-- Start: Wednesday, April 5, 1995 5:51:40 pm Diversity University MOOtime (EDT)
Ninja_Librarian says, "I will be talking today on basic strategies for finding
information using gopher and the Internet and how to evaluate the worth of
the information once you find it."
Ninja_Librarian says, "I may mention the World Wide Web, but will concentrate
on gopher because I'm familiar with it and the same considerations apply to
both."
Ninja_Librarian says, "This presentation is designed for reference librarians,
library school students, and anyone interested in the reference librarian's
perspective. You will be using an actual gopher slate and retrieving
information during this session."
Ninja_Librarian says, "To save typing time, I have pre-recorded many of my
remarks. But you can interrupt at any point and ask questions."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Okay, let's get started. First a brief definition."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Gopher is software (computer programs) that
allows you to make or use menus to get around the Internet."
Ninja_Librarian says, "If you have gopher where you work or study, there will
be some way to start it up and get to a first menu. Ask your system
administrator how to get in."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Each information provider, that is, each place offering
information to the outside world, makes its own menus. It's important to
understand that menus are made locally."
Ninja_Librarian says, "To retrieve information, as we'll be doing today, we
navigate the Internet using the menus made by the information providers."
Ninja_Librarian says, "There are pre-programmed practice gopher slates at each
table. They are named by a color and the letter 'g': redg, blueg, etc.
Find out which color is at your table."
Ninja_Librarian holds up a BIG sign: look
Ninja_Librarian says, "DO you all know the names of the gophers at your
tables?"
Ed.: yes
Ninja_Librarian says, "I should say at this point that as the teacher I can
hear everything, all 'say" and "speakup" messages."
Ringer speaks up, "folks you can tell the helper at the table if things are
okay.. and she can report to the rest"
Ninja_Librarian says, "At the red table, your gopher is named REDG, at the
blue table it's BLUEG, and at the cyan table, it's CYANG."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Everybody ok?"
Ed.: yes
Ninja_Librarian says, "I will now give you a command to type so you can follow
what happens on your practice gopher. Use the name of your gopher (redg,
blueg, etc.) in place of the word 'colorg.'"
Everyone should now type: watch colorg
Ninja_Librarian says, "Just type the command, don't 'say' it."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Anyone having a problem?"
Ed.: no
Ninja_Librarian says, "I'll wait a few moments for everyone to catch up."
Ninja_Librarian says, "You won't see anything on the gopher until we start
using it. "
Ninja_Librarian says, "To see the gopher slate at any time, you may type: look colorg
Ninja_Librarian says, "You should see the main menu. No one else sees the gopher when you use the 'look' (or 'l') command. Try it now. Everyone should see the first menu on the gopher slate."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Each item that says (menu) takes you to another menu. The item that says (search) prompts you for a search term and searches a database. The last item is a document."
Ninja_Librarian says, "There are a few other possibilities not shown on your menu, for example: (telnet). Gopher software normally allows you to use telnet software, although unfortunately you can't use telnet here in DU."
Ninja_Librarian says, "If too much appears on your screen and you need to see
the gopher again, just type: look colorg"
Ninja_Librarian says, "If anyone has not seen the gopher, speak up now!"
To see exactly where you will go on the Internet if you pick that, everyone type the following: details 2 on colorg
Ninja_Librarian says, "You should see an Internet address."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Does everyone understand that selecting from a gopher
menu may connect you to another computer on the Internet?"
Ed.: yes
Ninja_Librarian says, "In this case, if we select item 2, we'll be connected
to W&L."
Ninja_Librarian says, "'Host' gives you the exact gopher
Internet address of W&L. Because 'Path' is blank, you know you will be
going to the first, or 'root,' menu, not a sub-menu."
Ninja_Librarian says, "My first rule of navigating the Internet is 'pay attention to where you're going'!"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Now, at this point, only one person at each table will give the commands."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Okay, let's go there. ONE PERSON ONLY at each table should type the following command (everyone else just watch): pick 2 on colorg
Iliana picks '2. W&L Univ. Gopher (menu)' on blueg.
