Gentle warning to Web2.0 enthusiasts

Cloud computing is a trap, warns GNU founder Richard Stallman

Web-based programs like Google's Gmail will force people to buy into locked, proprietary systems that will cost more and more over time, according to the free software campaigner





Richard Stallman on cloud computing: "It's stupidity. It's worse than stupidity: it's a marketing hype campaign."



The concept of using web-based programs like Google's Gmail is "worse than stupidity", according to a leading advocate of free software.

Cloud computing – where IT power is delivered over the internet as you need it, rather than drawn from a desktop computer – has gained currency in recent years. Large internet and technology companies including Google, Microsoft and Amazon are pushing forward their plans to deliver information and software over the net.

But Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation and creator of the computer operating system GNU, said that cloud computing was simply a trap aimed at forcing more people to buy into locked, proprietary systems that would cost them more and more over time.

"It's stupidity. It's worse than stupidity: it's a marketing hype campaign," he told The Guardian.

"Somebody is saying this is inevitable – and whenever you hear somebody saying that, it's very likely to be a set of businesses campaigning to make it true."

The 55-year-old New Yorker said that computer users should be keen to keep their information in their own hands, rather than hand it over to a third party.

His comments echo those made last week by Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, who criticised the rash of cloud computing announcements as "fashion-driven" and "complete gibberish".

"The interesting thing about cloud computing is that we've redefined cloud computing to include everything that we already do," he said. "The computer industry is the only industry that is more fashion-driven than women's fashion. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I have no idea what anyone is talking about. What is it? It's complete gibberish. It's insane. When is this idiocy going to stop?"

The growing number of people storing information on internet-accessible servers rather than on their own machines, has become a core part of the rise of Web 2.0 applications. Millions of people now upload personal data such as emails, photographs and, increasingly, their work, to sites owned by companies such as Google.

Computer manufacturer Dell recently even tried to trademark the term "cloud computing", although its application was refused.

But there has been growing concern that mainstream adoption of cloud computing could present a mixture of privacy and ownership issues, with users potentially being locked out of their own files.

Stallman, who is a staunch privacy advocate, advised users to stay local and stick with their own computers.

"One reason you should not use web applications to do your computing is that you lose control," he said. "It's just as bad as using a proprietary program. Do your own computing on your own computer with your copy of a freedom-respecting program. If you use a proprietary program or somebody else's web server, you're defenceless. You're putty in the hands of whoever developed that software."

Who is Michael Stephens

Michael Stephens, Ph.D., is currently Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.

Michael’s Philosophy of Teaching:

Libraries and librarians are faced with a technological and societal wave of change that is ever increasing as we move farther into the 21st century. Preparing new graduates to deal with constant change, use current and emerging technology tools to further the mission of their institutions, and meet the needs of communities of library users while never losing sight of our foundational values and principles is of utmost importance to me as an LIS educator.

Bio:

Originally from Mishawaka, Indiana, Michael received BA and MLIS degrees from Indiana University. He spent over fifteen years working in public libraries, most recently as Special Projects Librarian at Saint Joseph County Public Library. While engaged in staff training, long-term planning, and management initiatives at SJCPL, Michael developed a passion for the practical application of technology in libraries.

He published The Library Internet Trainer’s Toolkit in 2001. Two years later, he launched his weblog, Tame the Web. Tame the Web (TTW) deals with libraries, technology and people - and the fascinating intersection between all three. How do we use technology to further the library’s mission? How do we use technology to learn? What are innovative libraries and librarians doing to explore this realm?

In 2004, Michael was awarded an IMLS fellowship to begin an interdisciplinary information science doctoral program at the University of North Texas, where he conducted research on social software and blogging, including his dissertation “Modeling the Role of Blogging in Librarianship.” Named a “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal in 2005, he also served as a Scholar in Residence at Chicago Public Library and an adjunct instructor at IUPUI and Dominican University.

Michael’s professional writing has appeared in Public Libraries, Library Journal, American Libraries, Computers in Libraries, Library Media Connection, OCLC’s NextSpace, and ALA’s TechSource blog. He serves on the editorial board of both Reference and Users Services Quarterly and Internet Reference Services Quarterly.

