Open Access Online Journals for Libraries

Title: Online Databases: Open Access Alternatives

Author: By Carol Tenopir -- Library Journal, 07/15/2004

URL: http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/technologyonlinedb/872414-299/story.csp

Open Access Journals define in the article as "journals that use a funding model that does not charge readers or their institutions for access." Advantages in using Open Access online journals are it can be easily access and read with sometime minimal “membership fee” or without anything all. Though these advantages can be grabbed by universities but still the issues of citation can be over look against the traditional. Many researchers who publish their works on the open access online journals are researchers funded by their institution or other organization.

Three things I learned:

I learned that open access online journals are really very helpful for students like me and other readers and researchers.

I learned that there is a big need for putting funds into researchers who place their works on the open access journals.

I learned that though they are free they can not be reliable source of information.

I am user of Open Access Online Journals. Most of the time I used these online journals in my assignments. Though sometimes, I have a doubt on the credibility of the author, still I find them very useful and most of the time, especially open acces online journals of big universities, I often suggest these journals to our students. I hope there are more people who will put their money in supporting this kind of endeavour.

What is cloud computing and How will it affect libraries?

Title: What is cloud computing and How will it affect libraries?

Author: Chris Peters

Publisher: techsoup for libraries

URL: http://techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/what-is-cloud-computing-and-how-will-it-affect-libraries

Most of the Web 2.0 applications are being hosted by online data centre, cloud computing. There are lots of shared online computing resources that are being offered. On this modern IT infrastructure libraries are one of the sector that will gain much advantage on this like; it is cost saving, flexibility and innovations, librarians will be push to be more interactive with their IT skills, Cloud OPAC and cloud ILS and many more.

Three things I learned

I learned that cloud computing can really cut of some our time and money expenditures.

There is no need to build up web infrastructure, we can use cloud computing as the platforms.

Librarians should also consider practical issues about privacy of sensitive information.

Personally, I never use any feature or applications on cloud computing. Though I am interested but I think I would really like to consider the certain privacy level that this software could offer. I still feel safer to be in the traditional than to take risk with this application. 

Free for All: Open Source Software

Title: Free for All: Open Source Software

Author: Karen Schneider

Publisher:  School Library Journal, 08/01/2008

URL: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6582321.html

Open Source Software is free in its essence. Free to download, view and use. Firefox, wordpress are examples of open source software. Linux programs is one of example of open source software were thousands of people collaborated and work to it.  One good thing about open source software is that it takes us to a level of completion and we can also rely on others. However  Open Source software is best of when time to time it be check against it counterparts the licence one.

Three things I learned

I learned that firefox is an Open source software. I learned that may of the software that I am using are open source software.

I understand that open source can really be of great help for librarians like me, if I needed tools or softwares for my libraries.

I don’t need to be burdensome because licence software is too much expensive, because there are lots of software that is almost the same with feature and I can use it for free.

Librarian should be aware of the softwares that are free. In my case, I need to download open source software because the school cannot afford to purchase software with licence. And this will be very helpful in our library.

Open Publishing

Title: Thinking about prestige, quality and open access 

Author: Peter Suber

Publisher: SPARC Open Access/Welcome to the SPARC Open Access Newsletter, issue #125 September 2, 2008 

URL: http://www.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/newsletter/09-02-08.htm

Prestige and quality overlaps. Journals can equally gain prestige and receive equal promotion from their respective committee, most likely, researcher will focus on their research and doesn’t even care where it will be published. Prestige is growing in the Open Access Community and many authors are now attracted to publish their works on the open access. Though many OA journals are really new, but this is not a reason that it could be of quality like Toll Access Journals. Prestige could be a result of quality and quality is feed by prestige.

Three things I learned

I learned that though many researcher because they are new, they are publishing their works on Open publishing.

However, It doesn’t mean that even they are new, they cannot be good and reliable researcher.

I learned that even though works are being publish in an Open Access publishing, still they can be motivated by the challenge of gaining initial prestige and that prestige can be a motivation for quality.

I think as a librarian, I really have to consider the resources that the library is giving for their clients. However, there are already lots of available in the internet.  Maybe we can acquire for this kind of access for our library. To give way for new researcher and at the same time, learn from their thoughts.