Cathy picks '2. W&L Univ. Gopher (menu)' on redg.
Cyd picks '2. W&L Univ. Gopher (menu)' on cyang.
Ninja_Librarian says, "Looks like all the tables succeeded in connecting."
Ninja_Librarian says, "You should now be looking at the root menu of
Washington and Lee University in Virginia."
Ninja_Librarian says, "I'd like to mention that our own CYD is at W&L!"
Cyd speaks up, "rah rah W&L"
Ninja_Librarian says, "The first menu of the gopher is called the 'root' menu.
It's the same as 'main menu.'"
Ninja_Librarian says, "To see where item '3. Libraries and Information Access'
will take you, everyone type: details 3 on colorg
Ninja_Librarian says, "EVERYONE should type the 'details' command."
Ninja_Librarian says, "You'll still be at W&L, but one menu level down from
the root menu."
Ninja_Librarian says, "'Look' and 'details' are commands each person can use
individually whenever needed."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Have ONE PERSON at each table type: pick
3 on colorg
Cyd picks '3. Libraries and Information Access (menu)' on cyang.
MarciaT-lib picks '3. Libraries and Information Access (menu)' on blueg.
BetsyM-lib picks '3. Libraries and Information Access (menu)' on redg.
Ninja_Librarian says, "The next selection will keep you at W&L, so we'll skip
'details' to save time. Have ONE PERSON at each table type the following to
select '16. U.S. Government Information': pick 16 on
colorg
Cyd picks '16. U.S. Government Information (Gophers, reports, advisories)
(menu)' on cyang.
That gopher server is not reachable or is not responding.
MaryP-lib picks '16. U.S. Government Information (Gophers, reports,
advisories) (menu)' on redg.
That gopher server is not reachable or is not responding.
MarciaT-lib picks '16. U.S. Government Information (Gophers, reports,
advisories) (menu)' on blueg.
That gopher server is not reachable or is not responding.
Ninja_Librarian says, "Is everyone getting the error message?"
Ed.: yes
Ninja_Librarian says, "Well, time for Plan B! Unfortunately, this does
happen a lot."
Ninja_Librarian smiles.
Ninja_Librarian says, "Let's try the USC gopher."
Ninja_Librarian says, "We'll go back to our main menu with the 'reset'
command. Have ONE PERSON at each table type: reset colorg
Cyd resets cyang.
Lynn resets redg.
MarciaT-lib resets blueg.
Ninja_Librarian says, "Let's turn our attention to the document that's already
on our main menu."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Notice item '12. US Copyright Basics, Circular 1.'
Find out where that document is by using the 'details' command."
Ninja_Librarian says, "The document is not stored here in DU. It's at
'wiretap.spies.com,' which appears to be a commercial outfit since the
address ends in '.com.'"
Ninja_Librarian says, "If you need to, 'look' at your gopher and then type:
'details 12 on colorg'"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Do you see how gopher menus can route you from one
place to another? It's always a good idea to pay attention to where you're
going. Here in the MOO, use the 'details' command. Other gopher systems
have different commands or, ideally, display where you are automatically."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Later I'll show you how to find out what the address
means. For now, let me just say it's NOT the Copyright Office or L.C."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Ok, cross your fingers now!"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Let's look at the document. Have ONE PERSON at each
table type: pick 12 on colorg
That gopher server is not reachable or is not responding.
Ninja_Librarian says, "On to Plan D!"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Since the Internet does not seem to be cooperating this
evening, I'm going to show you a simulation."
Ninja_Librarian says, "I will display what you would have seen had we
actually made the connection to 'wiretap.spies.com'. "
Ninja_Librarian says, "Ok, folks, here comes the document..."
THE FOLLOWING IS A SIMULATED DISPLAY
Ninja_Librarian picks '12. US Copyright Basics, Circular 1' on RefGopher.
