do LIS teachers have to say? > > > > In this lamentation I am not bothered about typing errors (may be you are just lazy - not that you do not know), spelling mistakes (heavy dependence on spell checkers), occasional slippages (it happens to everyone), unheard of abbreviations being thrust on everyone by cell phone (or email?) culture and the like. I am concerned with basic English Language skills expected of a tenth class student. Kindly do not take recourse to "It is the same everywhere - in all other preofessions too" type of argument. > > > > Dr.P.Vyasamoorthy, Advisor, Virtual Information Centre, > > ICICI Knowledge Park, Genome Valley, Turkapally, Shameerpet Mandal, > > RR District, Hyderabad 500078 INDIA > > Email: vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com > > Phone - Office: +91(40)23480053 Fax: +91(40)23480007 Phone Residence: +91(40)27846631 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > LIS-Forum mailing list > > LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in > > http://ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/mailman/listinfo/lis-forum > > >_______________________________________________ >LIS-Forum mailing list >LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in >http://ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/mailman/listinfo/lis-forum S.C.Kumaresan SeniorLibrarian, BITS - Pilani, Dubai Campus, P.O. Box No.500022. Block 11, Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE Tele(009714)3664575/76, Fax(009714)3664580 Mobile. 00971508829462 Hello Mr. Jayadev P Hiremath, Greetings. I appreciate your love and concern for Hindi language. But please ask your self how many languages these european countries and for that matter any other country have compared to India. And by the way why do you think any two librarians in india should converse in hindi when they meet? Have you thought of a librarian from south or from far eastern state meeting with the librarian from hindi belt. What language do you think they should converse in, if hindi then why? I guess every one would have the same love for his language. If you say Hindi is the National language,excuse me.. then you have to read the constitution of India which does not specify so, provided 18 indian languages (pls corret if i'm wrong in the no) are given equal status. I guess one should think beyond the borders of such restrictions based on language and have a broader mind and thought, The point Dr. Vyasmoorthy has raised has some substance in it and we should give a thought to it, Ofcourse you have the right to express your opinion, but i think you should not get personnel. Try to take things in a broader sense. Is it not worth giving it a try. Good Luck and Best Regards S.C.Kumaresan On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 Jayadev P Hiremath wrote : >How many Librarians in East Europe, Japan, France, China and Russia >and many other countries know English. Haven't these countries >progressed ? If the Librarian has studied in Vernacular upto high >school, is it his fault ? Library Science teacher's are there to teach > Library Science and not English Language skills. > >When you were recruiting an Information Officer, what was the basic >requirement ? Was it his skills in Information Management or English >language ? > >You have a done a great disservice by writing highly unwarranted >mail. This will dissuade many Librarians from writing to this forum. >They all will develop inferiotity complex. Itis a national shame that >when two Indians...Librarians.... from different parts of the country >meet they have to communicate in English language. Have you ever >thought about conversing in Hindi ? > >I jolly well know the importance of English language in the world. But >that doesn't mean that we have to look down upon our fellow >professionals who are not proficient in English. We have all become >slaves to English language and take great pride in being so. > >I as a customer, have received many e-mails from your Organization and >I don't think ICICI as such attaches much importance to English >language skills and rightly so. Why is it that only you are so keen >about it when it is not an Institutional policy. Working knowledge of >the languages is more that sufficient for providing the services. >Unless ofcourse you are going to write a treatise. > >Jayadev P Hiremath > > > >On Wed, 23 Feb 2005 12:36:38 +0530, Vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com ><Vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com> wrote: > > Dear Friends, > > > > I am sure that some of you were expecting this. I am really appalled at the lack of any semblance of proficiency in the use of English language among many librarians. I wonder how one could pass through some 17 years of schooling and even after that manage not to learn basics of English Language. It is regrettable that our present system of Education does not emphasize the importance of Language abilities. Because of selfish politicians promoting their own agendas at the cost of the nation and because of a tendency to promote or put up with mediocrity everywhere -- the necessity for striving for excellence is once in a way heard from our president, though -- students do not look at Language skills with any concern. > > > > Recently we had to recruit an Information Officer for our VIC. Out of about fifteen persons we considered, hardly two or three could measure up as far as basic English Language skills are concerned. > > > > On one hand we find the Indian librarians community in India to be prolific writers - even an entry level resume mentions two or three 'papers' published and on the other hand we find that their presentation and communication skills at horribly very low levels. What are reasons? How can this be changed? Who should take action? Is it OK to be where & how we are? What do LIS teachers have to say? > > > > In this lamentation I am not bothered about typing errors (may be you are just lazy - not that you do not know), spelling mistakes (heavy dependence on spell checkers), occasional slippages (it happens to everyone), unheard of abbreviations being thrust on everyone by cell phone (or email?) culture and the like. I am concerned with basic English Language skills expected of a tenth class student. Kindly do not take recourse to "It is the same everywhere - in all other preofessions too" type of argument. > > > > Dr.P.Vyasamoorthy, Advisor, Virtual Information Centre, > > ICICI Knowledge Park, Genome Valley, Turkapally, Shameerpet Mandal, > > RR District, Hyderabad 500078 INDIA > > Email: vyasamoorthy(a)icicikp.com > > Phone - Office: +91(40)23480053 Fax: +91(40)23480007 Phone Residence: +91(40)27846631 > > > > _______________________________________________ > > LIS-Forum mailing list > > LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in > > http://ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/mailman/listinfo/lis-forum > > >_______________________________________________ >LIS-Forum mailing list >LIS-Forum(a)ncsi.iisc.ernet.in >http://ncsi.iisc.ernet.in/mailman/listinfo/lis-forum S.C.Kumaresan SeniorLibrarian, BITS - Pilani, Dubai Campus, P.O. Box No.500022. Block 11, Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE Tele(009714)3664575/76, Fax(009714)3664580 Mobile. 00971508829462 http://clients.rediff.com/signature/track_sig.asp http://ads.rediff.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.cgi/www.rediffmail.com/inbo…

