Sonnet 71, Holy Sonnet and To His Coy Mistress Essay Example

Sonnet 71, Holy Sonnet and To His Coy Mistress Essay The three poems I have been studing are Holy Sonnet written by John Donre, Sonnet 71, which is written by William Shakespeare, and To His Coy Mistress, which is written by Andrew Marvel. These poems contain major themes dealing with love, death, and sex. These poems are very different from one another. John Donre who is the author of Holy Sonnet talks about a young priest who is challenging death and has no worrys because he doesnt fear anything not even life itself. The priest is calling death on as he says Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for, thou art not so; John Donre is making the priest sound as If he has lost it. John Donre ends the passage with this quote. One short sleep past, we wake eternally, and Death, thou shalt die. The holy sonnet is much different from the sonnet 71. We will write a custom essay sample on Sonnet 71, Holy Sonnet and To His Coy Mistress specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sonnet 71, Holy Sonnet and To His Coy Mistress specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sonnet 71, Holy Sonnet and To His Coy Mistress specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Sonnet 71 is written by William Shakespeare, this poem is about Shakespeare who tells his lover, no longer mourn for me when I am dead. Shakespeare is basically saying that he loves her and would like her to forget him, as memories will only make her sad. Nay, if you read this line, remember not The hand that writ it; for I love you so, that I in your sweet thoughts be forgot If thinking on me then should make you woe. This play is about two lovers Shakespeare is dying and is writing this poem for his lover because he feels the best way is to be forgotten. This poem is interesting because some people think memories are the best way to remember people. The poem To His Coy Mistress is written by Andrew marvel is about Andrew marvel using love, sex, and death to get his lover to sleep with him. This poem was written in the nineteenth century and language is a bit difficult to understand but the modern reader has a good idea what Andrew is writing about. Throughout the poem he is enforcing the essence. He is persuading her to sleep with him by using death as an excuse. My echoing song; then worms shall try that long preserved virginity; And quaint honour turn to dust; And into ashes all my lust. Andrew Marvel ends the play by saying Thus, though we cannot make our sun Stand still, yet we will make him run. This means she cant expect to have kids unless they have sex, which is very convincing if she would like to have kids. The three poems are difficult as the language is challenging to the modern reader, however the topic of these poems are made for all readers. Marvels poem is To His Coy Mistress is very persuasive as it is very effective. His use of love and death is used to make his mistress steal the moment. His poem would have probably worked on any one. John Donre is an excellent poem for anyone who doesnt fear death this poem is the holy Sonnet. William Shakespeare Sonnet 71 is the perfect poem for some one in their deathbed to give to their lover. These are the three poems we have been studing.

4 Examples of Recommendation Letters You DONT Want From Counselors

4 Examples of Recommendation Letters You DON'T Want From Counselors SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Since school counselors support students through all four years of high school, they can write some of the best, most personal letters of recommendations. At the same time, they have the added challenge of writing lots, often hundreds, of letters for all the college-bound students on their caseload. While almost all counselor references will comment positively on a student, there can still be bad ones that don't offer a whole lot to a student's college application. Let's look at examples that demonstrate the four most common reasons a recommendation letter is bad: it's impersonal and generic, it's repetitive, it gives no specific examples, or it expresses serious reservations about a student. Bad Recommendation #1: The Generic Letter A generic recommendation letter is probably the most common problem for counselors with large caseloads of students. The following example illustrates animpersonal recommendation letter. Dear Admissions Committee, I'm writing to recommend June for admission to your undergraduate program. I've been her school counselor for the past four years. She is a strong honors student and always does well in her classes. I've heard nothing but good things about June from her teachers. June is a responsible and involved student. She's active in a number of clubs at the school and has contributed positively to our school community. June challenges herself in her classes and gets along well with her peers. She's a motivated, reliable, and driven student who applies herself to all her endeavors. June has earned a 3.71 GPA. Her dedication to her academics has impressed all of us at the high school, and I'm confident that she will continue to demonstrate the same commitment at college. June balances her time well among her many responsibilities and is curious about a diverse range of subjects. I look forward to seeing her continue to explore her interests and delve deeply into her passions. In closing, I highly recommend June for admission to your college. She's intelligent, active, and curious. For any further information, please contact me atgeneralinfo@gmail.com. Sincerely, Ms. Smith So what exactly makes this letter come off asgeneric, and why is that so bad for a rec letter? The Break Down This letter doesn't really say anything unique about June. In fact, if you just plugged in a different name, checked your pronouns, and adjusted the GPA, it could be a generic letter aboutany number of students. Admissions officers can tell pretty easily if a rec letter seems like a form letter with only the student's name and a few personalizing details plugged in. While a letter like this technically fulfills the recommendation requirement, it doesn't fulfill its role in the application, which is toreveal something insightful and personalabout the student and differentiate her from other applicants. This letter uses boring, tired language and doesn't go beyond cliches. June is "responsible, involved, and active," but so might be all the other competing applicants.What makes her unique?What specific examples can her counselor give to impart a meaningful assessment of June's academic and personal strengths? Finally, this letter does little to hone in on specific interests of June's. While it's not uncommon for students to go into college undecided, it's still important to talk about their particularinterests and goals.June is "curious about a diverse range of subjects," but what moves her? What has she exceled in or pursued? What does she enjoy doing? Since this letter lacks impactful language, specific examples, and insightful personal details, itstays on the surfaceand reads like a generic form letter. This kind of letter won't stand out to admissions officers, and it doesn't suggest that June and her counselor had a familiar relationship. Admissions officers may not pay much attention to this letter, which is a serious drawback compared to another student's application with a glowing counselor rec. Another type of bad recommendation letter that comes off as impersonal is one that predominantlyreports facts and figures.While it may use more positive language, like in the following example, it still comes off as distant and unsupported by anything beyond the student's resume. Bad Recommendation #2:The Resume-Repeating Letter This next example may be complimentary, but notice how it mostly justturns the bulletpoints on the student's resume into full sentences.This type of letter could be written by anyone with a copy of Ben's academic and extracurricular record. Dear Admissions Committee, It's my pleasure to recommend Ben for admission to your undergraduate program. I've gotten to know Ben over the past four years as his school counselor. Having earned a 3.8 GPA, he has risen to the top 20% of his class. His excellence in academics and involvement in a number of clubs and sports has made him an asset to our school community. As a member of the National Honors Society, Ben has achieved strong grades throughout high school in a range of classes, including AP classes in World History, Chemistry, and French. As part of his community service, Ben helps other students improve their grades and study skills with one on one tutoring after school in the library. While Ben's a strong, hard-working student, he also achieves outside of the classroom. Ben has played on the soccer team since freshman year, earning the title of Most Valuable Player in th grade. While practice and games keep him busy, he is also active in French Club. A self-described francophile, Ben has won the French language award two years in a row and practiced his language skills on the class trip to France in 2013. After returning from the trip, he presented photographs at a show at the local library and won 2nd place for Best Landscape. All this while working part-time as a cashier at a local bookstore sophomore and junior year. Ben impresses everyone he knows with his accomplishments. I'm confident that he will continue to excel in college. He has my strong recommendation. For any further information, please feel free to contact me atjustthefacts@gmail.com. Sincerely, Mr. Sencillo Overall, I would say this letter leaves a better impression than the first one. At least it can't be applied to almost any other student. But it still falls short on a number of fronts. Let's break down exactly how this letter misses the mark. The Break Down This letter leaves a better impression than the initial generic one, but it doesn't go beyond what Bendoesto reveal who Benis.Admissions officers want to get a deeper glimpse into thecharacterof each applicant. They already know what a student does based on his application. They're hoping the recommendation will illuminate why he's made the choices that he has. A recommender could shed light on this by discussing a student'svalues, motivations, goals, and strengths. In this letter, Ben seems to have a special affinity for French culture and language. He also enjoys photography. Tomake the letter more personal,the counselor could talk about how Ben became a "francophile" and what this may mean for his future study and profession. Does he consider himself an artist? Does he love landscape photography as a way to express his admiration of the great outdoors? Ben sounds like an interesting, dynamic individual, but this letterleaves the reader wanting more.It should fill in the blanks and give a more holistic vision of Ben as a student and person. Someone reading this letter should have a much clearer sense of who Ben is, even without meeting him in person. One easy way to see that a letter probably has too much data and not enough real, deep assessment is by looking for numbers. Ben's relatively short letter includes a lot of numbers: 3.8 GPA, top 20%, th grade, 2013, 2nd place, for instance. These come off as data points. While they're accurate, theyconvey technical informationrather than meaningful examples of Ben's character. To truly communicate a holistic assessment of an applicant, a letter shouldgo beyond the facts.This next example actually has the opposite problem. It describes the candidate with glowing adjectives, but offers little to no evidence to back up its complimentary assessment. This writer seems to want admissions officers to just take her word for it. We're going to need to see some examples of your work. Bad Recommendation #3:The "Just Take My Word for It" Letter This letter uses more specific, powerful language than the first two to endorse the student. However, itgives few examplesto illustrate its points. Just as students need to dig below the surface in their personal essays, recommenders should give meaningful examples in their letters. This letter merely describes, when it also needs to demonstrate. Dear Admissions Committee, It is my pleasure to recommend Gina for admission to your college. As her school counselor for the past four years, I've watched Gina grow into a mature, compassionate, and dynamic young woman. I'm happy to give her my highest recommendation for this exciting next chapter in her life. Gina is an intelligent and hard-working student who has impressed her teachers with her curiosity and dedication. She's especially interested in literature and poetry and contributes her writing to the school literary magazine. Gina is interested in majoring in English next year and continuing to hone her craft. In addition to being a motivated student, Gina gets along well with others and is a caring friend. She has a kind nature and genuinely cares for those around her. She never has a bad word to say about anyone and is the first to lend a helping hand in a tough situation. Gina's open-minded, amiable personality makes her an asset to classroom discussions. She works and gets along well with others and has impressive interpersonal and social skills. In closing, Gina is a caring, motivated student and friend, and she has my highest recommendation. I'm confident that she will be a great success in her college community. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Ms. Honey Ms. Honey seems to think very highly of Gina. Unfortunately, her letter might not go too far in boosting Gina's chances of admission. Let's go over why it's not so effective. The Break Down This letter represents the flip side of the "resume-repeating letter" in that it'sall assessment and few facts or examples.The writer calls Gina caring, compassionate, mature, curious, and open-minded, but she gives few examples to support her characterization. The only concrete piece of information that the writer gives is that Gina likes literature and writes for the school literary magazine. The writer should provide specific stories about Gina thatillustrateher compassion, maturity, or curiosity. When was she "the first to lend a helping hand"? What does she write about for the magazine? How has she shown her counselor her impressive interpersonal skills? This letter would be a lot more memorable, not to mention believable, if it described circumstances or observations in which Ginademonstrated these personal qualities.Without them, it loses impact and meaning and pales in comparison to more specific, supported recommendation letters. Finally, this last example suggests that the counselor had a lot of reservations about recommending her student. While recommenders should present a balanced assessment, focusing on the reservations without presenting sufficient strengths wouldn't be helpful for a student's application. Bad Recommendation #4:Recommended, with Reservations Admissions officers have a lot of experience reading hundreds or thousands of recommendation letters. They can read between the lines and pick up on subtleties. If a counselor usesa lot of loaded phrases that express hesitationabout a student, without balancing them out with a student's strengths, then the letter could come off as negative overall, like in the following example: Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to recommend Charlie for admission to your college. As his school counselor for the past four years, I've watched Charlie come a long way after a rocky freshman year. I'm confident in his potential to apply himself at college and to continue to grow as a student. Charlie is motivated to continue his education next year. He's especially interested in the sciences and is considering majoring in Biology. His th grade biology teacher noted Charlie's effort and improvement over the year. Charlie is drawn to cellular biology and has expressed interest in working in a research lab. Charlie played drums in the school band in junior year. He enjoyed performing at school concerts. This year he's recommitted himself to focusing on his academics and sharpening his study skills to prepare for the demands of college. I'm impressed with Charlie's hard work and am confident that he will continue to grow and mature in the years to come. I recommend Charlie for admission to your program. He's a hard-working student with a tremendous amount of potential. Please be in touch with any questions. Sincerely, Ms. Collins It's not necessarily a bad thing to speak to a student's potential and room to grow in a recommendation letter, but where does this example fall short? The Break Down This letter focuses almost entirely on Charlie's growth in the future, without saying very much about what he's done so far. It does suggest growth and progress on his part, but theoverall emphasisis on how much further Charlie still has to improve. Ms. Collins talks about his potential so many times without presenting much that's positive about hiscurrent strengths.Even if he has struggled academically, she could talk about his personal qualities, character, relationships with others, or involvement at the school. Because she seems like she's grasping for things to say about Charlie, this letter barely fulfills its role as arecommendation. Instead, it comes off more like a word of caution. These four examples illustrate the most common reasons why a counselor letter of recommendation could miss the mark. Besides being generic, data driven, unspecific, or full of reservations, what other features can weaken letters of recommendation for college? What Else Makes a Recommendation Letter Bad? Some other features that would drag down a recommendation letter include, It's too short.Letters should be a full page. Any shorter than this wouldn't convey enough information, and it would suggest that the recommender wasn't motivated to put much time or thought into it. It's not proofread.Errors of grammar or spelling give that same impression of carelessness and lack of investment in helping the student. It's not customized to the college or program.Actually, a lot of teachers and counselors upload the same letter to the Common Application for students to send to all their colleges. However, if a student is set on a particular program or an especially selective college, like Harvard, then the recommendation letter could be strengthened by speaking specifically to the student's fit with that program or school. Some of these issues are easy to avoid. Proofread your letters to make sure there are no grammatical errors or inaccuracies. Brainstorm before writing to make sure you have enough material to provide a full portrait of the student. Rather than listing every accomplishment a student has ever made, a stronger letterhighlights a few key interests and goalsof the student's. That way it's focused and specific. Students should share detailed "brag sheets" and talk to their counselors to make sure their counselors have all the information. They shouldshare what would go into their ideal letter, like if they want their counselor to highlight their passion for community service, poetry, or engineering. As long as both counselors and students take the time toplan,reflect, and communicate, then bad letters like the ones above can be avoided. Instead, students will get memorable, outstanding, and insightful letters of recommendation for their college applications. What's Next? Are you working with students as a school counselor or college counselor?This in depth guide goes over the steps counselors should take to produce a high quality, outstanding letter of recommendation. Do teacher recs differ from counselor recs at all?Read about what teachers should include in their reference letters for their students. Now that you've read all these examples of bad letters, take time toread the good ones.Here are examples of strong recommendation letters written by counselors and teachers (coming soon). Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