Coalition for Networked Information
Information Policies: A Compilation of Position Statements, Principles,
Statutes, and Other Pertinent Statements
Copyright Office
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20559
202-479-0700
Source: Copyright Basics, Circular 1, Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, January 1991
What Copyright Is
Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the
United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of 'original works of
--1 of 47----- 'next on RefGopher' for more --------
Ninja_Librarian says, "You are seeing page 1 of 47 pages. Notice at the bottom, it says '1 of 47.' I only recorded one screen, not the whole document. But if we had made the connection, this screen is EXACTLY what you would have seen."
Ninja_Librarian says, "I'll give you a couple minutes to look it over."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Since we didn't really connect, you'll have to ask me
to display it again if you need to re-read it."
Ninja_Librarian says, "What do you think of it? Would you use it to answer
reference questions?"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Comments, anyone?"
LynneP-lib speaks up, "perhaps"
Cyd speaks up, "it depends on the question :)"
Ninja_Librarian says, "It says it's from the U.S. Copyright Office. Is that
sufficient authentication?"
Ninja_Librarian says, "This document looks pretty official, but with the
Internet you do need to be careful."
Ninja_Librarian says, "The U.S. Copyright Office is certainly a reputable
source."
Ninja_Librarian says, "But here's something else to consider..."
Cyd speaks up, "but this is a compiliation put together by a commercial
source, or is it?"
Ninja_Librarian says, "How do you know the folks at 'wiretap.spies.com' loaded
it onto their computer correctly? Did they scan it in? Did they get a tape
from the Copyright Office? Did they condense or change the information in
any way?"
Ninja_Librarian says, "The first line says 'Coalition for Networked
Information.' We might want to find out who they are and what their
connection is to this document."
Ninja_Librarian says, "This document could have typos, omissions, or
mix-ups in it for all we know."
Ninja_Librarian says, "It's dated 1991. We might want to find out if Circular
1 has been updated since then."
Ninja_Librarian says, "You need to evaluate who originated the information and who's making it available on computers, in other words, the source and the intermediaries."
Ninja_Librarian says, "To find out more, you can use another of my navigating tips: Try the root menu of the computer where the document is actually located."
Ninja_Librarian says, "The 'details' command gave us the address of the
Wiretap root menu and the path to take from that root menu to the document."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Try going to the Wiretap root menu. You can do that
with the 'goto' command. Have ONE PERSON at each table type:
goto wiretap.spies.com on colorg
Ninja_Librarian says, "Here's another example..."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Use common sense, read what documentation there is at
each menu level, and notice dates. If phone numbers, addresses, or names of
organizations are given, use them."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Browsing is an excellent way to become familiar with
Internet resources and find sites you like. Check out menu choices like
'Libraries,' 'Reference,' and 'Other Gophers.' Go to other places' root
menus."
Ninja_Librarian says, "My address is wwclb001@sivm.si.edu. You can also send
me MOOmail here in DU if you have a permanent DU character."
Cathy speaks up, "I would like to thank Linda for giving her time for this
workshop and say a couple words about LOST to the rest of you"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Hope springs eternal. We are about to try another
connection.
That gopher server is not reachable or is not responding.
Ninja_Librarian says, "If it worked, you should be looking at Wiretap's root
menu. If not, you can try it again later. In the interest of saving time,
we won't actually navigate through Wiretap's menus right now."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Foiled again!"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Well, I hope you get the idea, anyway."
Ninja_Librarian says, "There might be some 'readme' documents or other
info on Wiretap's root menu."
Ninja_Librarian says, "If you browse around, you might find more info about
what Wiretap is and how they get their copyright documents."
Internet Resources
Ninja_Librarian says, "Let's rest a minute while I say a few words about
evaluating Internet resources."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Don't forget the importance of the reference interview.
Does your patron need absolute accuracy? Or is 'quick and dirty' okay?
Always find out why the information is needed."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Be careful about using what you find on the Internet.
Many institutions are not fully committed to electronic resources. Many
sites are experimental and not well-maintained, even those of prominent
institutions and agencies."
Ninja_Librarian says, "There is a need for more and better reviews of Internet
resources. Even when you find reviews in journals or elsewhere, they are
quickly out of date."
Ninja_Librarian says, "There is also a need for better documentation at gopher
and web sites, including basic bibliographic data and dates."