COMPUTER RELATED HEALTH DISORDERS

Title: COMPUTER RELATED HEALTH DISORDERS

Author: Sumedha M Joshi

Publisher: Bombay Hospital Journal

URL: http://www.bhj.org/journal/2004_4505_jan/html/computer_37.htm

Computer is one of the most useful tools created on the modern times. People spend most of their times in front of a computer and being connected on line. This modern tool because of excessive use can also be a source of many illness like , CarpAl Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Computer Vision Syndrome, Electromagnetic Radiation, Depression, Computer Addiction or Cyber addiction or Internet Addictive Disorders. These illnesses are proven to be the result of over spending time in front of a computer. These illnesses can be avoided by changing working habits and time spending in front of a computer.

Three things I learned:

I learned that computer can really be one of major cause of human modern type of illnesses, if we really don’t minimize and control computer use.

I learned that spending unreasonable time of our in the internet, especially social network can result to depression.

I learned that spending too much time using the mouse can really damage our hands and can really cause as a greater amount of money for medicine.

As a librarian, most of the 60 percent of my work is I spend in front of a computer, especially now that I am working on with the computerization of our system. I will take for considerations some precautionary measure to avoid really serious illnesses that cause by excessive use of computer.

Let “Green” creep: Ten steps to sustainable library operations

Title: Let “Green” creep: Ten steps to sustainable library operations

Author: Louise L. Schaper -- Library Journal, 05/15/2010

URL: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6727897.html?nid=2673&source=title&rid=17588642

Greening the library is like building an environmentally efficient library. Green library operations is how library give their client satisfying experience by maintaining a clean library. Libraries can maintain a clean library and being an effective steward for the environment. There are 10 steps to make your library greener, Nurture the champions, Transform cleaning, Deploy energy-savings lights and controls, Lighten IT energy use, Use sustainable materials and processes, Adopt alternative energy solutions, Continue commissioning, Invite community support, Educate and be a leader, Put it in writing.

Three things I learned

I learned that by considering even the smallest, unimportant things like the kind of cleaning materials you are using can really help improve the environment.

By considering the materials to be used are very important. The kind of paper, looking seriously about energy conservation, by considering what is the right time to clean the library can really help in decreasing energy consumption.

By implementing and linking the organizational value with the greening the library campaign.

Personally I think this is something I should be taking into consideration in my library policy. To consider the time I should be cleaning the library, use the energy saving computers for the library and conservation not just on the energy but also the small things like paper use, clips and other.

IRRI : A Reflection

Last October   4, 2011 we went to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) which is located at Los Baños Laguna . We visited their library and done some interviews and library tours.

The International Rice Research Institute Library collection is composed of special collection about rice and agriculture. Most of their clients are researchers from other Asian countries like India, Taiwan and other near- by countries. IRRI’s library system had a wide variety of articles and books to offer. The IRRI library is using the commercial library system Millenium. One of their special features in their library system is the IRRI Rice Thesaurus that I really find very interesting. When the librarians explained to us this feature, I thought that it would be better if we in our library would also have our own theological thesaurus in our library system. I think the students will be very delighted. Addition to the thesaurus, there are several kinds of journal and resources available for their researcher.

On the process of the information retrieval, researchers like farmers, scientist and other scholars like students from abroad or local can easily access the library system in their computer. In the case of researchers from abroad, they can send their request for documents and the staff or the librarians will send it to them thru courier, e-mail or fax.

They have a wide variety of books, research, articles, maps, journals, online  databases, E-Reference sources and theses that are made available for the clients. In the process of the retrieval system, if your search is too broad, the system will enable to give you an organize result and show other related subjects to your search. Their library system is made available in the internet. Even in the comfort of your home you can have a direct access of the the list of books, journals, articles, and other materials available in their collection.

The library system allows the clients to borrow and make reservation even outside the physical premise of the library. The system will only ask of the clients name and a barcode and the system will approve the transaction.

In my case in our library system, we are only using a very simple library system. The system cannot be uploaded in the internet and can only be access in the library. The system that the IRRI is using is really sophisticated compare to our system. There are lot of privileges and advantages that their system can offer to their clients.  The accessibility is one of the major factor, secondly is the number of their collection.