How Your Body Language Can Get You (Or Lose You) That Job

How Your Body Language Can Get You (Or Lose You) That Job Body language is important- it’s really no exaggeration to say that it can make or break you in the job interview situation. Your nonverbal communication in these situations is almost as important as what you say. Study up and learn these tips for how (and how not)Â  to use your body language to help, rather than hurt you on the job hunt.Body Language Don’tsAvoid Eye ContactKeep consistent, but non-creepy, eye contact with whomever you are speaking with. Avoid the temptation to look over their outfits, or to scan the offices behind them, or the photos on their desk. Focus on the conversation. Save the rest of the sneak peeks for later.SlouchSit up straight in your best power pose to avoid looking as defeated or deflated or exhausted as you feel. If you’re feeling perky and upbeat, you should definitely not need to slouch in the first place! Just be careful what your body is doing.Zone OutEveryone spaces out from time to time. But doing so while someone else is t alking is extremely unprofessional and rude. Your spacing out might even include bodily cues you wouldn’t notice yourself doing- like twiddling your foot or slumping or having your eyes glaze over. Pay active attention and you’ll be fine.Lean AwayThis makes whomever you’re talking to assume you aren’t listening or aren’t really interested.Blink Too Much/Too LittleYou really can’t win with blinking. Try to find a happy and natural medium. Blink not too much, but not never!Cross Your Arms/LegsThis might make you feel more comfortable or at ease, but it can also make you look closed off to whatever the person you are talking to is saying/offering/talking about. Keep your body language open.Body Language DosSit RightDon’t slouch, but be careful also not to stand or sit up too straight, lest you seem rigid. Try to find a natural posture that works for you and doesn’t tip too far into either extreme.Lean InLeaning slightly towards yo ur interviewer can be a way of proving your engagement with the conversation and the ideas being presented. It makes you look eager, so don’t lean in too far or you might come across as desperate.Fold Your HandsNo idea what to do with your hands? Try keeping them folded in your lap, rather than crossing them. This also keeps you from fidgeting. Don’t forget to use them to gesture now and then when you’re speaking though. Not moving your arms at all can make you look robotic and weird.Nod PeriodicallyDon’t just sit and stare without moving when your interviewer is speaking. Try nodding along with what they’re saying- again, not too much, or you’ll look like a bobble head.Make a Strong ExitHow you exit the interview is just as critical as how you showed up. Stand up, gather your things, give a killer handshake, make solid eye contact and explain what a pleasure it was speaking with them and reiterate how keen you are to speak further about the opportunity. Then stride out like you own the place!

