Module 8 Lesson

1.      Watch the PowerPoint lecture “Library 2.0” and post your thoughts on your blog.

First, when I listened to the lecture about examples of Web 2.0, I realized that I had used most of them without realizing they were Web 2.0. I think that the principles of Web 2.0 are wonderful. I remember that I had to pay to get an email account, and I am glad those days are over now.

Second, I checked out the Ann Arbor District Library system as Dr. Roland suggested. I believe that being able to choose languages help many patrons not only for those who does not speak English, but also for those who are studying other languages. The Japanese translation of the page was not perfect, but good enough to be able to understand.

My local public library, Multnomah County Library in Oregon, has translations in four languages; Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The page also has tutorial videos in each language about how to use libraries. These four languages are the most popular languages in Portland area. I believe that libraries should continue being a model of SOPAC.

2.        MediaSite video on “Visualizing Information”

The lecture was very helpful because Dr. Roland showed us many different websites and explains details. It was great that I got to hear questions from audiences.

One of my favorite web sites from the first part, visualizing information, of the lecture was Web Trend Map from Information Architects. When I took a closer look, I realized that the map showed not only popular web sites in the United States, but it also put web sites which were popular in around the world. And similar web sites were placed next to them. After listening to the lecture, I searched some other visualizing information to learn more about it, and I found an interesting one.

This is interesting because it shows the similarities and difference between the holy books of five world religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. I think visualizing information is very useful because it can be used in many different ways of showing relationships.

I learned a lot of things from the second part, open access. I especially agreed with Dr. Roland when he said that we could access to the information where we would not be able to visit such as Cuba. I think that open access enables people to explore the world. Also, by listening to Tim Berners-Lee’s talk from TED, I realized how much accomplishments there were after his talk in the previous year. I believe by keep sharing data through the Internet, people can make a better world together in many ways.

3.        Watch the TEDTalk videos

Larwrence Lessig on laws that choke creativity

The talk of Lawrence Lessig was very inspiring. I liked that he had so much compassion towards kids and future. It was interesting to hear about the history of trespassing because in Japan, civil aircrafts cannot fly above the U.S. Armed Forces. So I thought there were some regulations in the sky in this country.

I agree with him especially that balance is important. I think that laws can choke creativity, but kids are not the case. They have been always creative, but there were limitations to express their creativities freely because of laws. I strongly agree with him that we can’t make kids passive. I think it is certainly important that kids become initiative.

Larry Lessig: Re-Examining the Remix

I have had strong interest in copyright and fare use issues. I agree with what Larry Lessig talked. I believe fair use is a right that must be exercised if it is not to be lost because everyone should have equal access to the same amount of information, scholarship, and research that exists regardless of an educational institution’s financial conditions.

In the U.S., copyrighted works are not generally considered to be cultural property; however, Japan has one of the most complete systems for the promotion of culture in the world because of explaining that copyright is cultural property.

I think YouTube has strict regulations because some countries do not have fair use doctrine. However, Japan, like other countries, takes into account the U.S. legal system when considering amendments to their own laws. This is because the U.S. has such a significant intellectual property market. Whether a similar doctrine needs to be introduced in Japan has become one of the most popular issues debated among Japanese scholars and government entities involved with copyright legislation. I hope that YouTube becomes more open and steady in fair use doctrine because we need fair use doctrine in Japan or any other countries.