Censorship of books and select websites in school libraries Pros Cons Essay Example

Censorship of books and select websites in school libraries: Pros Cons Paper Censorship and freedom of expression within school campuses has attracted a lot of debate and discussion over the years. School authorities have a difficult time in ascertaining where to draw the line between free enquiry and moral hazard. It is a surprising fact that in a country with a rich liberal tradition like the United States, there have been over 250 attempts by school districts at book banning in 31 states. This is just in the last 4 years. As shocking as this information is, â€Å"over 85% of bans go unreported either due to poor media attention or lack of opposition. The threat of censorship is much greater than it appears at first glance.† (Brenyo, 2011, p.544) The issue of censorship is also witnessed in high school publications, where a perennial power tussle exists between â€Å"student journalists decrying potential violations of their free speech and administrators who point to their responsibility to protect the welfare of the student body.† (Jenco, 20 08, p.1) While bans and censorship of scholarly content might be warranted in exceptional circumstances, the high incidence of issuing of bans and curbs in the country is not acceptable. The rest of this essay will present supportive arguments for this thesis. In the tussle between student journalists and school authorities, the latter claim that they need to cross-check the content in order to take legal and financial responsibility for the publication. Moreover, screening the paper in advance enables them to tone down inflammatory rhetoric used by students. To ease the tension between student bodies and educators, â€Å"newspaper advisers educate their administrators about First Amendment laws as they apply to student journalism and that the newspaper staffs, in turn, use their freedom responsibly. It’s important for a democracy, important for society, important for learning of students to know they have a voice and are expected to be responsible within the law but also be given opportunity within the law to demonstrate they can handle that.† (Jenco, 2008, p.1) We will write a custom essay sample on Censorship of books and select websites in school libraries: Pros Cons specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Censorship of books and select websites in school libraries: Pros Cons specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Censorship of books and select websites in school libraries: Pros Cons specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The first and foremost reason for not allowing books to be banned is the law. The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States says the â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.† (Stewart Jr., 2007, p.552) Hence, those who ban books invoke breaches of law at several places. Not only does it amount to respecting the views of a religion in public institutions, but also prohibits free exercise of freedom of speech. It also breaks the spirit of the First Amendment by objecting to what is a peaceful assembly of students in the classroom. Books by Charles Darwin and his supporters are the most frequently prohibited items in school libraries, due to the exposition on theory of evolution they contain. Apologists for banning these books shou ld remember that their action is unconstitutional by virtue of breaching the First Amendment at several places. There are other legislations and case verdicts that stipulate the extent of intellectual freedom citizens can avail. The 1982 Supreme Court case Board of Education is one such; others include the Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico case and the 1988 Supreme Court case Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier. The verdict in the Pico case stated that an educational institution is not permitted to ban a book from its library just because its administrative board disagrees with the content of the book. The Hazelwood case allowed reasonable restrictions on content, mandated exacting criteria for imposing the same. But it is an unfortunate turn of events that subsequent courts have not respected the spirit of Pico and Hazelwood judgments. Instead, they have been providing a high degree of deference to school districts to ascertain if disputed content should be taken out from a school library or curriculum. The right course of action though â€Å"would be far more in line with the Supreme Court’s decisions to err on the side of retaining a student’s right to the content within a book, no matter how questionable.† (Brenyo, 2011, p.544) Considering that the law is not on their side, those who purport to ban books, especially in the context of teaching evolution, have found other subversive methods of achieving enforcing censorship. The Kansas Action is a key example. It was in August 11, 1999 that the Kansas Board of Education voted to comprehensively eliminate references to biological evolution from the state’s science curriculum. (Beem, 2006, p.16) This was seen by commentators as a reactionary counter-attack by creationists. Retrospectively known as the Kansas Action, this decision represented a growing tendency among creationists to attack the teaching of evolution at the level of local school-boards. Moreover, since the highest court in the country â€Å"rebuked state legislatures for their efforts to either ban the teaching of evolution or require the teaching of both evolution and creation-ism, creationists have shied away from using the state houses to achieve their goals. Rather, creationists now focus their attention on gaining control of school boards and influencing education at that level†¦Regardless of the resolution in this case, creationists will likely continue their crusade against the teachings of evolution. Unfortunately the real losers at the moment are the students of Kansas, who have been stripped of their fundamental rights guaranteed by the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.† (Stewart Jr., 2007, p.552) Censorship in schools should also be analyzed in the context of new information/communication technologies available to students. In the arena of the Internet, for example, it is difficult to contain the nature of information being transacted. There are two warring sides in the censorship controversy. There are those who favor student autonomy so that the power of the ‘null curriculum’ is minimized. ‘Null curriculum is defined by Eisner thus: â€Å"the options students are not afforded, the perspectives they may never know about, much less be able to use, the concepts and skills that are not part of their intellectual repertoire† (Eisner, as quoted in Tedesco, 2009, p.55). The opposing camp claims that with restrictions imposed on content, schools are able to better educate students due to improved discipline. But some of the bans in recent times have proved very controversial. In Idaho, for example, students are prohibited from carrying iPods in the classro om so as to prevent them from cheating in tests. Even some of iconic cultural works have been banned: â€Å"JK Rowling’s world-famous book series, Harry Potter, has been banned from a variety of Catholic schools following claims that its writings are against Catholic dogma†. (Tedesco, 2009, p. 55) In the Internet Age, the modes of socializing have also changed for school students. The proliferation of computer terminals and high-speed Internet connectivity has extended the school day beyond the campus. Students can now ‘chat’ after school hours using social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Proponents of restricted Internet activity argue that these social networking sites are potentially dangerous for vulnerable students. For example, social networking sites can be exploited by bullies to intimidate susceptible classmates. The cyber-bully can exploit the relative anonymity of the Internet and create an intimidating persona for himself. They can send scandalous or lewd comments and pictures to spread rumors, which can make the classroom atmosphere tense. It is for reasons such as these that some governments have banned a few popular websites from student access. (Holmes, 2006, p.1) Prominent examples of censorship in recent times are the following: 1. the Australian government banned use of YouTube in the entire public schooling system, 2. the Canadian Teachers’ Federation has also created additional classroom resources to control cyber-bullying. But, educators must realize that their decision to restrict access to some resources not only goes against constitutional provisions granted to them (First Amendment in the case of American citizens), but also interferes with a pupil’s capacity to experience and deal with a range of perspectives on different subjects. Students are deprived of an understanding of constructive social engagement – lacking this skill they will be impaired in performing their roles as citizens of the country. They lose their critical questioning faculty and are at risk to develop a herd mentality. It is for these reasons that educators must realize that if it is their role to help students become proactive participants in the country’s democratic processes; and that this end will not be fulfilled as long as the phenomenon of null curriculum persists. (Boston, 2008, p.37)