He currently writes a monthly Library Journal column with Michael Casey: The Transparent Library, exploring how trends and technologies can enhance libraries and make them participatory and open to change: “By structuring the transparent library for constant and purposeful change we reduce the negative impact that change has on both the staff and user. Incorporating change into the organization through creative teams and open lines of communication allows the transparent library to add new tools, respond to changing community needs, and move ahead with new initiatives without shaking up the foundation.”

Michael joined Dominican’s full-time faculty in 2006 and completed his Ph.D. in 2007 while continuing to blog and publish. Recently, he has produced two ALA Library Technology Reports on Web 2.0 and also created a graduate seminar on Library 2.0 theory and practice.

Michael has spoken about technology, innovation, and libraries to audiences in over 25 states and in four countries, including a recent speaking tour of Australia. In addition to facilitating workshops, panel presentations and program sessions, he has keynoted conferences such as the Illinois Library Association, the Hawaii Library Association, the Iowa Library Association, Nevada Library Association, Polaris User Group, and Ohio Tech Connections 8. With Jenny Levine, he’s keynoted Rural Libraries 2.0 in Michigan and endnoted Internet Librarian International 2006.

An active participant in discussions about the evolving library and Library 2.0, Michael recently shared part of his philosophy with Degree Tutor: “I believe libraries need to encourage the heart and in the physical realm this is very important. What do your spaces say to users? What signage do you use? What rules do you impose? All of these things tell the story of your library and how the library views its customers. I agree with the folks that say create zones in the library for different user groups and make it ok to have fun at the library - gaming, DDR, etc - as well as make it comfortable and useful for others. We can learn from the “retail expectations” of our users and potential users. I was amazed to see a high end grocery store chain in Minneapolis offer a meeting room for groups. The Book Club could be meeting at the store - not

at the library in the near future! One goal for the L2 library might be to restablish the idea of the commons - that shared space that can be many things to many people and everyone feels ownership. I’m sorry, but a sign stating the rules of the building on the front door is not encouraging. Find ways to make policies and guidlelines friendly…and welcoming.”

When not traveling or teaching, Michael resides in Mishawaka, Indiana, and enjoys escaping to Traverse City, Michigan.

stephensabout.png

Download Michael’s CV:stephenscv.pdf

Upcoming Presentations

Contact Michael at mstephens7 (at) mac.com

Other Web Sites:

Up North! The Traverse City Blog

Dreaming On: There’s Always Music in the Air
Short Bio:





Michael Stephens, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Dominican University in Illinois. He spent over fifteen years working in public libraries while developing a passion for technology. His publications include The Library Internet Trainer’s Toolkit, two ALA Library Technology Reports on Web 2.0, a monthly column with Michael Casey in Library Journal, and a host of articles. Michael also maintains the popular blog Tame the Web. He received an IMLS doctoral fellowship at the University of North Texas, was named a Library Journal “Mover and Shaker,” and recently joined the Dominican faculty. Michael speaks nationally and internationally on libraries, technology, and innovation. He recently completed a speaking tour of Australia, presenting seven talks in five cities.
Interviews and Podcasts:

* “Web sites can bring libraries into the future” with Sarah Ann Long
-Interview: http://www.librarybeat.org/ourlibraries/read/index.php?articleID=359
-Podcast: http://www.librarybeat.org/podcast/?_episode=100
* “Future of Librarians” with DegreeTutor
-Interview: http://www.degreetutor.com/library/librarians-online/michael-stephens
* “A SirsiDynix Institute Conversation: The 2.0 Meme - Web 2.0, Library 2.0, Librarian 2.0″ with SirsiDynix
-Podcast: http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/seminar_page.php?sid=56
* “BiblioTech: Episode 4 - Michael Stephens of Dominican University” with the Kankakee Public Library
-Podcast: http://www.lions-online.org/podcasts/bib4.html
* “Conversation with Michael Stephens” with the Allen County Public Library
-Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzBC8q_hTHY
* “Michael Stephens and DOK Delft” with Erik Boekesteijn and Jaap van de Geer of DOK Delft Public Library
-Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4GhVHbspGk

Photos of me for promotional use:

http://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/michael-stephens.jpg

http://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/msapplestorenyc.jpg

http://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/stephensstonehenge.jpg
(Photo by Jenny Levine)

http://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/2401929698_c0a4c271d6_o.jpg
(Photo by Cindi Trainor)

http://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mstephens2008cindi.jpeg
(Photo by Cindi Trainor)

Do you want a social network on Library 2.0

Answer is here just click
http://library20.ning.com/

Twitter for Librarians: The Ultimate Guide

Librarian Check out how TWITTER helps you. Click on the Following link
http://www.collegeathome.com/blog/2008/05/27/twitter-for-librarians-the-ultimate-guide/

100 Free Library 2.0 online seminars and Tutorials

These resources provides basic understanding of what makes up Library 2.0, and how you can start adopting it.


