WiMax, which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is an IEEE standard for wide or metropolitan area networks (with the name of 802.16). As a wide area network (WAN), it provides network coverage to a very large area, offering high-speed data access. It uses point-to-multipoint architecture, which is a one-to-many connection. The […]
The History of Libraries in Mexico: For All or For Some?
Throughout Latin America, libraries have faced significant challenges in their development, including high rates of illiteracy, uneven population distribution and political and social instability (Zamora 1991 45). Mexico is a country which exemplifies these major problems, although it is also the site of several significant events in library history in the region, dating back to […]
How Can I Troubleshoot a Network Connection? Ping vs. Traceroute
Both ping and traceroute are tools to test or troubleshoot a network connection and diagnose problems between your computer/ISP and a destination server. They are commands entered on the command line interface, and are similar in the fact that they both can determine if a particular IP address is accessible by your computer, and how […]
Graduation!
Last week I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after finishing up my master’s program in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. It feels great to be finished, although I really enjoyed my time here and can hardly believe it has already come to an end! Over my two years at GSLIS […]
The Importance of Rare Book Libraries: Unique Functions and Special Budget Requirements
This post is an essay on the special functions and unique role of rare books and special collections in the context of a large academic library. Let’s imagine that the Dean of Libraries at the University has reviewed the budget and seen the rare books department is the most expensive. The Dean is looking for […]
What’s Wrong with Theft and Security in Special Collections? A Study of the RBMS Guidelines
Security in special collections[1] can refer to the prevention of two separate things: the theft of rare materials and incidental damage at the hands of patrons or staff. For the purposes of this paper I will focus on the former, although accidental harm and gradual wear can at times be an even larger concern for […]