Free Essays on Iran Contra

In 1922 President Franklin Roosevelt introduced the â€Å"Good Neighbor† Policy. This policy was created to keep the United States from getting involved in problems that could and would occur in Central America. This policy, however, did not stop many government agencies from interfering and creating a few new problems for United States neighbors. Of course, all of this was done in an aim to better the political position of the United States. In 1953, the Central Intelligence Agency created a rumor of an assassination attempt in Guatemala to run the corrupt government out of the country. This is a perfect example of the United States sidestepping policy and becoming entangled in Latin American affairs. History of course, was destined to repeat itself. Only this time, it would be a scandal that would shake the very foundation of a nation. When President Reagan was elected in 1980, he came into office promising to restore America’s military and moral prestige in the world. Voters responded when he pledged to be tough on terrorists, a vow he repeated time and time again: â€Å"Let me further make it plain to assassins in Beirut and their accomplices, wherever they may be, that America will never make concessions to terrorists.â€Å" Was this vow strictly a campaign promise made that he never intended to honor? In 1970 in Nicaragua, President Anastasio Somona Debayle fled the country. A civil war had been devastating the nation’s economy. The popular sentiment showed that the public wanted the Sandinistas. The Sandinistas promised free enterprise but what they brought was political oppression. The United States tried to form an alliance with them but the Sandinistas grew closer to the USSR. Many Nicaraguans rejected this government. They decided to fight back. The rebel Nicaraguans groups that formed was known as the Contras. President Reagan had long ago taken a stand against the Sandanistan regime. He â€Å"embracedï ¿ ½... Free Essays on Iran Contra Free Essays on Iran Contra In 1922 President Franklin Roosevelt introduced the â€Å"Good Neighbor† Policy. This policy was created to keep the United States from getting involved in problems that could and would occur in Central America. This policy, however, did not stop many government agencies from interfering and creating a few new problems for United States neighbors. Of course, all of this was done in an aim to better the political position of the United States. In 1953, the Central Intelligence Agency created a rumor of an assassination attempt in Guatemala to run the corrupt government out of the country. This is a perfect example of the United States sidestepping policy and becoming entangled in Latin American affairs. History of course, was destined to repeat itself. Only this time, it would be a scandal that would shake the very foundation of a nation. When President Reagan was elected in 1980, he came into office promising to restore America’s military and moral prestige in the world. Voters responded when he pledged to be tough on terrorists, a vow he repeated time and time again: â€Å"Let me further make it plain to assassins in Beirut and their accomplices, wherever they may be, that America will never make concessions to terrorists.â€Å" Was this vow strictly a campaign promise made that he never intended to honor? In 1970 in Nicaragua, President Anastasio Somona Debayle fled the country. A civil war had been devastating the nation’s economy. The popular sentiment showed that the public wanted the Sandinistas. The Sandinistas promised free enterprise but what they brought was political oppression. The United States tried to form an alliance with them but the Sandinistas grew closer to the USSR. Many Nicaraguans rejected this government. They decided to fight back. The rebel Nicaraguans groups that formed was known as the Contras. President Reagan had long ago taken a stand against the Sandanistan regime. He â€Å"embracedï ¿ ½...

