Module 1- The need for information resource description

Well here it is day 1 of the start of the new semester and my new subject ETL505.
Thanks to my in laws who have taken my children to Luna Park for the day I have been able to start the first module of this subject. That has been after the phone calls I just HAD to make, after doing 2 loads of washing and BEFORE I go out to lunch with the Attorney General of Australia's wife. Yep I do mix it with the big time...LOL

Anyway the big question to be answered in the first module is.......Why is it necessary for information agencies such as libraries to organise information effectively?

The simple answer is to be able to retrieve the information on demand.

Unfortunately according to my course notes there is more to it...............well duh, of course there is otherwise there would be no subject ETL505.

Main points Hider (2008) is making in his book pp21-23

• To make information retrieval systems work effectively there are three issues that are really important. (1) standards for organising information (2) participation in an agreement for exchanging metadata (3) participation in co-operatives to gain maximum benefit from exchanging metadata.
• Systems will become ineffective and not very cost effective if they don't address the above three issues.

Some input requirements for effective information retrieval systems.

• data input needs to adhere to widely understood standards.
• data input must require minimal effort.
• data input must meet the minimum requirements of the system.
• data input must maintain a high level of accuracy and consistency.

Some output requirements in relation to data output for effective information retrieval systems.

• data output must be readily understandable to the user
• data output must match users' requests as closely as possible.
• system must be user friendly.
• system should respond to users' requests as rapidly as possible.
• output must not be restricted to a limited number of terminals, but should be capable of being used simultaneously by all users who require it.