Education Institute Webcast: Planning and Implementing Library 2.0: In this webinar, you’ll get a look at planning and getting started with your use of library 2.0.
Intro to Web 2.0: Visit this presentation to get a quick introduction to Web 2.0 from an educator’s perspective.
Creating a 2.0 Library: This webinar discusses how you can create a more interactive library using Web 2.0 technologies.
Five Weeks to a Social Library: In this course, you’ll learn how to make your library one that supports social interaction through Library 2.0 technology.
Don’t be afraid to go beta: How To Web 2.0: Get a simple look at making the switch to 2.0 in this presentation.
School Library Learning 2.0: Visit this blog for an in-depth tutorial that spans a number of weeks and take you through many different facets of library 2.0.
Scary Things & Great Opportunities: This talk discusses why Library 2.0 is a good thing.
New rules for 2.0 guerilla practice: Follow these rules to make your library a little more tech-friendly.
Everything is 2.0: Now What?: In this slideshow, you’ll take a look at how you can enhance traditional library services with Web 2.0.
Engage: Web 2.0 in Libraries: Learn all about the ways Web 2.0 can improve your library in this presentation.
Web 2 What’s in Your Basket: This presentation shares a number of different applications that are great for libraries and education.
Consuming Information: Check out this article for great ideas on processing new content through Web 2.0.
Libraries 2.0: Learn how your library can take the step into 2.0 with this presentation.
Using Web 2.0 Principles to Become Librarian 2.0: This presentation shares valuable information for getting started with Library 2.0.
Library 2.0: Where do we go from here?: Here you’ll get a good look at how librarians can embrace 2.0 for their patrons.
How to 2.0: Forget the Buzz: This panel discusses some of the best tools from Library 2.0 technology, and how you can use them.
The new librarians: In this article, you’ll get to take a look at librarians who’ve embraced 2.0, and consider how you might do the same.
Library 2.0: Life as a Twopointian: This presentation shares information about daily life as a 2.0 librarian.
Web 2.0 and Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software: Check out this resource to learn how you can implement Web 2.0 tools like wikis, blogs, and instant messaging.
Change and Change Management in Libraries: In this presentation, you’ll learn how you can deal with the switch to Library 2.0.
5 Suggestions for Upgrading to Library 2.0: Take these 5 steps to get started with Library 2.0 in an easy way.
10 Ways to Make Your Library Great in 2008: Check out this webinar to learn how you can put social networking to work for you.
What Would a 2.0 Library Look Like?: Take a look at this 2.0 library and consider how you can emulate it yourself.
Usefulness
In these guides, you’ll see just how useful a 2.0 library can be.
Widgets to the Rescue: In this guide, you’ll find out how widgets can be useful for librarians and library users.
Readability of Scanned Books in Libraries: Consider how you can make scanned literature more accessible in your library using this report.
Using Guy Kawasaki’s Alltop in the Writing Classroom (or, "Goodbye, RSS"): Check out this guide to using aggregates for education.
Social Libraries
Check out these resources to learn how you can embrace social media and networking.
Social Networking-What Does it Mean for Libraries?: Get an introduction to social networking and learn how you can make it work for your library.
Social Software in Academic Libraries: The New York Public Library shares a presentation on how social software can be used in academic libraries.
MySpace Can Be Our Space: A school librarian discusses using MySpace as a teaching tool.
Social Software in Libraries: the Hows, Whys and What Fors: Learn how social networking and other software can contribute to your library’s effectiveness.
Social Software in the Library–MySpace, Wikis, IM, Blogs, and Flickr: This librarian discusses social software’s place in the library, and best practices for implementing it.
Five Social Software Sites that libraries shouldn’t ignore: Check out this presentation to see which sites are essential to making your library go 2.0.
Facebook Flyer: Tutt Library is Open Late: See how one librarian created a simple, but effective flyer for his library.
A Little Help from your Friends: Social Bookmarking: Find out how social bookmarking can help you keep track of important websites, and even more about how it can be applied to libraries.
Social Software in Academic Libraries: This presentation explains how social software can be made useful in libraries.
Communication
Here you’ll learn how to use and promote a variety of different 2.0 communications tools.