DQ 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

DQ 2 - Essay Example Just as the Central Florida Police Stress Unit proposes, there should be department-based programs to help effectively alleviate specific job-related stress and to help generally thwart occupational stress in the disciplined forces. It is the responsibility of criminal justice agencies to include criminal justice agency staff members, professional legal counselors and peers of these criminal justice agencies in stress reduction efforts. First, this cannot materialize if criminal justice agencies do not come together as a caucus. Just as the National Institute of Justice observed, to successfully alleviate professional stress, criminal justice agencies must unitarily appoint a dedicated member of staff to: identify with stressed colleagues; solicit the support of, and work together with administrators, staff members, family members and officers’ unions; observe confidentiality; and accord stressed employees, an array of support services (Gino and Cable, 2013). Above all, criminal justice agencies can best abate employee stress by counseling and educating employees on their legal or constitutional duties. Inadequate understanding of legal injunctions opens up doors for legal suits, dismissal of evidence or work acquired outside the confines of the law and ultimately, personnel frustration. This case is being exemplified by New York Police Department officers who are having their evidence acquired through stop and frisk being challenged and declared inadmissible in the court of law, on the account that stop and frisk is

Student Development in Western Society Higher Education Research Paper

Student Development in Western Society Higher Education - Research Paper Example The model of service delivery is also an important issue in the student development which is also covered this paper. In the paper is also the analysis of elements of institutional policy that inhibits and those that contributes to student development. The paper also provides an analysis of legal, professional and ethical consideration related to student development in higher education.The paper concludes with the analysis of core competency of student development professionals and evaluation of their potential in the evaluation of their ability in driving student success. In the years back, there was the idea that the work of student personnel was not only on the student administration but an all-round development and education. This was the concerns of the official of higher education forty years ago. The only new thing about the late 70s and 60s student development movement was that the proactive program was to be introduced by the university staff. On the addition to the introduc tion of the proactive program, the intervention content and nature and the result could be specified by crafting than in conformance with the right theory of human development. The student development as explained in three different documents: student development service in higher education, Student development in tomorrow higher education and a student development model for student affair for tomorrow higher education.Today, there is a recent association composed of professionals that perceives human development as the professions commonly held core.

How the Album Got Played Out Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How the Album Got Played Out - Essay Example Right from the year where â€Å"rock music†seemed to have had its beats every where in the radio FM station and other shows and in terms of the top sales and bulk of listener response he has covered almost 85% of the music history tracing back to previous years. He seems to make a comparison with the present album tradition with that of the previous rock music in every point he includes for discussion. He starts with the information carrying the nominees for the 40th Grammy awards such as Radioheads’ â€Å"Ok Computer† [1] and Bob Dylan’s â€Å"Time out of Mind†[2]. He regrets that these albums needed to be listened just because it had a â€Å"thematic unity to the lyrics† [3] . He seemed to have a strong support for these two albums. One reason makes me disagree with this point. Gerald Marzorati actually goes in terms of full appreciation for these two albums but he himself seems to act in such a way that he enhances the quality of this album by talking more on it than other albums which he refers in a very little fashion. He says â€Å"If you’re someone who grew upwith Dylan in the 60’s , as I did , you would have probably bought the album [It actually managed to sneak into the Billboard Top 10 for week last fall]†[4] He goes on analyzing the concept of digital revolution with that of records of the previous ages. I would agree with his statement that â€Å"Listening to album is ultimately a matter of giving yourself over to somebody’s choices –this song, then this one. The digital revolution promises precisely the opposite . What do you want, want right now?†[5]. It is true that the digital; revolution has increased the interest among the young ones who could also play and jump over to their favorite song as quickly as possible, there options that are prevalent are operating with the help of a remote which was absent in the old CD system or FM station [ which had been concentrating in enhancing only rock music not upto the