How do international organisations shape relations among states today Essay

How do international organisations shape relations among states today - Essay Example These are just a few of the many regional arrangements currently proliferating across the globe. Accordingly, international organisations are increasing with global interdependence and this essay seeks to explain the effects of international agreements on states and decision-makers around the world. Through an exploration of states responses to key international organisations and their agreements, this essay will discuss state sovereignty in an increasingly interdependent global world and international agreements in practice through regional organisations such as the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Are international agreements a positive or negative force? How do they shape relations among states today? These questions will be answered as this essay concludes with a summation of the work studied. We now turn to an analysis of the question of state sovereignty in the 21st century. State sovereignty is a basic principle of the current international order and notions of sovereignty are intrinsic to the global system of international affairs. Despite the fact that ideas about state sovereignty shape the international system and are basic premises of the functions of global governance, this important concept is under threat from a variety of forces. Seeking to address the concept of state sovereignty in the twenty-first century, this essay will explore the abrogation of sovereignty as a direct result of globalisation and the increased salience of unilateral action by the dominant power in the international system. Firmly entrenched as a guiding principle in international affairs, basic concepts of state sovereignty are responsible for the current structure of the international order. How has sovereignty, a guiding principle of the international order been challenged in recent times? Do international agreements help or hinder

The importance of recycling water to prevent polution Essay

The importance of recycling water to prevent polution - Essay Example er areas within the environment (Onsola, Para 3). Water has a wide range of importance, and that is advocated to recycle it in order prevent pollution. Recycling of water is a significant gesture in the present world and for the coming future generations. Water recycling provides a wide range of environmental benefits that are imperative for living. Measures of water recycling facilitate decrease on the extraction from available sources, which supports of habitats. In circumstances where water sources have been endangered through over extraction such as in forests many animal lives have been put into high risk. This proves the importance of water in the environment and also the side effects that have the capability to arise once issues have not been fixed (Onsola, Para 5). Recycling of waste water has been proved to be effective in decreasing the rate of discharge of effluents, which have a high capability of polluting the ecosystems of sensitive and imperative bodies of water. These measures have continued to score high especially in circumstances whereby various forms of life depend exclusively on water for consumption. Recycling of water has also a wide range of f8importance in terms of creating totally new wetlands and in at the same time facilitating quality of life to the existing creatures. Recycling of water has also proved to aid in cushioning of the deteriorating global warming. This is an essential approach since global warming is a serious phenomenon that affects all living forms in a large negative manner (Putatunda, Para 5). Preventing of water pollution is everyone’s responsibility, and it is under this scenario that many organizations have been taking corporate social responsibility activities of minimizing water pollution. This has a close connection with the wide range of importance’s that have been attached to water. However, every living creature cannot do without consumption of water, and this tends to explain the importance of this

Myth is used more in short stories that have been passed Essay Example for Free

Myth is used more in short stories that have been passed Essay In this paper I have answered the questions in short answers. I go over what a myth is and how they have been passed on through different generations. How different cultures believe in different thing but in a way they kind of believe in the same thing just a different way. I also go over what the difference is that is between belief, knowledge, mythology and religion. Myth is used more in short stories that have been passed on through different generations, half the time the stories are not even true or not completely true. However when the story is being told it is made out to be true and people go on to believe the story really did happen. A myth can also be a story that someone is telling you that do not seem to be true but in the end it is true. My definition of a myth is a story that has been passed on through different generations that may or may not have happen and no one will ever know the truth behind the stories. In the world there are many different cultures, and no every culture has the same beliefs. Each culture believes in different Gods, but they all seem to believe that there is a God. For an example many people believe to this day that God has created us humans while others seem to believe that humans were created over time by evolution, turning from animals into humans. The relationship that is between belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion is they all have the foundations of both beliefs and knowledge. People tend to use belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion to know the differences between good and evil and right from wrong. â€Å"Mythology diverges from religion when a myth deviates from its immediate significance and is changed from the sacred importance into a legend or folktale† (Religion and mythology, 2011). References Landry, P. (2011). Charles Darwin. Retrieved from http://www.blupete.com/Literature/Biographies/Science/Darwin.htm Leonard, S., McClure, M. (2004). Myth and knowing: An introduction to world mythology. (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Mythology in contemporary culture. (2011). Retrieved from http://pcaaca.org/areas/mythology.php The white hat guide to myths and legends in Australia, (2010), retrieved from http://www.whitehat.com.au/australia/History/Myths.asp

Agricultural :: essays research papers

AGRICULTURE THE WORLD LEADER IN AGRICULTURE IS THE U.S. Since the agricultural transformation began in the United States, the United States only seemed to improve agriculturally. The Western Hemisphere was the first to progress towards this transformation, displaying the United States as a leader in agriculture. As stated by Dan Hillel in The Agricultural Transformation, â€Å"The Agricultural Transformation is very likely the most momentous turn in the progress of humankind†¦The ability to raise crops and livestock, while resulting in a greater and more secure supply of food, definitely required attachment to controllable sections of land, and hence brought about the growth of permanent settlements and of larger coordinated communities.† Thus, this transformation ensured a supply of food and ended the need to roam about for food. This development was an important change in the structure of society, also a step in building a prestigious reputation as being a leader in agriculture. It gave United States a sense of organization and strength which indeed helped in its development. â€Å"Simply put, agriculture means raising things on purpose, and the American Indians were the first farmers in the Western Hemisphere,† said by R. Douglas Hurt in the article Mesoamerican Origins. The American Indians (Mesoamericans) agriculture became more complex. They learned how to grow crops such as tomatoes, beans, and a wide variety of plants. They also learned other techniques such as clearing land and also irrigation. Because of their success, other Mesoamericans began to settle and also adopted their fellow Mesoamerican farming techniques. Agriculture became more and more popular and important that the white settlers also began to farm. Over time, as farming became more popular, the United States thrived on agriculture. It became an important issue especially to Thomas Jefferson. He was a key person in leading the agricultural development of the United States. Thomas Jefferson believed in agrarianism and thought highly of farmers. An agriculture leader should understand why agriculture is important and how to improve and also maintain a good status agriculturally. And Thomas Jefferson held all these qualities. He did what was best for the farmers as well as others in the United States. And by him being a great leader agriculturally, many others in the government kept his ideas in mind. That is what made this country strong, we develop from our past and in effect our country has grown stronger. For example, In 1970- a farmer could provide enough for 2 people In 1935- a farmer could provide enough for 10 people In 1992- a farmer could provide enough for 127 people In 1998- a farmer could provide enough for over 130 people This shows a growth in efficiency. Agricultural :: essays research papers AGRICULTURE THE WORLD LEADER IN AGRICULTURE IS THE U.S. Since the agricultural transformation began in the United States, the United States only seemed to improve agriculturally. The Western Hemisphere was the first to progress towards this transformation, displaying the United States as a leader in agriculture. As stated by Dan Hillel in The Agricultural Transformation, â€Å"The Agricultural Transformation is very likely the most momentous turn in the progress of humankind†¦The ability to raise crops and livestock, while resulting in a greater and more secure supply of food, definitely required attachment to controllable sections of land, and hence brought about the growth of permanent settlements and of larger coordinated communities.† Thus, this transformation ensured a supply of food and ended the need to roam about for food. This development was an important change in the structure of society, also a step in building a prestigious reputation as being a leader in agriculture. It gave United States a sense of organization and strength which indeed helped in its development. â€Å"Simply put, agriculture means raising things on purpose, and the American Indians were the first farmers in the Western Hemisphere,† said by R. Douglas Hurt in the article Mesoamerican Origins. The American Indians (Mesoamericans) agriculture became more complex. They learned how to grow crops such as tomatoes, beans, and a wide variety of plants. They also learned other techniques such as clearing land and also irrigation. Because of their success, other Mesoamericans began to settle and also adopted their fellow Mesoamerican farming techniques. Agriculture became more and more popular and important that the white settlers also began to farm. Over time, as farming became more popular, the United States thrived on agriculture. It became an important issue especially to Thomas Jefferson. He was a key person in leading the agricultural development of the United States. Thomas Jefferson believed in agrarianism and thought highly of farmers. An agriculture leader should understand why agriculture is important and how to improve and also maintain a good status agriculturally. And Thomas Jefferson held all these qualities. He did what was best for the farmers as well as others in the United States. And by him being a great leader agriculturally, many others in the government kept his ideas in mind. That is what made this country strong, we develop from our past and in effect our country has grown stronger. For example, In 1970- a farmer could provide enough for 2 people In 1935- a farmer could provide enough for 10 people In 1992- a farmer could provide enough for 127 people In 1998- a farmer could provide enough for over 130 people This shows a growth in efficiency.