Blogging for Libraries: In this webinar, you’ll get a good look at blogging, blogging tools, and how blogs can be used for libraries.
When Web Calling, Video, and Libraries Collide: This presentation shares the collaboration of video technology and libraries.
What Librarians Need2 Know: See how instant messaging is being used in Danish libraries.
Weblogs: Their Use and Application in Science and Technology Libraries: Find out how you can use a blog in your library with this guide.
IM Me: Take a look at how instant messaging can be a useful tool in your library.
12 Screencasting Tools for Creating Video Tutorials: With this guide and tools, you can create really useful screencasts for your library.
Microblogging for Science and Technology Libraries: Joe Murphy discusses how libraries can use microblogging to share information from the field.
Twitter Explained for Librarians, or 10 ways to use Twitter: David Lee King gives the lowdown on Twitter and how librarians can make use of it.
Podcasting and Your Library: Share information with many different people at once by distributing library podcasts, and learn how to do it using this webinar.
Podcasting 101 for K-12 Librarians: Find out how librarians can take advantage of podcasting with this guide.
Selecting Blogging Software: Check out this webinar to learn about different types of blogging software and determine which is best for your needs.
Data
Check out these resources to see how you can make better use of data with 2.0 tools.
Data 2.0-Harnessing New Data Visualization Tools: Check out this slideshow to learn how to take data sharing to the next level with Library 2.0.
Increasing the Value of Our History with the Web: Here you’ll learn about using the Web to make archives more accessible today and in the future.
Metadata for digital libraries: state of the art and future directions: Get more information on how you can put metadata to work in your library here.
Creating a Library Database with Drupal: This screencast offers lots of great ideas for implementing Drupal’s content management in the library.
Online Learning
Learn how Library 2.0 can help enhance the learning of your patrons.
Start You Up! The Personal Learning Experience for Library Staff & Other Busy Professionals: In this webinar, you’ll learn about creating your own e-learning environment using Web 2.0 tools and more.
Learning is a Multi Modal Conversation: See how the Internet is changing education, and how you can embrace it.
Learning 2.0: Lessons Learned from "Play": In this presentation, you’ll get a good look at Web 2.0 technology and how it can be used in online learning.
Libraries, distance learners and social software: providing social spaces to support learning: In this presentation, you’ll get a look at how your library can support distance learners with new technology.
Nine Best Practices on Learning 2.0: Follow this guide for excellence in Learning 2.0.
Hopping into Library 2.0: Experiencing Lifelong Learning: Find out how your staff can take learning to the next level with Web 2.0.
Learning in a Virtual World: This librarian takes a look at learning through Second Life.
Libraries as a social space: enhancing the experience of distance learners using social software: Check out this presentation to see how you can make social software work for distance learners.
Specific Tools
These resources highlight different pieces of Library 2.0, like YouTube and Second Life.
Introduction to Second Life: Learn how to make Second Life work for you as a virtual library using this webinar.
Web 2.0 Services: A Rich Toolbox for Information Professionals: Check out this presentation for a look at useful services for Library 2.0.
Look What’s Coming Down the Tube: See how YouTube and other video tools can be used for the library and education.
My Friend, Flickr: This slideshow will tell you how to use Flickr to create useful things.
The Best Web 2.0 Applications for Education: Check out this list for tools that you can put to work in your library.
iGoogle Gadgets @ Your Library: This slideshow explains how you can make an iGoogle Gadget for your library’s catalog.
Teen Second Life: Library Services in a 3D World: Visit this webinar to learn how you can make library services more fun and relevant for teens by presenting them in Second Life.
Collaboration & Distribution
In these resources, you’ll see how to put collaborative and distributive tools to work in your library.
Wiki: The Ultimate Tool for Online Collaboration: See how libraries are using wikis as an online collaboration tool, and consider their use in your own library.
Using Wikis to Support Online Collaboration: Find out how you can encourage collaboration with this handout.
Inviting Participation in Web 2.0: See how you can get library users to give you feedback and involvement in Web 2.0 tools.