Technology Developments for Villages in Developing Countries

Technology Developments for Villages in Developing Countries There is an urgent need to examine the catalytic and enabling role to be played by the government in ensuring that IT provides new opportunities for the 40 per cent of the people who are living below the poverty line, so that they may move above it. Government of India Working Group on Information Technology for Masses Write an essay, that highlights examples that support the second opinion i) Describe 6 different case studies that show how the technology is being used in villages in developing countries (South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America) ii) Assess each case, commenting whether you believe it is beneficial to the community or not and whether those same case studies can be used by supporters of the first opinion above. Case Studies: Balaghat, India As described by Sumeet Chatterjee (2001) the IT initiatives in this village constitute a great example of the wide variety of applications for IT in developing countries. The district is rural and the core industries are farming and mineral extraction with the majority of the people being poor. A major problem in the area is corruption of government officials. People need papers to prove land ownership and other official documents and prior to the IT project’s arrival it typically took weeks to obtain and required expensive payments to officials. Now a villager can go to the local â€Å"Soochnalaya† (information centre) and have the information in minutes and for a fraction of the cost. Other information of interest to the villagers such as crop data, rainfall patterns and other documentation are available. The centralized internet point is a key aspect in bringing IT to the masses. Without government funding to buy a computer and set up the infrastructure there would be no Soochnalayas. IT in this case is a major benefit to the people of the region as it brings information at a low cost which is exactly what these people need to help them in the struggle to develop. Padinettankudi, India In an online article about this rural village in India Mukti Jain Campion (2002) relates an anecdote about how IT is being used to treat health problems in areas without access to medical technology. In this town an entrepreneur-run public internet center was set up with the help of a large Indian IT government and private venture with the aim of bringing IT to the masses. For few rupees email, information and government forms to the rural poor. In the case described the internet also serves an important medical service to the people of the area. Only 40km away lies the Aravind Eye Hospital, a hospital dedicated to treating eye problems and where money is not an issue. The problem is having access to patients as majority of people are unable to get to the hospital without considerable difficulty. So at the internet centre a webcam is used to take photos of the symptoms and online chat can be used to talk with the patient. Sound medical advice can then be given for the cost of a few rupees. This is a fantastic application of IT in development and the available benefits are enormous. Capetown, South Africa When describing IT initiatives often only computers and internet access are mentioned but IT involves so much more. In South Africa HIV is a major issue with over15% of the population being infected by this terminal disease (Nick Miles. 2005). The SA government has begun to allot drugs to the people who need them but keeping track of the patients and having doctors to check on them all is expensive in terms of both time and money. This is where IT enters the scene. Using mobile phones a non-medical aid worker can interview dozens of people and record the information in the phone. The survey results are then sent by text message to a center where the data is entered into computer software. The software can identify people who need attention and a doctor can pull up the record of any patient and see up to date information. The benefits are obvious. Cuba, Brazil and Open-Source The cost of software is often a major percentage of the price of a computer. A copy of Windows XP costs significantly more than the average person in the developing world makes in a day. Despite Microsoft’s initiative to sell Windows at reduced costs to developing nations, free is preferred to paying a fee and nations like Cuba and Brazil are exploring free OS choices. In a 2004 article Mark Ashurst describes how Brazil is attempting to move from Windows to open-source Linux. There is political resentment against Microsoft but there is also the attraction of free software and no licensing fees that attract people form Windows to Linux. Also susceptibility to viruses and the cost of a network going down also drive people to Linux. Ashurst describes the state of the switch to â€Å"Linux in terms that almost 1/3 of computers will soon have Linux installed†. Cuba is following suit and recently announced a government initiative to switch all computers to Linux (Computer Business Review, 2005). Whether this IT initiative with greatly benefit the people of these countries remains to be seen. Linux may be cheaper but it requires more training and long term benefits are hard to predict though with reduced costs possible more computers could be distributed. Samoa The Samoan government recently announced a nationwide initiative to bring internet to every person in the country (Prosser, 2004). The government has taken this step to help isolated Samoa increase communication with developed nations in hopes of boosting GDP and therefore standards of living. In the nation of 180,000 only 2% of people use the internet and trade with other nations is difficult to facilitate as New Zealand is the closest developed nation at a 4hr flight away. The Samoan government has received help from the United Nations Development Programme and is using the money to expand the IT infrastructure. Computers are being placed in schools to help children develop IT skills and also in community centers to allow people access to information and even medical help. This case is similar to the Indian cases where a single internet centre in a village can make a large difference in the lives of people. Taita Taveta, Kenya In Africa there exists the Association for Progressive Communications prize which rewards innovative IT projects in Africa. Last year’s winner was the Global Education Partnership – Wundanyib which is a non-profit computer training programme in one of the poorest regions of Kenya (Association for Progressive Computing, 2005). The project aims to develop business skills in people aged 15-24, training them using IT for setting up their own business. In 9 years nearly 1000 people have graduated and 200 of these were awarded capital to start a business. In Taita Taveta the unemployment rate is 66% so job prospects are hard to come by. By focusing on youth and entrepreneurs the region benefits greatly if any business are started. The youth are given hope and a reason to stay and develop their region. Conclusion Each case examined here shows the advantages of IT in plans for development. The cases show ways to improve lives through IT in a variety of avenues, paving the way for regional and national development. The Government of India Working Group on Information Technology for Masses’ statement is correct and bringing IT to poor areas is an important catalyst for development. Bibliography Ashurst, Mark. 2004. Brazil falls in love with Linux. Available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3445805.stm>. Association for Progressive Computing, 2005. Winner of the 2004/5 APC Africa Hafkin Communications Prize. Available from http://www.apc.org./english/hafkin/2004/winner.shtml>. Copyleft Association for Progressive Communications APC 1999 – 2005. Campion, Mukti Jain. 2002. Connecting the villages. Available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2044878.stm>.  © British Broadcasting Corporation. Chatterjee, Sumeet. 2001. Indian village takes to IT to tackle corruption. Available from http://www.apnic.net/mailing-lists/s-asia-it/archive/2001/09/msg00019.html>.  © Indo-Asian News Service Computer Business Review. 2005. Cuba joins the Linux revolution. Available from http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=9B077C17-C2F9-4472-8B28-25F0B19E2F8A.>.  © Computer Business Review. Miles, Nick. 2005. Texting to help SA HIV patients. Available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4437447.stm>.  © British Broadcasting Corporation. Prosser, David. 2004. Samoa plans internet for all. Available from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3590354.stm>. >.  © British Broadcasting Corporation.