A Thousand Reasons to Smile Essay

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. Whether it is through pain or laughter, life has an interesting way of teaching people lessons of strength and growth. When life throws a difficult task in our paths, we all have the opportunity to grow and become better individuals. Through pain and sorrow I have learned to look at life with a new perspective. My life changed that dreadful day when I was faced with the shock and undeniable truth of my little brother’s death. It was the hot month of June, 2006. The days were getting hotter and hotter and every day the news reported the lack of rain and record high temperatures. I woke up that morning with an overwhelming feeling of joy from a dream that I had of being with God. I had a conversation with him, and all I remember was him telling me how great of a person I was and how much he loved me. That feeling of joy was suddenly interrupted by a phone call from my mom. It felt like my heart stopped beating even before the first words came out of her mouth, â€Å"Your brother was in a car accident last night and is in serious condition†, she said, her voice shaky. She couldn’t hold back the tears. My world stopped and a black cloud covered my sky. I can still remember the pain that I felt that day. The fear of losing my only brother immediately took over me, and hearing my mom’s weeping voice on the other end of the phone broke my heart that much more. The dawn broke and so did our hearts, as the news came of my brother’s passing. He was gone. Gone with the blink of an eye. I became angry at the world and especially at my little brother, who had made an unwise decision that night to go out drinking and driving. For months I went through a period of depression, denying myself of life, just as life had denied my brother of the rest of his. There is an appointment in every disappointment in our lives. This phrase was one of the main encouragements of my life at that time; and explains the overwhelming feeling of happiness that life is offering me right now. Seven years has gone by since my brother passed away, and ironically on the day that he would turn twenty seven years old, I decided to get my hair cut, which was getting uncomfortably long for my taste. I sat straight up in the seat and nervously waited for the woman to start buzzing away at my cut, I was nervous because my wife was at home, about to take the test to determine our future, perhaps forever. If it’s negative, she’ll just text me. If its positive. . . with that, my cell phone started vibrating violently in my jeans pocket. Startled, I answered it. â€Å"Hello?† I asked, even though I knew it was my wife. â€Å"We are pregnant!† she screamed excitedly. Needless to say, I ran out of that Super Cuts, all of a sudden not caring w hether my cut was long or short. I am going to be a father. No, I am going to be a daddy. The emotions are indescribable as I imagine my future son kicking a soccer ball towards me, or my future daughter insisting we have a tea party. The joy is overwhelming when I think of how the love my wife and I share will soon be multiplied the day our baby arrives. We spend countless moments discussing what we think our child will look like, and then we laugh the discussions away by saying â€Å"as long as he or she is healthy†, which sounded like a clichà © to us before we were expecting, but now is a concerning reality. But not even that could overshadow the happiness that we were experiencing as the new life was growing daily. The same day we found out, I called my mom’s house. She answered the phone on the first ring. Her tired and frail voice told the story of what our family had gone through 7 years before. I cleared my throat, anxious to deliver the news. â€Å"You’re going to be a grandmother!† I exclaimed. Her voice shook with tears, tears of unmistakable joy this time around. Her excitement spilled over the phone and I was overwhelmed with tears to be able to deliver the news: the news of a new life, especially to the woman that had given life to me. It is funny to me that the same tears that stream down our faces can come from tragedy but can also come from overwhelming happiness. I have experienced both, and believe that each and every one of us will at some point in our lives. It is how we allow those experiences to shape our perspectives that will vary from person to person. Life gave me a hundred reasons to cry that fateful day in June, and that’s exactly what I did. But I allowed the grieving process to teach me to never take a day of life in this world for granted. I learned to always tell those in my life that I love them, to never hold grudges, to live in peace, to see the best in people and all circumstances, and to look at the world with an appreciative attitude. I plan to share this perspective with my baby, who is due this coming September 2013. I will always tell him or her, â€Å"You are not only a hundred, but a million reasons to smile.†

Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery

There is no such great thing to experience by any individual but to feel that he has freedom. Humankind struggle for liberty can be rooted when the world was outshined by war. These battles made possible for the more powerful forces to suppress and restrain the weak ones. One race that is known in the past that experienced great slavery and condemnation is the Africans-Americans. The history speaks for itself how these people lost their independence for a long time, thus even though the fighting was over the attitudes of being a slaves can still be reflected with their living.Cruel days had gone but it leaves a legacy of profound impact to the minds of people that they had been unknowingly past down to the succeeding generations, thus creating a chains of psychological slavery. The attitudes of a slave are still lingering in the personality of those black people even at our present times; furthermore it can be observe with their manners towards every aspect of their life such as to t heir work, personality, community, their color and their family. During the old times, work for the black Americans were a formed of punishments. They toil not for them selves but for their superiors.Forced labor is a form of slavery in that period, furthermore they have to exert immense effort in order for them to survive, with these practice they begin to hate job. They have been physically and emotionally traumatized by the whole thing, as a result they develop anger. They are still contented on being member of staff and afraid to put up on their on, thus revealing their slavery toward labor. Even though work in our present society is looked upon with pride for the reason that it becomes our bread and butter in order for us to survive, however this is not true for our black fellowmen.Being a serf to a chore, would also influence every aspect of a person. The authors identify this through connecting it with their persona and to their socialization with the population where they be long. The dilemma they’ve been through caused them to have inferiority towards them selves thus affecting their view about themselves. They lose their own confidence, neglecting their abilities, hence making them aloof to mingle with the crowd. Black Americans were isolated before in gatherings, moreover they experienced great color discrimination.Although these scenes is gone today, still the black Americans have fear to mingle with people around them, specially to the white ones. They still have fear to be humiliated because of their color and become a laughing stock by every one, thus the opportunity for friendship is lost. Another though is their attitude towards their property, during the old days, the black people were not entitled to have wealth they can have unlike the other races. They are being questioned, and sometimes what they have were taken from them for no reason at all.The social-political opportunity for them was also impossible, with these family relation w as also affected. With the hardships they have gone through they develop a great love for their family because their family is the only thing they have. The authors uncover the reality of what our fellow black American experienced. The outlooks that they have nowadays is really the residue of what they’ve been through. It leaves them an emotional shock, therefore leaving them a deep mental damage. They may not be free as what we think.â€Å"Our objectives should not be to cry stale tears for the past, nor to rekindle old hatreds for past injustices. We should seeks enlighten our path of today by better understanding where and how the lights were turned out yesterday. † (Douglass F. , Tubman H. , Crow J. , Claus S. , Blyden E. , and Lynch W. , 1996). Knowing the history is not a reason to remain in the dark, rather to make one self out to liberation. Several approaches were mentioned and can be of great help. In order for us to be free, one must know their own self.Iden tifying your strengths as well as your weaknesses is said to be the start of the emancipation process, thus recognizing these, you can devise a plan on how to improve your strong points and how to eliminate the frail one. From these steps, love for your self will rise up, as a result you will not do anything that will hurt or abuse your self in any way. Together with love, the courage and faith will follows. Confidence to fight and voice out what you think is right, and the freedom to express what is inside of your soul. The final stage is having an optimistic outlook towards life, thus believing that everything is possible to happen.Attaining positive views about one self will extend to the outside environment. Getting along with friends is now at easier; hence the door for socialization will become widely open as well as the chance to great breaks in life. The freedom from being a slave to the cruelty of life will carry out. Religion was also touch in breaking the chains of this p sychological slavery. At the end of the day, God is still the most powerful being that they can turn to. Having a deep faith to the divine power was used as an instrument to escape from captivity. However psychological confusion arises.In the midst of burdens and trouble, the only thing important to the black American was to be free. They will try and do anything that comes to their mind, furthermore they have many options to choose but the doubt of success to freedom is still there. Even God was being doubted at that time. In spite of, they still end up with a solution which is to start from their self and from then on the light of liberty can be seen. No one can put them out of the cage of slavery except their own self. The author is right that in order to be liberated from any slavery, the first step should start from the self.Believe in your capabilities, that you can be successful in any path you wish to take to. Trust, love and respect are essential to destroy the link of bein g a serf. We should not live with our past experiences, rather we should view the past as a test and from that test, there is a lesson learned that enable us to become a better individual. It is imperative for us to realize that at the final of each day, we will end up alone; therefore no one has the right to control our life but our self. Being tough and firm can make us free from the slavery of the world.