3 2

U.S. BioDefense Launches First Patent Search Engine to Model Google Strategy
by Sreeharsha_Gopalakrishna＠i2.com 01 Mar '05

01 Mar '05

Dear Professionals, U.S. BioDefense, on Feb 28th announced that the launch of T2X.us ( http://www.t2x.us) "The #1 High Tech Transfer Search Engine", which is developing a search engine identifying intellectual property modeling the successful business model functionality of search engines like Google, Yahoo, and LookSmart. U.S. BioDefense staff currently uses the search engine to accelerate the identification of stem cell and biodefense intellectual property acquisition programs. Programmers are now updating its T2X search engine for more robustness in preparation for a commercial version launch. T2X is a search engine facilitating innovation exchange connecting VC's, small business, and public companies seeking technologies with universities, government agencies, and scientists. Over $30 billion is invested in innovation each year and much of the new technology developed is never put to commercial use. T2X is an online Technology Transfer Exchange where commercial members can identify technology that is available for licensing or partnering from universities, research labs, and scientists. Numerous tools are available on T2X.us including an abstract research for technology at the National Institutes of Health and the functionality to search for technology available for licensing. Searchable technologies consist of vaccines, drug discovery, nano technology and general biology from sources such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Harvard's Office for Technology Transfer, University of California at Irvine Office of Technology Alliances, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Small Business Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The T2X search engine will also be integrated into U.S. BioDefense's Open Source Stem Cell Research and Development Platform, which promotes collaboration amongst researchers, scientists and industry experts in the field of stem cell technology. T2X's ability to help identify intellectual property will boost the functional value of the open source platform helping participants explore the full realm of possibilities for research and development. **************************************** Sreeharsha BG KM Group i2 Technologies ‘One i2 Place’ #132 / 133, DivyaSree Technopolis Yamalur Post, Off Airport Road, Bangalore 560 037. Phone: +91-80-3028 8293 Email: sreeharsha_gopalakrishna(a)i2.com visit us @ www.i2.com **************************************** Happiness is easy... It's easier than we think!!!

1 0