The Different Places in Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching G

The Different Places in Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God It’s amazing that one state can have within it places that differ greatly in all aspects—people, surrounding, weather, and feeling. Zora Neale Hurston exemplifies this phenomenon in Their Eyes Were Watching God. There are a multitude of differences between Eatonville, FL and the Everglades; each place represents a certain theme or feeling to Janie (the main character) and their differences each contribute to the meaning of the novel as a whole. Eatonville is just hours away from the Everglades so it seems that these two places must have something in common, especially if they’re in the same book, but they don’t unless you count Janie living in both places as something similar. While Janie is married to Joe Starks in Eatonville, she loses her sense of self. Joe makes her wear her hair up and she’s treated as if she’s Joe’s servant, not wife. This is much different than the treatment she gets in the Everglades with Tea Cake. Tea Cake allows her to be his peer and be herself. Janie is tied down in Eatonvi...

This computerized world Essay

Now, in our society all over the world technology is the most important advancement, a necessity in bringing about progress as we move along in this computerized world. These changes in effectmake man’s life easier and more convenient. The relationship between the library and computer is constantly changing that the use of computer contributes to the way man learns and communicates. It easy in this world to strive for changes and since library is no different from any firm and institution, considering the use of computer to perform a given task will be efficient. The fast phased of technology attributed a lot to the improvementof the library system. Technology enabled software developers to computerize the librarysystem. The automated library system helped the academe greatly. Library, transactionsand queries can be created in a single click. Traditionally, library systems are implemented manually. Forms are given to librarian and they fill them of using pens. Computerized library system identifies the modern process of technology, on how it works quickly for the students and librarian. Pagadian Capitol College, base on the library system, the librarian and the library users still use the manual way of transacting of borrowing and returning of books. In the system we are going to make the manual library system into automated and computerized one. The manual library system is very costly, time consuming and tedious. Hence, computerized library system, the librarian can easily find the books of the student that they are looking for without going through the traditional way of searching a library material. And for the students, it can lessen the time and effort needed by them of the library. The implementation of the system will reduce the time and effort of the users in terms of adding, editing, searching, deleting and printing of records. The system can also help in reducing the expenses of the library such as papers, folders, pens and other materials needed in their current system. The objective of the study was to develop a computerized library system that will store the student’s basic information, books record, list of borrowers, returned books, borrowed books, and prescription of the librarian. The study was about the Computerized Library System for the BotolanCommunity College. The implementation of the system will reduce the time and effort of the users in terms of adding, editing, searching, deleting and printing of records. Thesystem can also help in reducing the expenses of the library such as papers, folders, pensand other materials needed in their current system. The system is LAN-based that enablesthe librarian to share the records of the student such as the borrowing books, returningbooks, search books, and prescriptions of the librarian. The student’s personal information/data may be stored upon the request of authorized librarian. The assignedlibrarians are the only one who can share any of the records/data of the students. Thesystem is not capable of sharing its data from other databases. The system will bedeveloped using the Microsoft Visual Basic 6. 0. This study will be beneficial to the following: BCC Students . Through a computerized library system, they can easily find the booksthat they are looking for without going through the traditional way of searching a librarymaterial. Convenience is more visible for it is not time-consuming, resulting to a numberof accomplished works. Librarian. The computerized library system would improve the monitoring capacitiesof those who maintain the library. It would be easier to determine whether a particularbook is on-shelf or not. In addition, they can easily identify when will the borrowedmaterial be returned and if a borrower has failed to return the book on its due date. Furthermore, the librarian would be much guided when it comes to recognizing newinventory books, letting them arrange it promptly and accordingly. Related Literature Foreign According to Robson (2001), usability is a key requirement for users, says Elisabeth Robson, Product manager for Online Computer Library Center. The cataloguehas become a way to pull together disparate resources, including commercial resourcesand web links. management systems also allow circulation, including check in/check outand enable libraries to purchase materials and track where they are. According to Chad (2009), consulting is at a major point of change in the wider information economy within which library systems form part of a larger whole. He waswriting in a briefing paper about the study in library management systems. This studyexamined the systems used in higher-education libraries across the UK and came up withsome significant observations and recommendations. It noted that the LMS market in UKhigher education is already mature and that four main vendors (ExLibris, Innovative,SirsiDynix and Talis) have almost 90 percent of the market. This market maturity means,according to the study authors, that the benefits to libraries of changing LMS provider arelimited. Library users expect to find everything together says Stephen Abram, vicepresident for innovation at SirsiDynix, the leading provider of software solutions andassociated services for libraries. According to her traditionally, the library managementsystem or integrated library system (ILS) was responsible for running libraries efficientlyand effectively. Over the last few years, the role of the ILS has been expanding frommeeting library needs to delivering user experience. Local  According to Eden (2011), views that most libraries are forced to work with fewerstaff because of the having a more improved and modernized system for their library. According also to the study, the library administration need to emphasize to their staff that the organization has a vested interest in providing them with the tools and trainingthey need to assist the organization in the new information