Free Essays on Polaroid Stories

â€Å"Polaroid Stories† Polaroid Stories a story about a couple of homeless kids who hang out at a old abandoned peer on the outer most edge of the city. A ‘No-mans land where runaways seek camaraderie, refuge and escape’. Relationship is shown too mythic Roman gods and the comparison to there present life. How the need for survival added with there desires run there life and there decision making process. It is a sad story showing how the lack of the basic necessities (proper upbringing, love, responsibilities etc.) of life can lead people into great turmoil. In opinion to the actual acting and presentation of the play I was highly confused with the presentation. The introduction lost its basics requirements to get the story on the way. Throughout the play I was trying to determine who was who or if the person acting is representing the same character or not. Because the same actor switched here representation of there character. Eurydice’s message wasn’t clear. I’m still confused on why she killed her x-boyfriend at the end. She lacked in her ability to demonstrate the emotions the character is suppose to be feeling. Persephone who was the money hungry girl gave somewhat of a clear definition of what she was about. But again I didn’t feel her emotions. As for the directing style I believe the director was trying to use a new style in which he took little parts and wanted the viewer to put the the story together. Somewhat like a pulp fiction effect. I didn’t really see any order in the events that occurred. In addition I could see some of the actors waiting for there queue. I believe that was due to the inability of the lighting to hide them. This comes to the costumes and the presentation. Was the stage used properly to satisfy all viewers of the audience? I felt the left hand side was given much more importance. Except towards the end when the right hand side of the stage was used. The little gap in the... Free Essays on Polaroid Stories Free Essays on Polaroid Stories â€Å"Polaroid Stories† Polaroid Stories a story about a couple of homeless kids who hang out at a old abandoned peer on the outer most edge of the city. A ‘No-mans land where runaways seek camaraderie, refuge and escape’. Relationship is shown too mythic Roman gods and the comparison to there present life. How the need for survival added with there desires run there life and there decision making process. It is a sad story showing how the lack of the basic necessities (proper upbringing, love, responsibilities etc.) of life can lead people into great turmoil. In opinion to the actual acting and presentation of the play I was highly confused with the presentation. The introduction lost its basics requirements to get the story on the way. Throughout the play I was trying to determine who was who or if the person acting is representing the same character or not. Because the same actor switched here representation of there character. Eurydice’s message wasn’t clear. I’m still confused on why she killed her x-boyfriend at the end. She lacked in her ability to demonstrate the emotions the character is suppose to be feeling. Persephone who was the money hungry girl gave somewhat of a clear definition of what she was about. But again I didn’t feel her emotions. As for the directing style I believe the director was trying to use a new style in which he took little parts and wanted the viewer to put the the story together. Somewhat like a pulp fiction effect. I didn’t really see any order in the events that occurred. In addition I could see some of the actors waiting for there queue. I believe that was due to the inability of the lighting to hide them. This comes to the costumes and the presentation. Was the stage used properly to satisfy all viewers of the audience? I felt the left hand side was given much more importance. Except towards the end when the right hand side of the stage was used. The little gap in the...

Assess factors influencing adoption and use of ICT in Kenyan University Libraries