Personally, I really hope that our library system would be as sophisticated as the IRRI library system. Especially now that most of our students are living on the provinces, with that kind of system, it will really help them, save more time and access the materials instantly.

The two library tours, helped me to be more aware of the present development on library systems. It broadens my knowledge and experience as a librarian. Also, the learning process was made easy because of the joy of learning together. Thanks to my teacher and my classmates for the whole semester full of  joyful learning experience.

God bless you all.

Lopez Museum : A Reflection

Reflection and observations to digitization / Info Retrieval System of Lopez Library

The word ABS –CBN is the first thing that normally enters my mind when I hear the name Lopez. The Lopez  Museum is one of the contribution of the Lopez Family in the Philippines when it comes to information preservation. Mr. Eugenio H. Lopez Sr. dedicated the Lopez Museum to the memory of his parents, Presentacion and Benito last February 13, 1960. The Lopez Memorial Museum is located at Ground Floor of Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Last September 20 , 2011, our class on LIS 260 went to the Lopez Museum to observe their digitization program. One of the things I did not expect is to see exhibits of headsets with different sounds playing on it and “electronic” sound conductor. What amazes me is that their collection of rare books materials dated from fifteen hundreds and collection of Rizal’s works.  Their specialize collection on Filipiniana materials, magazines, news paper, and articles about famous Filipino personality is really one of their strength as a library.

Personally, I am glad that there are such private institutions that spend their effort in building an information center like that. When Esmy and I arrived, I noticed that there are several foreign individuals who are doing their research.  Though the physical arrangements of their computer terminals is not that organize and there are only limited number of tables to be used, I believe this does not stop their clients to do their research in the Lopez Museum.

 The staff members at the Lopez Museum demonstrated on how they go about their digitization. There were specific person in-charge for a certain task and it seems though that they were able to establish an organized system in their digitization program.

Personally, it was my first time to see an actual digitization process, so it was very impressive in my part on how they go about it. From the selection of the materials,  up to scanning of the materials and preservation.

During the time we visited they are still on the transition from the old system to the new one. We try to make some searching using the alchemy system.  They have a wide range of topics and subjects about the Philippines.  The system was very easy to use and the functions are very easy to understand. An ordinary user will easily be familiar with the system.

If there is one thing I notice about the Lopez Museum is their printing cost. It was quite expensive. Probably because some of the clients they cater are foreigner or professional researchers, but with an average students the amount of 200 pesos (if me memory serves me correct) is really expensive.

What the Lopez Museum is doing, is really admirable, helping the nation in the preservation of its cultural heritage and by providing information to thousand of researchers. I hope someday there will be more like the Lopez Museum whose dedication to heritage advocacy is unfaltering.

Blogging and Intellectual Property Law

INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS AND COPYRIGHT ISSUES

Title: Blogging and Intellectual Property Law

Author: Michelle Fabio

Publisher : Intellectual Zoom

Link: http://www.legalzoom.com/intellectual-property-rights/copyrights/blogging-and-intellectual-property-law

The growth of blog entries in the internet is one of issues that cover by the intellectual rights. A simple blogging is already a copyrighted work. The copyright owner’s rights include the following; making copies of the work; creating new works based on the original; distributing the work by sale, transfer of ownership, rental, lease or lending. The copyright law is also applies to images even without registration.

Works made for hire are works you made during an employment. The copyright right is not given to you but belong to the employer. Owners have the right to allow others to use their original works by expressing permission. Using someone else’s idea however is free but at least link the article to yours. Facts gathered by others are also can be use freely but not to the extent of copying word-by-word. Information like government documents and laws belongs to the public domain and can be used anytime however, there are also limitations to this right.

Three things I learned from my reading assignment:

1.       We should all be responsible in respecting others right in terms of their original works.

2.       Know your rights in publishing your original works.

3.       Blogs can also be considered as an original works that are under a copyright law.

Application:

Previously, blogs and other personal journal are not subject to any intellectual right law. Now that I learned these things, for sure I will be more responsible in acknowledging their works and opinions. However, in my own personal works, I realized that what I am doing is also subject to a law that would protect me and my compositions.