marketplace. These mayinclude search engines, circulation systems, and the online public access catalog. According to Lopez (2002), University of the Philippines Mindanao when UP inMindanao accepted its first batch of students in 1996, the Main Library collection wasintegrated with the core collection of the School of Management (SOM) Library at the Stanfilco Bldg. , Ladislawa Avenue, Buhangin, Davao City. The Filipiniana and GeneralReferences were housed together with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) collectionin Room 2 of the Philippine Coconut Authority. In the Second Semester AY 1996-1997,the CAS Library moved to its main campus in Bago Oshiro. Upon the recognition of UPin Mindanao by the Board of Regents (BOR) as a constituent unit (CU) of the UPSystem, the CAS was split into two (2), namely: College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). The Main Librarytransferred to the newly renovated building where the main collection was set-up besidethe books of the CHSS and the CSM. In July 2002, the library established the LibraryEducational Media and Information Technology Office (LEMITO). The LEMITOhandles the audio-visual services, internet and the connectivity of the library. It currentlyholds office at the Elias B. Lopez Hall Dormitory. Later, the Main Library collectionwhich grew from 100 titles to 6,191 volumes at the end of May 2004, and was transferredto the Administration Bldg today, the Main Library occupies the former UP in MindanaoCultural Center (UPMCC) building. Related Studies Foreign According to Charuasia (2010), connotes the term library with use of automaticdata processing machines to perform routine library activities. It implies a high degree of mechanization of various routine and repetitive tasks &operations and processes are leftto be performed by human beings. The study stresses library automation as theapplication of computers and utilization of computer based products and services in theperformance of different operations and functions or in the provision of various servicesand output products. In addition to computer advancement, telecommunication andaudio-visual technologies gives away to new possibilities in information processing. According to Back & Bailey (2010), explored the design space of mash-uptechniques for the faultless inclusion of information from Web services into websites. They considered the cases where an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is either the target of such addition or the basis of the information being included. They focused on client-side techniques in which each user’s browser contacts Web services directly because this approach lends itself to the creation of HTML widgets. The widgets allowthe integration and customization of Web services without requiring programming. Theyalso described in detail the functionality and use of several widget libraries and Webservices we built. Although the specific requirements for (2010), explored the designspace of mash-up techniques for the faultless inclusion of information from Web servicesinto websites. They considered the cases where an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)is either the target of such addition or the basis of the information being included. Theyfocused on client-side techniques in which each user’s browser contacts Web services directly because this approach lends itself to the creation of HTML widgets. The widgetsallow the integration and customization of Web services without requiring programming. They also described in detail the functionality and use of several widget libraries andWeb services we built. Although the specific requirements for 13each system differbecause of their respective nature, all systems are designed to be deployable withminimum effort and resource requirements. This low entry cost, combined with theprovision of a high-level, non-programming interface, constitute two vital preconditionfor the broad adoption of techniques in libraries, which in turn has the potential to vastlyincrease the reach and visibility of their electronic resources in the wider community. Local According to Lou (1986), a survey on the computer application in 223 libraries inMetro Manila. The study revealed that they prioritize the three library functions to be computerized as cataloging, indexing, and circulation. However, the plans for automationfor the libraries cannot be implemented due to financial incapability of the libraries, andthe lack of funds from the government. Despite of this drawback, the libraries are notturning their backs unto the automation of their libraries. According to Agena (2008) made a study about the collection usage of thestudents of the Jose Rizal University in a period of three years using the quantitative andqualitative approach. The goal of the study is to assess the usefulness of the faculty of students to their library and it been revealed that it is generally important for them to goto the library for their academic needs. ————————————————- Beijing Foreign Studies University Library Library temporarily by the Chinese branch, foreign language books, periodicals reading room and library office. Collection of literature covering Britain, France, Russia, Germany, the West, Japan, Arab and other 49 languages, literature more than 110 million copies total, 28 million copies of e-books, 1179 kinds of Chinese and foreign periodicals, nearly 11,000 of a variety of audiovisual materials , and foreign language electronic journal of nearly 26,000 species in 47 foreign language database, Own Special Database 4, the initial formation of the characteristics of language, literature, culture, primary data collection. In recent years, with the development of my subject construction, legal, diplomatic, economic, news and management literature also increased steadily. The library is located eight business and service sectors, a total of 53 staff, including Associate Research Librarian, Librarian 39. Libraries advanced ALEPH500 automated library management system to achieve the cataloging and retrieval of the museum and part of the Department of multilingual literature. Museum and National Library, as well as Peking University, the National People’s Congress and other 40 University Library in Beijing and Shanghai Library interlibrary loan business, and the original delivery services provide CASHL and BALIS of foreign periodicals. In order to facilitate school teachers and students in off-campus access to library resources, the museum specially opened VPN remote access system. The overall goal of building â€Å"12† during the Beijing Foreign Studies University Library: the progressive realization of the collection features of the service information, specialization, and scientific management through active participation in the college literature resources to build a sharing system, and strive to build for the final documents of the domestic foreign language teaching and research support base and information service center, into a â€Å"resource-rich, and diverse service, open and harmonious, the reader satisfied† with international first-class research library.