Assess factors influencing adoption and use of ICT in Kenyan University Libraries Information Communication Technology (ICT) is the process of accessing or getting, storing, transferring, processing and transferring ideas and information through computers and other communication facilities (Fabunmi, 2012). Wikipedia defines ICT as the hardware and software of electronic devices such as computers, radio, television, digital camera, telephone, computers networks to improve communication. ICT has played a critical task in the development of any nation; it has been a tool for achieving social, economic, educational, scientific and technological development (Adedeji, 2010). The development of science and technology has made incredible improvement in the lifestyle of the society today. It has Influence almost all walks of life, especially, the magnetic words; Information Technology has been chanted in all corner of the world and has been incorporated in organization, managerial, development and marketing sectors. These are services offered with the aid of Information Communication Technology (ICT) which are faster and more effective. Libraries have not been exempted from the impact of the ICTs. The implementations of ICT in the library and Information Centers have made great improvement in the management of these centers. These have made libraries users friendly and have improved the efficiency of the library professionals (Kumar, 2011). According to Khan et al, (2012) Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have impacted greatly on many fields including teaching, learning, research, and school management in a many ways. In libraries ICT has made information faster from acquisition, organization, storage, retrieval. Also it has improved the service delivery of library and information services reducing time, distance and other barriers. However, it is extensively settled that ICT adoption in libraries is not a solution for all library problems as initially assumed. Regardless of their remarkable potential, ICTs have also brought different challenges that must be dealt with to boost the efficiency of libraries in unindustrialized countries. Avemari, (2011) describes library automation as computer use and general/ customized software designed for library and information services procedures that are used to perform specific information services deliver. Globally automation in libraries first began in the 1960s. According to Muhammad (2014) Libraries automation began in the 1970s, where libraries began adopting software applications and Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC). In 1980s, network technologies, optical discs, CD-ROMs and communications technologies were introduced. The major goal of the early technology applications was used in automation circulation, acquisitions and the catalogue to make library operation and services efficient and effective. The 1990s witnessed radical changes in the application ICTs in libraries such as the Internet, World Wide Web protocols. The 2000s is an era of digital libraries, virtual collections, paperless environment and 24/7 instant remote access to unlimited resources. In Africa it began in 1950s, however, there were several challenges which were making it harder for academic libraries to adopt it, thus depriving them of the several touted benefits a library stands to gain from automating its services. In Kenya, most libraries, especially universities, schools, private organizations and little-funded institutions, were using Computerised Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System (CDS/IS) library software. CDS/ISIS was used mainly for maintaining databases. For instance, the University of Nairobi maintains a list of research theses in Kenyan institutions of higher learning and a list of publications held in libraries in Kenya using Computerised Documentation System/Integrated Set of Information System(CDS/IS)(Mutula, 2012). Kamba (2011) also noted that Information Communication and Technologies are not well spread and utilized in African higher learning institutions, mainly due to poor communication network, inadequate ICT hardware and software and government s ineptitude to provide adequate funds to run the libraries. Inadequacy of skilled staff, lack of theoretical knowledge, lack of computer culture, lack of knowledge on the importance of ICT, lack of funds were among other factors have been cited by several authors. 1. 2 Statement of Problem ICTs have become an important subject for all information providers. This is because of its relevance and application to tasks in the library such as quick and easier access of information and performing of library tasks with greater efficiency. Despite these benefits of ICT use many libraries are still not automated. Most of the problems faced by these libraries include; lack of sufficient funds to support the purchase of the technology, lack of qualified library professionals, lack of motivation and poor remuneration need among librarians to adopt ICT in their daily operations, lack of awareness of ICT potential users and poor attitude of library staff on automation. Other problems such as government policies, maintenance and security issues also consist of challenges faced by the libraries in the adoption of and implementation of ICT. Libraries need adequate finances to obtain current ICT facilities such as scanners, photocopiers, computers, servers, software and paying of online and offline services such as e- journals and digital libraries which are very expensive to be purchased, and this has made many libraries lag behind because of insufficient funds. Lack of qualified professional has been a great hindrance to adoption since most of the staff do not have adequate skills to handle computers and other information technologies. Staff motivation, poor remuneration and attitude have also been considered as factors affecting adoption in libraries. This has contributed to migration of skilled labor in search of better job opportunities abroad thus affecting the adoption of ICTs. Staff attitude has also been considered as problem since most staff feel that automation of libraries will take away their jobs. Lack of sufficient information on the potential user has also been a problem that hinders adoption, since most users had bad perception on ICT. University libraries need to sensitize their students and library staff that ICTs are very important part of library and library systems. They make it possible for information to be easily accessible, available with minimal effort. Given that libraries are the physical foundation of knowledge. It is therefore critical that they are equipped and every opportunity to make them efficient explored. However various factors impede the progress for the adoption of ICTs in uni versities. Therefore the study will assess the factors that influence the adoption and use of ICT in the university libraries in Kenya. 1.3 General Objective of the Study This aim of the study is to assess the factors influencing adoption and use of Information Communication Technology in the Kenyan University Libraries. 1.3.1 Specific Objectives of the Study The objectives of the studies were: i. To determine whether students and staff perception and attitudes towards ICT has influence adoption and use of ICT in at the University of Eldoret library. ii. To analyze effects of perceived benefits of ICT in the adoption and use ICTs at University of Eldoret library. iii. To establish how the availability of ICT technologies has influenced the adoption and use of ICTs in University of Eldoret library. 1.4 Research Hypotheses i. Ho1: The students and staff perception and attitude towards ICT has no significant influence on the adoption and use of ICT at the University of Eldoret library. ii. Ho2: Perceived benefits of ICT have no significant effect on the adoption and use ICTs at the University of Eldoret library. iii. Ho3: The availability of ICT technologies has no significant influence on the adoption and use of ICT at the University of Eldoret library. 1.5 Assumption of the Study The study assumes the respondent selected to participate in the study were honest and truthful and they represent the population of the study. 1.5 Significance of the Study i. The study findings were beneficial to the library staff and users of the University of Eldoret to acknowledge the benefits of ICT usage in the library. ii. The study findings will be of useful to the entire university as it will provide sufficient information on ICT and it will make them have positive attitude towards ICT use in the library. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study was carried at the University of Eldoret Library. The research concentrated on factors influencing the adoption and use of ICT in the university library. 1.8 Limitation of the Study The limitations of the study were the area of study; the study was carried out at University of Eldoret Library. Secondly, the researcher had no control over the sincerity of the respondents in giving accurate and reliable responses. This also depended on individual capacity to read and understand the English language in a way that conveyed the same meaning to every respondent. 1.9 Conceptual Frame Work of the Study The conceptual framework is used to show the association linking the dependent and independent variables. CT adoption is the dependent variable in the study. The dependent variable provides the solution to the problem i.e. what contributes the University to adopt ICT in their Libraries? In this situation, the study has tested three independent variables i.e. perceived benefit of ICT, user and staff perception and attitude towards ICT, and availability of Technology. These factors are believed to have some influences towards the dependent variable (ICT adoption) either in positive or negative way. Figure 1 Conceptual Framework 1.9.1 Perceived benefits of ICT One of the factors that might affect ICT adoption in the firms is the benefits. Peyala (2011) asserts that computerization of acquisition unit enhances funds control, quick and easy checking of approved books, devoid of duplication is managed. There are several benefits that have been made accessible through ICT adoption and there are still several organizations that are not taking advantage of ICT. Therefore, perceived benefits are taken into consideration as one of the factors that affect ICT adoption in Libraries. 1.9.2 Students and staff perception and attitude on ICTs Attitudes of librarian are crucial in the adoption and use of ICTs in the libraries because they librarians affect the adoption if they are not checked properly. The acceptance of the ICTs by library professional is a crucial factor in the realization of the mission of the university library. For successful utilization of technologies in university libraries librarian should change their attitude toward these ICT tool. 1.9.3 Availability of ICT Technology The availability and utilization of ICT facilities is essentially to fast track the processes about and to ensure that information resources spend the least period of time in library. Use of ICT technologies in the libraries provides most effective and efficient retrieval option to the library clientele. In computer system and network, availability has been described as the amount of time facility is available in the wake of components over a specified period of time. 1.9.4 Management Support Management support refers to the degree to which an individual believes that management has committed to the successful implementation and use of a system. Duan (2012) Believes it ensures the limited resources and technological expertise are allocated for the embracing of new technology. Many university libraries are still lagging behind in terms of technology adoption due to lack of management commitment to support the technology both financially and formulating pertinent policies that provide the essential infrastructure for adoption of ICT. 1.10. Operational Definition of Terms Adoption: In the study adoption is used to show how libraries are changing functions of the library from manual paperwork to the use of machines. Attitude: in the study attitude has been used to show how user feels about ICT use in the libraries. Perceived benefits: In the study benefits has been used to show the how ICT has influenced the service delivery in the library easy. ICT: In the study ICT has been used as technologies used to generate process, store and disseminate information. ICT application: it has been used in the study to show ICT based serviced in the Library. Library Automation: In the study it has been used to define the application of ICT in the day to day operations of the library. Library Networking has been used in the study to show a group of Libraries and Information Centers that are interconnected for some common pattern or design for information exchange and communication with a view to improve efficiency. Library Management Library Management includes the following activities which are geared up by the use of these fast ICT based developments, Classification, Cataloging, Indexing, Database creation, Database Indexing. Digital library: has been used in the study to mean a library in with a significant proportion of the resources that is available in machine-readable and accessible by means of computers. E-reference services: has been used to show how electronic references services that has been enhanced with the use of ICTs. Online Searching: has been used to refer to searchable information o on line. Which includes electronic resources and databases can be searched using the Internet through search engines. Virtual library: has been used in the study to mean access points as well as the graphic records are in electronic/digital form when these electronic/digital libraries are connected via various networks, particularly the internet, this is called virtual library. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction This chapter presents a review of the related literature by various researchers, scholars, analysts and authors. The researcher has drawn materials from several sources based on the theme and the objectives of the study. 2.2 Overview of ICTs in Libraries ICT is often used as an extended synonym for Information Technology (IT), but is a more specific term that comprises of computers as well as necessary software, storage, and audio-visual systems, which have enabled users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The term and Communications Technology entails the science and skills of computing, information storage, and communications. It is a new, rapidly emergent area that is drastically changing the world by making potential new methods of doing business, entertaining, and crafting art. ICT has plays a crucial role in hastening sustainable development as well as bridging the ever-growing gap in our present-day society. There is, yet, a vital need to channel the immense potentials of ICT in the correct direction for the improvement of the corporation and active human development (Adesoji, 2012). Currently Information Communication Technology has been the latest buzz word in the information and Technology arena. In fact the formal ways of communicating available information to end users from the various sources are among the major challenges nowadays. These days information can not only be stored, retrieved, disseminated in many forms bit also at higher speeds. Information Technology has open unprecedented opportunity in the form in which information is stored, retrieved, manipulated and exploited. There are three key components of the new technology .These are:  ¢ New ways of storing information cheaply.  ¢ New mechanism of manipulating, scanning and research such records  ¢ New facilitates for cheap and rapid transmission of information over long distances. With the hasty development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) the traditional concept of libraries has changed to modern academic libraries which has great potential, energetic and can reach their users without the limitations of geographical boundaries. In this era of internet libraries are fast changing to digital mode which can be accessed collectively. (Kamani, 2011). A study by Oyeyini, (2014) shows that ICT has brought tremendous changes in library and information science by changing the traditional concept of libraries from a store house of books to an intellectual information Centre. It is of no doubt, that it has open up a new stage in library communication and facilitated global access of information crossing the geographical limitations. Libraries now can use various types of technologies to perform some or all basic library procedural operations such as cataloguing, acquisitions, circulation, and on-line information access. Similarly ICTs has impacted in libraries by provide access to information resources and services leading to the disappearance of the notion of a library as have been known for years as a physical structure located in a particular geographical setting. It has changed the nature of library services over time as library â€Å"collections† comprise not only of physical information materials such as books, periodicals, films, videos, and others, stored in physical library structures, nowadays it include digital resources generated locally and those accessed through the Internet from laptops that are managed by other libraries.( Awour Kefah, 2013). 2.3 ICTs application in University Libraries Application of Information Communication Technology is very useful for libraries in creating databases of their own and making them available to users through networks. ICT has also enabled libraries to offer effective and efficient services to the end-users . Nearly all of the library operations like book acquisition, circulation, office management, the information services, are connected together, and are dependant and are mutually supportive for overall administration of library. Emerging of new technology has library revolutionize new ways of information storage and retrieval in university library field. In this technology era more and more libraries in the world make use of these new technologies for storage, retrieval and distribution of information in more effective way. Libraries have ability to store large amount of information using this new technologies and can transmit this information to anywhere anytime without any geographical barrier (Kamani, 2011) Now days there are numerous ICT technologies for various library functions, these includes; housekeeping, organization and managerial functions, which utilize different electronic and digital media equipment, networks and internet which has provide significant role in retrieving and dissemination of information thus playing a vital role by upgrading of libraries. According to Saleem (2013) some of these applications are: i. Library Automation is the concept of changing human involvement in all library services to enable any user to receive preferred information within his comfort and at the lowest cost. Main areas of the automation are classified into organization of all library database and housekeeping operations of library. ii. Library Networking this involves connecting of libraries and information centers to widespread pattern or design to enable information exchange and communication in the common view of improving efficiency. iii. Library Management involves the following activities which are certainly geared up by the use of fast Information Communication Technologies developments, library Classification, Cataloging, Indexing, Database creation, Database Indexing. iv. Digital Library refer to an assembling of digital computing, storage and communication of machinery together with the content and software needed to create, imitate and extend the services provided by conventional libraries v. E-reference services: These are digital reference which are available for the user. This includes Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI and Current Awareness Service (CAS) are enhanced with use of ICTs. vi. Online Searching: ICT has promoted on line searching, electronic resources and databases which can be searched using the Internet through search engines. This has provides a great resource for researchers and general information retrieval. Buarki (2011) in his study on Impact of ICT on library and Library Information System observed that modern library and information system can be grouped into four areas, as follows: a) Computer Technology. b) Communication Technology c) Reprographic Technology d) Printing Technology 2.3.1 Computer Technology Computers are now used extensively in the library operations and have great impact in the management of libraries and information centers. Computer technologies have been used in various fields of library activities. Some of these areas where computer application takes place are: Information Resource Building: This involves acquisition of books, monographs, audio-visual, electronic equipment such as CD-ROM, maps etc. Acquisition process involved the following functions:  ¢ Checking duplicates in book acquisition in library.  ¢ Books supplier selections.  ¢ Preparing and cancellation of orders  ¢ Checking orders which are long overdue.  ¢ Record of items on order of acquisition  ¢ Records of received and non-received items and receipt to the book supplier  ¢ Verification of items with order files and invoice number.  ¢ Inspection of items ordered by the concerned department.  ¢ Preparation of payment after accessioning.  ¢ Preparation budget and maintaining accounts statistics. Data Entry This requires database for each: Books, Clients/Members, Serials, Audio-visuals, CD-ROMS, Floppies, Gifted items, and Maps, Reports etc. Classification and Cataloguing are:  ¢ Catalogue card production.  ¢ On-line cataloguing  ¢ Duplicating and checking of catalogue cards.  ¢ Producing duplicate catalogue cards.  ¢ Preparing authority file subject.  ¢ Catalogue cards checking and filing.  ¢ Automatic generation of added entries  ¢ Generation of monthly accession list. Circulation Control:  ¢ Registration of membership.  ¢ An issue, returns, renews documents reservation and production of the slips for proof.  ¢ Recording charges for late, lost book, binding and production of penalty slip.  ¢ Maintaining of circulation statistics  ¢ Inter -library loan.  ¢ Statistics of circulation report Serial Control:  ¢ Input essential serials data.  ¢ Preparing of new list serials orders.  ¢ Preparing mode of payment,  ¢ Updating and receipting the records.  ¢ Receipting of Book seller or publishers.  ¢ Preparing the list of present holdings, missing, additions, cancellation of serials chronologically, subject-wise, etc.  ¢ Renewing and cancelling of present subscriptions.  ¢ Accessing register of bound serials.  ¢ Preparing budget sand maintaining accounts. Documentation and allied services:  ¢ Indexing and abstracting of micro and macro documents.  ¢ Catalogue compilation  ¢ Current Awareness Services.(CAS)  ¢ Searching of literature.  ¢ Selective Dissemination of Information.(SDI)  ¢ Clipping of newspaper. Information Retrieval:  ¢ Creation of database and maintenance, interactive searching, saving of in house.  ¢ Searching and print outs of queries against specified requirement  ¢ Information about the books (issued, reserved, lost, overdue, weed-out), member-ship, inter library loan, penalty charges, periodicals, etc.  ¢ Retrieval of information alphabetically, chronologically, per-subject members, reserved words with each particulars such as accession no-wise, title, author, call number, edition etc. 2.3.2 Communication Technology Communication is the process of transforming information from the source to the destination. Communication, the exchange of information and the transmission is very essence in a social system or in an organization. Dictionary meaning of communication is news or the act of making oneself understand the means of sending information between one place to another. In modern days, various means of communicating the information came into existence. There is a need to communicate information effectively, efficiently and timely by applying modern technologies such as communication technology. The main areas of communication technology are; Audio-visual technology, Fax, Telex, E-mail, Video text, Tele text, Online search, Tele conference, Voice Mail Box, Satellite Technology, Cellular telephones, Internet, Intranet, Extranet, CD-ROM, and DVD. 2.3.3 Reprographic Technology Reprography is also known as micrography is a reproduction process. It has made a great impact on document delivery system. Nowdays it is possible to record micro images in a range of microforms such as microfilm, microfiche, ultra fiche and COM (Computer Output Microform). Micro-graphics is a powerful micro-force for records management and information control. Reprographic technology covers: a) Photocopying b) Micro-copying c) Optical/Digital process 2.3.4 Printing Technology Printing or Printing Technology has great importance and playing important role in information and communication process. It has various evolutionary changes from making of paper and invention of printing to the modern printing technology of laser printers. Printing Technology covers: a) Technical Writing b) Editing c) Publishing 2.4 Adoption of ICTs in the University Library ICTs have significantly transformed the world, from the time it was discoverers few years ago. Librarians have adopted a range of technologies to provide different types of services. Mairajand El-Hadi (2012) in a study on ICTs in libraries find out those ICTs has not only changes library everyday operations and services, but have also impact librarians with new and active role in the library. It has also change the way in which information is being handled resulting to speedy and accuracy information access, retrieval, stored and manipulating hence disseminating users in different forms. Computer telecommunication and mass storage technologies are main areas of remarkable improvement that have shaped the manner in which librarians obtain, stored, processes, retrieved and disseminate information to their clienteles. (Ogbodo, 2014). Similarly ICTs has also played vital role by changing the conventional methods of library functions by giving new ways for teaching, learning and research in institution of higher education. Through the aid of ICTs tools, it has made it possible to store, retrieve, disseminate and arrange information by developing websites and databases. Information can now be published both by electronic means and by printing making it available to users needs. Oyeyini (2014) noted ICT has impacted on every area of library science especially in the form of library database, improvement of strategies, library structure and consortium. ICTs in libraries has offer access to information resources and services resulting in the fading of the concept of a library being known for decades † as physical building situated in a specific geographic location. ICT has changed the nature of library services over a time. Library collections consist not only of material information resources such as books; periodicals, videos, films, etc are mainly stored in physical library buildings. But now includes digital resources created locally and those accessed online and are managed by other libraries or information service providers (Awour Kefah, 2013). Oyeyini(2014) pointed out that for any library to reach maximum gain in the 21st century, globalization and implementation of information technology will be a great feature of the libraries. The size of libraries or their collections may not be to the standard but rather made it accessible to the major thrust of the library automation. Additionally, Quadri (2012) noted that nowadays libraries are changing their role from the custodian of traditional information resources to the provider of service oriented digital information resources. Extensive use of computers has increased reliance on computer networks, the quality and quantity of information has improved with the use of the internet , thus making university libraries to embrace modern technology for the storing, retrieving and disseminating information. With the inception of various Information and Communication Technologies trends , library operation have undergo restructuring, transformation .From the last many years, librarians have remained unchallenged as the sole custodian and gate keepers of information. But with the introduction of ICTs especially the Internet services, librarians has began to lose the impact of being the sole custodian of information. Krubu Osawaru (2011). Emojorho (2011) also noted that the accelerated adoption and use of information and communication technology (ICT) has resulted in the globalization of information and knowledge resource Islam (2007) .In a consortium, a group of member libraries are linked together via electronic information network and this has tremendously reduces the acquisition costs of information resources and allows users of individual library to have access to numerous information materials that ordinarily one library may not own. Library Automation is required mainly for the following reasons:  ¢ Obtain increased operational efficiencies;  ¢ Relieved professional staff from clerical responsibilities so that they concentrate on user oriented services;  ¢ Improve the services quality, speeds and effectiveness  ¢ Improved access to remote users and other stakeholders (e.g., the general public);  ¢ Improve access of resources on other networks and systems, including the Web;  ¢ Provide new services  ¢ Facilitate large access to information for their clients;  ¢ Facilitate distribution of information products and services;  ¢ Enable library participation in resource-sharing through networks.  ¢ Enable rapid communication with other libraries (including libraries) and professional peers. 2.5 Students and Staff perception and attitude towards ICTs Adekunle (2007) defines attitudes as inclinations and feelings, prejudices or bias, preconceived notions, ideas, fears and convictions about any specific topic .it is chiefly positive attitudes which are assumed to be fundamental in the acceptance, implementation and success of new technologies. Eguavoen, (2011) defined attitudes toward ICT usage as a person s general evaluation or feeling towards ICT, computer and internet service. An attitude has been used to represent perceptions of library staff on the value attached to Information Technology use in libraries-technical processing, collection, organization and user services. It also represents the value of these technologies in the library staff minds. Implementation of information communication technology (ICT) in the university libraries depends largely on the attitudes of librarians to its usage. The application of ICT in libraries has significantly changed libraries operations; which includes automated cataloguing, circulati on, information retrieval, electronic document delivery, and CD-ROM databases etc. Borrego (2010) in his study analyzed on Librarians perceptions on the use of electronic resources at Catalan academic libraries and found that perceptions of the usefulness of bibliographic software management have dramatically increased during the last few years, especially among PhD students. Furthermore he mentioned that librarians have stated that most of the complaints they receive from users were to do with systems breakdowns, inability to access resources off-campus, and discontinued resources. Sachin D. Sakarkar (2013) finds out that the librarians attitude on ICTs depends mainly on trainings which create an ideal atmosphere for ICT orientation of Librarians to change their attitudes favoring ICT amenities. This would certainly minimize the fear of digital divide amongst society and librarian. The ICT adoption and implementation is safe and progressive to the society under the guidance of a well-trained, qualified and positive librarian. Haneefa (2009) in a study of special libraries assesses in detail the application of ICTs in special libraries. The study provides a state of art application of ICT in automated special libraries of premier research institutions. The study identify the factors that promote or hinder application of ICT ,user s satisfaction ,ICT skills of library professionals and the facilities for training in ICT in special libraries. It also assesses the attitude of users and librarians towards the application of ICT. Survey results show that majority of the libraries have basic hardware and software facilities. Majority provide training for their library staff in ICT based services. The librarians and users have a highly positive attitude towards ICT application and the main barrier to ICT application is inadequately trained library professionals. Sagolsem, Purnima Devi Vikas (2009) report a survey conducted among the library professional staff working in public libraries and NGO libraries of Manipur. The main objectives of the study was to find the status of digital environment in Manipur public libraries, The study revealed that public university libraries lack of trained staff with required ICT knowledge. Though most of them had a favorable attitude towards IT application majority were not satisfied with their opportunities to enhance qualifications. The problems in IT application include lack of qualified professionals, high cost of IT infrastructure and insufficient computer facilities. Nair (2009) reports a study of the attitude of librarians in Kerala towards the use of information technology in library and information activities in his thesis. The main objective of the study was to find out the nature of attitude of librarians towards information technology (IT). The study was conducted on a representative sample of 284 professionally qualified librarians in different libraries of Kerala. The results of the study showed that majority of librarians showed favorable attitude towards information technology. They were prepared to accept modern technology in library activities. Librarians considered IT not as a means to reduce their workload but as a device to render effective information service to patrons. Librarians engaged in different professional work were similar in their attitude towards information technology. Kosoko (2014) observed that attitude consists of three main components, these are the affective, behavioral and cognitive, that show how persons feel about a particular issue, what they intend to do about it and what they believe about it. This shows that there is inter-relationship between knowing, feelings and doing. Considering these explanations, attitude can be deduced as a favor or disfavor towards a concept that is positive or negative. Positive attitudes are necessary for the success and significant achievements in an organizations, thus employees are expected to demonstrate positive In addition, a research done by Rajagopal Chinnasamy (2012) on users attitudes and approaches towards e-r-resources and services in academic libraries showed that there was an increasing interest in electronic information resources among the engineering users at associated colleges of Pondicherry University. Olatokunbo (2012) confirmed through his study on electronic information resources awareness, attitude, and use by academic staff members of University of Lagos, Nigeria that 55% of university staff members indicated that the level of awareness of the subscribed electronic information resources by the Library Management is rather low. 2.6 Perceived benefits of ICTs Adoption in the University Libraries In spite of the problems associated with automation, its benefits rather outweigh its disadvantages. It is a known as a fact that automation has enables easy access of library materials, and allows staff to serve users better and facilitate a multitude of tasks such as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference (Egunjobi Awoyemi, 2012). According to (Awuor kefah, 2013) ICTs has managed to changed several library operations and activities which can now be done better at the same times which were previously not easy to carry out are now possible. These days there are many opportunities ICTs has presented to libraries; most current information is recorded in electronic format. ICT has also contributed enormously on the performance of librarians who are discharging of their duties in the library such as in cataloguing, reference services, circulation management, serials control etc. Similarly Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have facilitated the flow and effective means of communication. It provides correct data collection as well as giving strategies for attaining objectives, which would otherwise be reserved for organizational structures. Okonand Iogbodo, (2014) asserts ICTs have become a way of life the world over even though libraries and librarians in Nigeria are still struggling with the traditi onal methods of information processing, storage and delivery. Saleem (2013) noted Computer has brought in a new impact to the library and information usage. ICTs have enabled library staff to provide quality and valuable information service by giving more remote access to the internationally available information resources. Recently highly sophisticated information technology has facilitated the storage of huge amounts of data or information in a very compact space. Jayaprakash Balasubramani, (2011) stated the University Libraries must increase the numbers of computer to enable the users to maximize the usage of ICT-based resources and services. Information and communications technologies are being used by libraries for book and serial acquisitions, classification and cataloguing, reference service, money transition, user orientation service, interlibrary loan, circulation service, electronic contents, document delivery service, e-mail and chat assistance, web 2.0 interactive sharing, photocopies services and bibliographic service. These oppor tunities not only allow libraries to deliver fast information to users but also promoting remote libraries. (Adeleke Olorunsola, 2010). A comprehensive study by (ibianye 2012), (Ghuloum Ahmed, 2011) shows the cost of maintenances costs of digital library is much lower than that of a traditional library especially with regards to space. Traditional libraries are expensive to maintain. Automated libraries on the other have minimum maintenance; the importance of ICTs is characterized by information services format change, contents and way of producing it, method of production and delivery of information products. The onset of internet has made changed on library profession role from intermediary to facilitator, modern tools for broadcasting information and change from physical to virtual services environment and disappearance of some conventional information services and emergence of modern and innovational web based. (Krubu Osawaru, 2011). A study by Okonand Iogbodo (2014) observed that ICTs had benefited university libraries in the following ways; i. Creation of OPAC: Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) which is the computerized form of the library catalogue .OPAC is easy to use, save space and can be used to access even catalogues of other libraries ii. Networking: this involves linking ICT enables libraries to network. Networking can either be local (LAN) or wide (WAN). This will enable libraries to access information from different types of on line databases, in various disciples, on-line magazine and newspapers, e-journals and e-books. iii. Resource Sharing: ICT has enhanced the creation of a central union catalogue which allows libraries to share their resources with other libraries. iv. Institutional Repositories: This involves compilation of publications which originate from scholars within an academic institution. These are academic theses, dissertations, conference and seminar papers, curriculum vitae, reports, inaugural lectures and any other publication emanating from individual scholars within academic institutions. ICT has enabled other libraries to access the information. v. Library Electronic Security system: ICT has enhanced library security through the use of Radio Frequency Identification Detector (RFID). RFID is the latest library technology used for theft detection. RFID combines radio frequency and microchip technology. vi. Creation of a virtual library: ICT has promoted the establishment of a virtual library. A virtual is a library that exists without any physical space or location. Parvez (2011) noted that owed to the automation, circulation is one of the most affected areas of library operations, it has help saved a lot of time for both users and library staff. Dzandu Boateng (2014) noted that with the inception of web OPAC, users can now search information from anywhere at any time; users can also easily do the reservation of library sources and this has helps to avoid or reduce the theft of library resources with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. In the confirmation he pointed the respondents revealed that borrowing time was short and the OPAC has made library resources accessible from different angles. However, the study could not confirm if the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has reduced theft in that it wasn t operational because the contractor did not finish installing and she abandoned the job. Additionally automation has enables easy access; that is users are able to search for materials within the library and from remote locations v ia search items as author, title, subject, call number and keyword and allows library staff to better serve users and facilitate large number of tasks. Awoyemi (2012) in his study revealed that, the filling of slips for borrowed books were things of the past; books are just scanned during borrowing. Osawaru Krubu (2011) opines that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought unprecedented changes and transformation to university library and information services, digital library information systems (LIS) such as OPAC, users services, reference services, bibliographic services, current awareness services, document delivery, interlibrary loan, audio visual services and customer relations can be provided more efficiently and effectively by using ICTs, as they offer convenient time, place, cost effective, quicker and most-up-to-date dissemination and end users involvement in the library and information services process. The impact of ICT on information characterized services by changes in format, contents and production method and delivery of information products. However with the emergence of internet information and knowledge has changed the role of library and information science professionals from intermediary to facilitator, by providing new tools for disseminati on of information and shift from physical to virtual services environment Mutula (2012) presented the experiences and the lessons learned from the University of Botswana (UB) library automation project. He found that the automation has impacted many project hence increasing access to diversity of electronic resources, improved image of librarians, invention of new services, freeing of library physical space, transformation of the library into a social learning environment, access to local content made possible through digitization, new skills acquisitions, remote access to library electronic resources from different sites.