User Interface Design – Taking the Good with the bad

USER INTERFACE

Title: User Interface Design – Taking the Good with the bad

Author: Mike Padilla

Publisher: Digital Web Magazine

Link:  http://www.digital-web.com/articles/user_interface_design_taking_the_good_with_the_bad/

Designing the UI should not be a result coming from office politics but should be a result of intensive study and review of its usability and what is essential to the users. Considering the design of UI there to consider the information that can be conveyed, information that the a user can process and the effective communication between the application and the user.

Sound usability principle should be the core of the design. It is also important to objectively evaluate the net usability of the proposed solution. The cost and the benefits of UI solutions/design is also needed to be evaluated. The impact of the design to the users and the benefits of the design are important to be identified. Measuring the success of the UI is needed, measuring it through ease of learning, efficiency of use, error frequency and subjective satisfaction.

Three things I learned from my reading assignment:

1.       The importance of taking in considerations all the costs and the benefits of each design.

2.       It is important to have a very strong foundation in designing UI.

3.       If you are a designer, you need to consider what is really effective and efficient, from the details of font size up to how many displays per scree.

Application:

As a librarian, designing and making lay-out design decisions can really be a difficult task. However, taking the side of how it will be effective and usable to the users is really important. The displays and even the menus are important things to consider. The group of people who will use is also important and how will they use it.

Use of ICT in Libraries: An Empirical Study of Selected Libraries in Bangladesh

ASSIGNMENT  2

Title: Use of ICT in Libraries: An Empirical Study of Selected Libraries in Bangladesh

Author: Shariful Islam; Nazmul Islam

Publisher: Library Philosophy and Practice 007

URL:  http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/shariful.htm

Bangladesh is one of the countries who are now trying to cope up with the latest use of innovation in the library. The research showed the number of libraries who are integrating ICT in the system, using computers and internet connection their libraries. There are several reasons why Bangladesh just recently use the ICT in their libraries, like luck of funds, resources, experts and others supports coming from the different sectors like the government. The researchers recommended that the awareness of the different sectors are to be needed. The government of Bangladesh must take an action in funding libraries in the improvement of the ICT-based libraries.

Three things I learned:

1.      The importance of Information and Communication technology in the library especially in 3^rd world countries.

2.      The government should take the initiative for the improvement of their libraries, especially public libraries where common people go.

3.      I learned that funds, experts and initiatives are needed to work together with the support coming from the government to be able to elevate the situation of the libraries.

Application:

The school I am working is small and we are not also that advance in the technology. I hope that someday we could raise a fund to put a more advance system in the library.

What Do People Want from Information Retrieval?(The Top 10 Research Issues for Companies that Use and Sell IR Systems)

ASSIGNMENT 3

Title : What Do People Want from Information Retrieval?(The Top 10 Research Issues for Companies that Use and Sell IR Systems)

Author: W. Bruce Croft

Publisher: D-Lib Magazine, November 1995

URL: http://www.dlib.org/dlib/november95/11croft.html

A group of researcher conduct a study to know some basic technique in accessing information in the internet. The program tends to help the research to maintain the relevance of the information gathered in the fast changing environment. The following are the results of that observation.  

1. Integrated Solutions. Integrating with other system

2. Distributed IR. Merging of the results

3. Efficient, Flexible Indexing and Retrieval. Efficieny

4. "Magic". Vocabulary expansion

5. Interfaces and Browsing. Improving the query formulation.

6. Routing and Filtering. Using of news feed in identifying relevant documents.

7. Effective Retrieval. Use of Recall and precision.

8. Multimedia Retrieval. Access database with images, videos and audio.

9. Information Extraction. Users identify database entities and other attributes.

10. Relevance Feedback. The identification of the relevant documents in the retrieved information.

Three things I learned:

1.      It is important to know what are necessary things needed of the researchers in a retrieval system.

2.      That all types of researchers, whether in the academe or in the business sectors needed the same efficiency of the system in information retrieval.

3.      The need to develop effective and efficient retrieval system for types of users.

Application:

In the library, it is important that I am aware what kind of information the students need. I need to know what system is applicable to them when it comes to information retrieval.

Should the American government provide online-identity services?

ASSIGNMENT 5

Title: Should the American government provide online-identity services? Publisher:  The Economist (Online). London: Apr 20, 2011.