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Saint Joseph’s University Online MBA Program no GMAT Essay Example Saint Joseph’s University Online MBA Program no GMAT Essay Saint Joseph’s University Online MBA Program no GMAT Essay Saint Joseph’s University  Online MBA Program no GMAT.  For over one hundred and fifty years Saint Joseph’s University has been grooming the minds and abilities of young men and women in a strong and challenging academic  atmosphere  immersed in the wonderful Jesuit tradition of  care for the entire human  being. At Saint Joseph’s University, your  scholastic  environment will be filled with  intellect,   spirit, guidance and  purpose. We respect all of your values and fully support you with a healthy learning environment that meets your educational needs. You are our first academic  priority: your mind, education, making sure your having a very positive experience with your achievements and your dreams a priority. Saint Joseph’s University is also accredited by The Middle States Association’s Commission on Higher Education, so you can take comfort and rest assured you will receive the very best online education possible. Saint Joseph’s University is proudly offering you an online bachelor’s,  master’s and certificate programs, such as Criminal Justice,  MS in Education, as well as Organization Development and   also including Business Intelligence,  Leadership and more. Click the Banner below for the Official:   Saint Joseph’s University Online MBA Program no GMAT

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Biological Weapons - Description and Potential List Biological Weapons Biological weapons are toxic materials produced from pathogenic organisms (usually microbes) or artificially manufactured toxic substances that are used to intentionally interfere with the biological processes of a host. These substances work to kill or incapacitate the host. Biological weapons may be used to target living organisms including humans, animals, or vegetation. They may also be used to contaminate nonliving substances such as air, water and soil. Microscopic Weapons There are a variety of microorganisms that can be used as biological weapons. Agents are commonly chosen because they are highly toxic, easily obtainable and inexpensive to produce, easily transferable from person to person, can be dispersed in aerosol form, or have no known vaccine. Common microbes used as biological weapons include: Bacteria -  these prokaryotic organisms  are capable of infecting cells and causing disease. Bacteria cause diseases such as anthrax and botulism. Viruses - are  about 1,000 times smaller than bacteria and require a host to replicate. They are responsible for disease including smallpox,  flesh-eating disease, Ebloa disease, and Zika disease. Fungi - some of these  eukaryotic organisms  contain deadly toxins that are harmful to plants, animals, and humans. They cause diseases such as  rice blast, wheat  stem rust,  aspergillosis (caused by inhaling fungal  spores), and bovine foot rot. Toxins - poisonous substances that can be extracted from plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. Toxic substances that can be used as biological weapons include ricin and venom from animals such as snakes and spiders. Distribution Methods While it is possible to develop biological weapons from microbes,  finding a means of distributing the substances is difficult. One possible way is through aerosols. This can be ineffective as the materials often get clogged when spraying. Biological agents distributed by air may also be destroyed by UV light or rain may wash them away. Another method of distribution may be to attach the toxins to a bomb so that they may be released upon explosion. The problem with this is that the microbes will most likely be destroyed by the explosion as well. Toxins could be used to contaminate food and water supplies. This method would require extremely large amounts of toxin for a large scale attack. Protective Measures A number of measures can be taken to protect individuals against biological attacks. Should an aerosol attack occur, removing your clothing and showering are good methods for removing toxins. Biological weapons dont typically adhere to clothing or skin, but can be dangerous should they enter cuts or lesions on the skin. Protective clothing, such as masks and gloves, can provide protection against airborne particles. Other types of protective measures include administering  antibiotics and vaccines. Potential Biological Weapons Below is a list of a few biological organisms that may potentially be used as biological weapons. Microbe Natural Environment Target Host Mode of Contraction Diseases/Symptoms Anthrax Bacillus anthracis Soil Humans, Domestic Animals Open Wounds, Inhalation Pulmonary Anthrax Septicemia, Flu-like symptoms Clostridium botulinum Soil Humans Contaminated Food or Water, Inhalation Clostridium perfringens Intestines of humans and other animals, Soil Humans, Domestic Animals Open Wounds Gas gangrene, Severe Abdominal Cramps, Diarrhea RICIN Protein Toxin Extracted from Castor Bean Plants Humans Contaminated Food or Water, Inhalation, Injection Severe Abdominal Pain, Watery and Bloody Diarrhea, Vomiting, Weakness, Fever, Cough, and Pulmonary Edema Smallpox Eradicated from Nature, Now Obtained from Laboratory Stockpiles Humans Direct Contact with Bodily Fluids or Contaminated Objects, Inhalation Persistent Fever, Vomiting, Rash on Tongue and in Mouth, Rash and Bumps on Skin