Ninja_Librarian says, "The library profession can make a big contribution by
writing more reviews and urging institutions to post bibliographic data and
documentation. We can also help organize and index information."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Let me give you an example."
Ninja_Librarian says, "If someone needs a quick overview of copyright,
or some general concepts, go ahead and use the document we just looked at."
Ninja_Librarian says, "But if someone wants the complete and
authoritative text of Circular 1, you might want to follow up with a
print copy from the Copyright Office."
Ninja_Librarian says, "If you're a beginner, I suggest using the Internet for
'quick and dirty'. You'll gradually get a sense of which sites are reliable."
Ninja_Librarian says, "I once called FedWorld (run by NTIS in Washington,
D.C.) to ask about their U.S. federal job postings. They said they got a
tape from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) every 24 hours. OPM
itself has a computer in Georgia with the same job postings and better search
capabilities."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Don't be afraid to make phone calls and talk to real
humans!"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Remember, even with print sources, librarians
have to be cautious, read reviews, etc."
Ninja_Librarian says, "A lot is pure common sense, such as noticing dates."
Ninja_Librarian says, "In evaluating any reference source, ask the usual
questions about scope, coverage, frequency of update, indexing, ease of use,
cost (if applicable), accuracy, copyright, and comparison with similar
sources."
Ninja_Librarian says, "On the Internet, pay attention to who originates the
information, who puts it in machine-readable form, who acquires it on their
computers, and who has great menus to get to it."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Don't forget to consider copyright issues. Much
information freely available on the Internet (without passwords) is public
domain, but not all. Also remember that people sometimes post proprietary
information, such as magazine articles, illegally."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Since time is short, I just want to make a few
more comments about finding information."
Ninja_Librarian says, "When you need specific information, browsing may take
too long. A Veronica or Jughead search might be better."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Time doesn't permit me to give a lengthy explanation.
Later you can pick 'Veronica' and read the documentation."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Veronica is software that allows you to search gopher
menus to see if your search terms are on anyone's menus. Jughead is a more
limited version of Veronica."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Veronica searches ALL menus. Jughead searches only the
menus at one place. But since one place may list hundreds of other places
and resources on its menus, a Jughead search can be very productive."
Ninja_Librarian says, "You have to guess about the terminology people might
use on their menus. Think of possible synonyms and be prepared for too many
hits or zero hits."
Ninja_Librarian says, "Veronica and Jughead are on these practice gopher
slates, so you can come back here and try them out later."
Ninja_Librarian says, "You'll get a list of menus that have 'ABSEES' on them.
The list will be a temporary gopher menu you can 'pick' from. "
Ninja_Librarian says, "Does everyone understand that it would be difficult to
browse through menu after menu looking for 'ABSEES' and that a specific
search is better?"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Veronica servers are often busy or slow. It's best to
search at off hours with very narrow terms. Or try a Jughead search instead."
Ninja_Librarian says, "As you explore gopher and web space, you'll encounter
weird menus, cryptic messages, and stuff that doesn't work. You'll become
totally confused at times. Don't worry, it's normal! "
Ninja_Librarian smiles.
Summary
Ninja_Librarian says, "Let me summarize a few points: Pay attention to where
you're going. Read documentation. Go directly to root menus for more info.
Browse. Do Veronica searches. Evaluate the sources, the intermediaries, and
the menus."
Ninja_Librarian says, "I have made a Manual for Gopher Use, which I will leave
here in this room. You can use it anytime you connect. It summarizes the
workshop and has some additional info."
Ninja_Librarian says, "After the workshop, just type: look manual"
Ninja_Librarian says, "That wraps up the formal presentation. Does
anyone have questions?"
Ninja_Librarian says, "Please feel free to email me any questions you
have."
Cathy speaks up, "LOST is hoping that some of you will be interested in
helping other librarians new to the net"
Cathy says, "we will send you all information about further offerings...and
joining lost"
Cathy says, "let me remind you...DU is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
come anytime"
Ringer says, "Come back and share with all of us "
Ninja_Librarian says, "Thanks to everyone for attending, and a special
thanks to the helpers."