URL:http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=2326037401&sid=9&Fmt=3&clientId=51710&RQT=309&VName=PQD

The US government is trying to design a system that would protect the “netizens” their identities by keeping them anonymous while doing all the online activities. The National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) seeks to serve this need. The increasing number of private agencies access to log-in names and password and the use of it to log-in to other account using the same account might cause problems in the future. The privacy of the identities of the users may gain control by individuals who have personal intentions. The government encourages the private sector in shaping basic identity and authentication technologies according to user needs.

Three things I learned:

1.      Giving away our personal information in the internet could be dangerous and could be use by people who have wrong intentions.

2.      Make sure of the credibility of the websites that we are giving our information.

3.      The government should really participate in protecting the on-line users from being victimized in the internet.

Application:

Most of the time, I download softwares in the internet and  I need to fill-out an application form, giving them some very personal information without thinking of the danger of it. Now, I will definitely be thinking twice before giving pertinent information and especially questions that ask credit card numbers and personal information.

Internet Usage at Libraries is at an all time high...

ASSIGNMENT 6

Title : Internet Usage at Libraries is at an all time high...

Author: Brad Rhen

Publisher: Article Courtesy of Lebanon Daily News / May 23, 2010

URL: http://www.lclibs.org/article_ldn.html

Communication and information can now be easily access anywhere as long you have an internet connection. Internet connection in the library is now one of the primary reasons why people visit the library. Most users of the internet can also have a chance to check out books while they are in the library. In a study, one-third of the Americans use public libraries to go online. Faster internet connection and assistance from the library staff are the main reasons why they use the internet connection in the library rather than their computers at home. Though there are still many individual who don’t have computers in their homes. Most of the time, people go online to look for jobs, talk to their relatives, check their e-mail and research. The increasing need of the public for internet connection has led the librarians in Lebanon Public Library to conduct computer training for those who are not internet literate. Indeed, Internet connection in the library has helped many users to improve their quality of life.

Three things I learned:

1. 1. Accessibility of internet connection in the library is another way of helping the user not just to look for information but also to improve their lives.

2.   2. The need of advance technology in library is a must.

3. 3.  Public libraries has a major role in the lives of the people in the community, whether it is in information research or simply giving assistance to  user in need.

Application:

Most of our students in the Bible school came from provinces where there is no internet connection available. Some of them do not even know how to use one. As a librarian, I believe by helping them how to use and maximize the internet connection in the library could help them in their research and to assist them to explore more possibilities in improving their lives. 

Netiquette: Rules of Behavior on the Internet

Title : Netiquette : Rules of Behavior on the Internet
Author : By M.D. Roblyer|A. H. Doering
Publisher : Pearson Allyn Bacon Hall 
URL: http://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-internet/

Abstract

Netiquette is a term used which describes the use of proper behavior or manners online. Roblyer and Doering summarizes some important basic guidelines that would help and best use by anyone who is always been in front of a computer using the internet. The guidelines would be basic internet tips to provide a pleasant experience in the world wide web.

Some of tips that they included are the following

• Identify yourself, Include a subject line, Avoid sarcasm,
• Respect others' privacy.
• Acknowledge and return messages promptly.
• Copy with caution.
• No spam (a.k.a. junk mail).
• Be concise. .
• Use appropriate language
• Use appropriate emoticons (emotion icons) to help convey meaning.
• Use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning.

By following these basic guidelines, internet users will have a joyful conversation and meaningful internet experience without the fear of getting in trouble in the internet.

Three things I learned


1. Understanding and learning the right behavior on the internet could save us from trouble.

2. Your signature or by putting simply your name would be a sign of courtesy to the person you are sending your message. Courtesy is important especially in communication. Personally I don't often use salutation in my emails, but then this article is a good reminder to show that it is still important to introduce yourself formally to the person involve rather assuming that he/she knows you. All emails should always be best in formal type format.

3. Writing back is one of my problems when it comes to the written communication. I do not normally read my emails and obviously hardly answers back emails. I learned that, yes, is still very important to write back emails even it seems to shallow the topic might be, still the courtesy is there. In that case I need to answer dozens of emails still unopened in my inbox. 

Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work/ to me as a person

I remember just a couple of weeks ago when I lost a chance of getting a grant because I did not simply open my emails and read it. The opportunity could have given me a chance to receive donation from abroad that could help the library and me, personally. I am reminded how to take time to read and to answer back important emails I received. 

Building a Library Web Site on the Pillars of Web 2.0

Title: Building a Library Web Site on the Pillars of Web 2.0
Author: Karen A. Coombs
Publisher: Information today, Inc.
URL: http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jan07/Coombs.shtml


Abstract

Websites nowadays has become more interactive and drastically changing the face of communication. Past years updating websites will consume almost half day of your work and before the day ends another event needed to be updated. Now, technology and information science has taken its leap in managing, updating, controlling websites that would help people in the information science and technology make their work more interactive, creative and meaningful. Using Web 2.0 in building libraries is another way of transforming not only the life of the user but at the same time the designer into a life of open communication and interaction between the user and the designer.

Web 2.0 in the library enables the librarians to be more involve in the life of their users by personally putting their own inputs in the library’s website. The new system also enables the library to be connected with other web-based system like 2.0. The inclusion of podcast, weblogs and other 2.0 features helps the librarians to stay connected to the people they are serving.

Like other social networking sites, library websites with web 2.0 based applications literally involved their users by allowing them to be part of the contributing factor of information thru weblogs and other interactive features.

Communication is always been a two-way process, websites are means of communication. Using web 2.0 in the library’s website would really exemplify a tool in improving the communication of information resource.

Three things I learned

1. Web 2.0 is an important tool in not just making our websites cool and interactive, but also a way of hearing our user's opinion about our services.

2. Web 2.0 based library websites also helps its staff to be more interactive and dynamic in their  job

3. Web 2.0 can be use by any trained librarian even without much IT experience. 

Application/Implication of the new things I learned to my work/to me as a person

I believe as a librarian there is no excuse for us not to improve our services in the library. There are lots of innovation available when it comes to improving the quality of services we offer to our client, this means that we can now take a bigger step in reaching and hearing them out. 

Personally, I haven't use of this kind of technology in our website though I've been using this application, I wasn't aware that this application has greater impact in the resource information community. In the future, I will definitely try my best to be more knowledgeable in this application. 

Netiquette : Rules of Behavior on the Internet

Title : Netiquette : Rules of Behavior on the Internet

Author : By M.D. Roblyer|A. H. Doering 

Publisher : Pearson Allyn Bacon Hall  

URL: http://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-internet/

Abstract 

Netiquette is a term used which describes the use of proper behavior or manners online. Roblyer and Doering summarizes some important basic guidelines that would help and best use by anyone who is always been in front of a computer using the internet. The guidelines would be basic internet tips to provide a pleasant experience in the world wide web. 

Some of tips that they included are the following

• Identify yourself, Include a subject line, Avoid sarcasm,
• Respect others' privacy.
• Acknowledge and return messages promptly.
• Copy with caution.
• No spam (a.k.a. junk mail).
• Be concise. .
• Use appropriate language
• Use appropriate emoticons (emotion icons) to help convey meaning.
• Use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning.

By following these basic guidelines, internet users will have a joyful conversation and meaningful internet experience without the fear of getting in trouble in the internet. 

Three things I learned

1. Understanding and learning the right behavior on the internet could save us from trouble.

2. Your signature or by putting simply your name would be a sign of courtesy to the person you are sending your message. Courtesy is important especially in communication. Personally I don't often use salutation in my emails, but then this article is a good reminder to show that it is still important to introduce yourself formally to the person involve rather assuming that he/she knows you. All emails should always be best in formal type format.

3. Writing back is one of my problems when it comes to the written communication. I do not normally read my emails and obviously hardly answers back emails. I learned that, yes, is still very important to write back emails even it seems to shallow the topic might be, still the courtesy is there. In that case I need to answer dozens of emails still unopened in my inbox. 

Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work/ to me as a person

I remember just a couple of weeks ago when I lost a chance of getting a grant because I did not simply open my emails and read it. The opportunity could have given me a chance to receive donation from abroad that could help the library and me, personally. I am reminded how to take time to read and to answer back important emails I received.