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CORPORATE FINANCE CASE ASSIGNMEN 3 Risk and return, portfolio diversification and the Capital Asset Pricing Model; The cost of equity - Essay Example It depends on the risk involved in that investment. Hence the investment decision is dependent on the returns, the risk involved (amount of uncertainty in generating the expected returns) and also the investor’s utility indifference (attitude towards risk and expected returns). A risk averse individual will always aim to reduce the risk involved in his investments and ensure a high return. The investor, in light of the level of risk tolerance, must establish specific return objectives. On the basis of these objectives, he/she can opt for a varied portfolio of investments. Diversification is a way to limit or reduce the risk. Diversification is the balancing act in which the risk-return tradeoffs are adjusted. This implies the concept of relativism and indicates that it is superior to that of absolutism (Ware). Owning a number of investments can reduce the risk involved in an investment. This is called portfolio diversification. This could be by owning shares in a number of different countries or by investing in different asset classes such as fixed interest or property (Bekiaris). Investing in a wider range of domestic stocks and cash, short, mid and long-term bonds, foreign currency-denominated bonds, equity sectors, foreign stocks and emerging market sto cks can reduce the risks involved in the investment (Donald). As mentioned earlier, there are three methods that can be used to estimate the rate of return for Federal Express. These include, Dividend Growth, CAPM, and APT. The Dividend growth model is one which requires the current dividend rate, the constant growth rate of the dividend and the required rate of return. Here in this model a summing of the infinite series is done to get the value of the current price. This model also requires a few more details that need to be provided in order to compute the arithmetical calculation. These include the value of ‘g’, the current rate of return‘d’. One of the biggest drawbacks of this

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Website portal creation report - Assignment Example In recent times,website portal development has set a new platform for new patterns of interaction and communication:new user requirements,goals and behaviors have emerged.In development,eliciting user’s needs must rely on a thorough understanding of the multi-faced context of how users perform their activities This is in order to establish usability requirements and design scenarios for future web portal s (Robertson and James 106). The created webportal is an information source. It is providing an integrated solution for International students where they can get information on accommodation, living environment, courses etc. Basically, it is aiming at equipping a student or guardian with enough information to make the decision to study. For instance, the VISA application procedures are links on the web portal. A desired functionality in a web portal is that it be effective to use. This goal focuses on the ability of the web portal to produce the intended result. Another usabil ity requirement is web portal that is easy to learn and remember how to use. The goal for this is to have a web portal that is easy to use on first hit and one that the users can reestablish proficiency. In addition, a web portal should have good utility and safe to use. The goal here would be to evaluate if the web portal has what the users wants. Web Portal Design The webportal has been designed as an online application and is accessed by use of a browser. It is compatible with Mozilla 3.5, Internet Explorer 7.0, Opera browser, Apple safari and later versions. It has a functionality that it provides and for this it provides pages with the concept of user interaction. The portal offers information to students, international and deals with all student affairs such as accommodation and living. The website has been developed using several supporting technologies, such as HTML and CSS. Choice of color brought harmony to the content displayed. In addition, there were concept graphics th at represented different ideas on student programs and how they could obtain information. The intuitive design guided by user interface principles aimed at giving the user little to think about and make everything appear usual. The portal’s success depends on a clear, concise and balanced arrangement of the information using the basic tools of design: editorial format, typography and programming technique. Using a simple visual design which clearly states what the organization is about is important to the browsers visiting the site. The website is pleasing in the sense that colors complement one another. This website intent and purpose provides information to the users. The first requirement is a visually attractive site that creates a good first impression. This has a memorable URL, full view of the home screen, contacts and short download time. Additionally, this website should demonstrate use of technology by having advanced functionality that can allow user interaction an d overall design experience. The navigation and structure of the website should be simple and straight forward with neat content organization. I recommend including attractors in the website, this will keep the user coming back to the website. The attractors are features like newsletters, career options, polls etc. Evaluation Techniques: Justification of the interface choice There are a number of evaluation techniques that can be applied to test usability and functionality of the web portal. These techniques evaluate the design and implementation and the goal is to access the extent of the web portal functionality (Bevan 15). They also access the interface effect on the specific problem. For this web portal, I would