Showing posts with label NASA. Show all posts

Next Generation Information Discovery

Information "discovery" for engineers and scientists at NASA is generally:
  • serendipitous
  • random
  • self led
  • limited to known sources (insular)
  • last minute
  • satisficing

Our goal is to provide specific, customized information solutions that provide content they didn't know they needed and can't live without.

Custom Research Modules:

  • using existing RSS technology to its fullest extent
    • Embeded
    • Real-time and automated
  • free
  • low maintenance


Custom Database Search Module

(e.g. Engineering Village2) + Springwidgets.
  • Pros:
    • robust, professionally constructed searches
    • embeded
    • real-time automated delivery
    • branding
  • Cons: limited to databases that provide custom rss feeds.

Custom Federated Search

with Delicious + deliSearch + Widgetbox
  • Pros:
    • "cheap" federated searching
    • embeded
    • customized to topic
  • Cons: still requires search strategy to be formulated by the researcher
Example:  The below widget displays librarian-chosen resources relating to microgravity and (in a separate tab) articles from Engineering Village related to microgravity (viewable inside the NASA domain only).

Combined Custom Module

with Yahoo!Pipes
  • Pros:
    • professionally constructed sources and search
    • highly configurable
    • embeded
    • real-time automated delivery
  • Cons:
    • Pipes requires a large learning curve
    • branding?
Example:  The below example uses Pipes to search IEEE Xplore database for Space Applications in Nanotubes and removes the IEEE Xplore title from each prior to posting so that users see the most relevant information.  See the Pipe here.

    Nanotubes in Space Applications



    This outline represents a presentation I gave at the 2008 IEEE Library Advisory Council's annual meeting in New York City.
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    Professional Leadership

    At NASA I serve as a member of the NASA Information Services Alliance for which I just finished a two year appointment as Chair.  During my tenure we launched the NASA Digital Library (nasa only) and NASA Ask-a-Librarian (nasa only) virtual reference service including an implementation of Google for internal NASA search.
    I am also a member of the NASA Agency-wide Knowledge Management Working Group and an author at the OpenNASA blog.

    I have been a member of the Special Library Association (SLA) since 2001. In this group I was appointed to the Professional Development Committee where we conduct member surveys regarding continuing education and professional development and recommend courses for the organization to offer the membership. I am also a member of thePhysics Astronomy and Mathematics Division (PAM) where I maintain their physics resources webpage.
    I am also a member of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST) and the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM).
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    Publications and Writing Samples

    Publications:

    Sample Book Review:
    Adaptive Array Systems: Fundamentals and applications

    Review by: Paige C. Lucas-Stannard, Librarian NASA Glenn Research Center


    Conventional signal array systems provided an advantage over single sensor recievers by compensating for beam width limitations and directivity issues. Signal arrays are used in radar, sonar, seismic, biomedical and communications systems. However, these signal array systems are susceptible to their own range of problems presented by unstable array environments. Using statistical detection and estimation theory to automatically respond to a changing array environment is the lure of adaptive array systems discussed in Adaptive Array Systems: Fundamentals and applications.

    Authors Ben Allen and Mohammed Ghavami of the Center for Telecommunications Research at King's College in London present this look at array signal processing and its applications. Ghavami has previously written Ultra Wideband Signals and Systems in Communication Engineering and both authors are involved in smart antenna technologies for wireless communications.

    The first four chapters provide a thorough background into antenna array systems and array signal processing. Chapter one includes detailed mathematical concepts in electrodynamics and terminology of antenna technology. This chapter is detailed enough for a undergraduate-level newcomer to antenna technology given a background in engineering mathematics. Chapters 2-4 build upon this foundation to address issues in Narrowband Array Systems (chapter 2), Wideband Array Processing (chapter 3), and Adaptive Arrays (chapter 4). These four chapters provide a thorough study of the principles and algorithms of the topic appropriate for senior-level undergraduate, graduate students or as a reference for the researcher/practicioner.

    The fifth chapter takes the science detailed in chapters 1-4 and applies them to a more real-world scenario of a mobile communications system where operating environments and components are inconsistent and introduce their own imperfections. With sections on signal processing constraints, system calibration challenges, and spatial propagation parameters this chapter provides techniques to overcome common challenges in antenna array implementation and will be valuable to students and practicing systems designers.

    The final chapter discusses applications of adaptive array technology in biomedical, radar, sonar, and terrestrial and space communications systems through a series of case studies.

    Each chapter ends with a set of questions and problems including both mathematical and conceptual questions. The book includes a variety of black and white charts and graphs throughout the text to demonstrate concepts. Mathematical equations and derivations are also heavily featured. A detailed table of contents and index as well as a reference section adds to the usability of the book. These features greatly enhance the text and make the topic more accessible.

    There are many books available dealing with antenna technology and specifically adaptive arrays. For example, Adaptive Antenna Arrays: Trends and Applicaitons (Springer, 2004) and Introduction to Adaptive Arrays (SciTech Publishing, 2003) both provide an introduction to the topic. Other books cover specific applications of the technology such as, Adaptive Array Measurements in Communications (Artech House Publishers, 2001) and Advanced Array Systems, Applications and RF Technologies: Signal Processing and its Applications (Academic Press, 2000). Allen and Ghavami's book is unique in its inclusion of both an academic look at the fundamentals of adaptive antenna technology paired with practical applications and relevant case studies that cross different fields of applications. This makes the book valuable to a wider audience.

    This book is recommended for libraries serving undergraduate and graduate students as well as research libraries and libraries serving engineering professionals working in communications, radar, sonar, and biomedical fields.
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    Work Experience

    Technical Information Specialist
    NASA Glenn Research Center Science and Engineering Library, Cleveland, OH - 2004 - present

    • At NASA I serve as a member of the NASA Information Services Alliance (NISA) for which I just finished a two year appointment as Chair.  During my tenure we launched the NASA Digital Library (nasa only) and NASA Ask-a-Librarian (nasa only) virtual reference service including an implementation of Google for internal NASA search.
    • I am also a member of the NASA Agency-wide Knowledge Management Working Group and an author at the OpenNASA blog.
    • I was chosen to represent Glenn Research Center at the Next Generation Exploration Conference in 2006 and was Lead Editor on the Mars Settlement and Society Working Group Proceedings.
    • As a contract representative I oversee of Library operations and budget.
    • I provide digital content design including webpages and web applications for information dissemination.  I also run the library blog Surf the Web Smarter Blog.
    • I am in charge of development and delivery of bibliographic instruction for Center researchers and staff.  I have taught classes, such as Surf the Web Smarter and write an enewsletter of the same name that offers tips for maximizing online search success while reducing search time.
    • Print and electronic Collection Development aimed to serve current research goals and anticipate emerging science trends.

    InterLibrary Loan Lending Coordinator
    Kent State University Libraries, Kent, OH - 2003-2004

    • Conducted usability study for Library website redesign team including user analysis and focus group sessions.
    • Supervised student employees and work flow.
    • Provided reference service and training to undergraduates, graduates, and faculty.
    • Created and maintained database of incoming books for Reference and User Services Quarterly reviews editor.


    Library Associate
    Stow Munroe Falls Public Library, Stow, OH - 2003

    • Won grant monies for recycling and litter prevention education.
    • Collection Development in science, specifically hands-on manipulatives.
    • Developed and implemented interactive science center curricula and programs.

    Circulation Supervisor
    Eckerd College Library, St. Petersburg, FL - 2002

    • Supervised and trained circulation staff of 22.
    • Designed training program for library employees including an interactive online tutorial, and employee manual.
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