Free your content! RSS for Libraries: Learn how RSS feeds can be implemented for both library users and professionals.
Take Me to Your Feeder: In this presentation, you’ll see how to use RSS in the library.
RSS Feeds and Libraries: Find out how you can use RSS in the library with this webinar.
Is there a place for P2P?: Check out this post to learn how you can use peer to peer technology in your library.
Pecha Kucha 2.0 Podcasting Edition: Find out more about how to use podcasting in your library from this presentation.
10 Ways Libraries Can Use RSS: This quick guide offers 10 different ways the modern library can take advantage of RSS.
Podcasting and Videocasting Bootcamp: Learn all about distributing via podcast and videocast with this video guide.
Improving Appeal & Service
Here you’ll learn how to use Library 2.0 to become more appealing to patrons, as well as improve your quality of service.
Guide to Roving: An Essential Service for Library 2.0: Check out this webinar to learn how you can reach out to "hidden customers" who don’t approach the reference desk.
Learning from Corporate America: Lori Reed discusses a new way to connect with library users-and how she got the idea.
Assessment for the 2.0 Library: Understand how you can use Web 2.0 tools to get feedback from library users in this webinar.
What is real library work anyway?: This librarian offers a guide to "real work" in the library at it relates to tools made available through Library 2.0.
It’s All About the User: Visit this slideshow to learn how Library 2.0 can help you focus on your library’s users.
Fun With our Meebo Widget and the Library Catalog: This librarian has come up with a genius plan to automatically connect unsuccessful searches through the library catalog to someone who can help over IM.
Engaging Youth on their Own Terms: Instant Messaging and Gaming in Libraries: Visit this webinar to see how you can make young library users more interested in learning with technologies like instant messaging and gaming.
What Would Madison Avenue Do? Marketing to Teens: In this article, you’ll see how Library 2.0 can attract teens to your library.
Giving Kids Choice, Power & Fun: One library discusses how Webkinz were used to appeal to kids.
Gaming & Libraries Update: Broadening the Intersections: See how library gaming programs have found success, and consider how you can do the same.
From Avatars to Advocacy: Use this slideshow’s recommendations for "un-marketing" to appeal to library users.
What Does it Take to be Good at Reference in the Age of Google?: Read David Lee King’s notes on a presentation given to encourage librarians to improve their reference facilities with web 2.0.
Marketing to bloggers: This post explains how you can make the information you share more appealing to bloggers.
Staff
Library 2.0 isn’t just for visitors. As you’ll see here, it’s great for library staff as well.
Using Web 2.0 to Increase Effectiveness of Staff Training and Communication: By using Web 2.0 tools, your library staff can be more connected than ever.
Dump the Org. Chart: Get ‘Er Done!: Management for a 2.0 Library: Find out how these librarians are organizing in a Web 2.0 world.
Using Web 2.0 to Increase Effectiveness of Staff Training: See how 2.0 technologies can make your library more efficient and effective.
Working from afar: a new trend for librarianship: In this guide, you’ll see how it’s possible for librarians to work without visiting the library.
Social Software for Library People: Check out this slideshow to see how library staff can embrace social software.
General
Learn even more great information about Library 2.0 through these resources.
Ready, Set, Digitize! Workshop Series: In this workshop, you’ll learn all about digital collections and issues that surround them, like property rights, preservation, and metadata.
Beyond the Hype, mainstreaming library 2.0: This presentation focuses on how libraries can bring 2.0 to the forefront.
Online Cool on a Budget: This guide will show you how to make your library’s website more 2.0 without breaking the bank.
The Central Problem of Library 2.0: Privacy: Learn how you can tackle the problem of privacy loss in your library.
How Do We Find the Time?: This presentation tackles the problem of not having enough time to develop Library 2.0.
Library Makeover: Retooling & Re-engineering of Library Services: This presentation shares lots of advice for making the switch to Library 2.0.
Reality of Web 2.0 In this presentation, you’ll see how Web 2.0 is both good and bad for libraries.

School Library 2.0

This is a good article for those who is interested in Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and School Library
School Library 2.0 - 5/1/2006 - School Library Journal