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Business Law - Essay Example FMLA is focused at addressing five major issues. First, the Act covers the birth of the employee’s child and the care of the child. Secondly, the Act caters for the placement of an employee’s child for foster care or adoption. Thirdly, family and medical leave Act of 1993 caters for the care of the employee’s parent as well as the child either a daughter or a son with serious health problems (Family and Medical Leave Act Regulations.1990). Fourthly, the FMLA caters for the serious health condition of the workers that makes them not to perform their duties as required by their employers. Fifthly, it caters for any qualifying exigencies that may arise due to the deployment of the employee’s family member. Upon returning from their leave, FMLA requires that the employers must provide the employees with protection and benefits that they may have received if they were working. Most notably, the act covers 4 aspects that the employers must provide to the eligibl e employees who return from their leave (Galinsky et al, 2008). First, employees must be provided with the health benefits that they would receive if they were working. Secondly, upon returning from the leave, the FMLA requires that the employees must be restored to the same position. ... alth condition or that of a family member must be allowed to have a leave to attend doctor’s appointments for such cases as chemotherapy and psychological counseling among others. Family and medical leave Act of 1993 requires that an employee must provide an employer with a 30 days notice of his or her intention to take a leave (Family and Medical Leave Act Regulations.1990). In cases the leave comes due to emergency, it is the responsibility of the employees to notify the employers as soon as possible. Similarly, the Act maintains that an employer may request for a medical certification in case the employer is taking a leave due to serious health problem related to him or her or a family member. In situation A, employee A was eligible for the 11 weeks leave since he had worked in company X for 12 years. On his part, the new manager reinstated the employee to his previous job at the previous rate of pay. This indicates that even if the manager was new, he acted within the requ irements of Family and medical leave Act of 1993. As indicated earlier, the FMLA indicates that the leave must be unpaid, implying that employee A was not eligible for the salary from his 11 week leave. This indicates that by denying the employee the salary, the manager did not violate the law and as such there was no violation that occurred in this situation A. Situation B Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) gives protection to the employees who are 40 years and above from been discriminated by their employers (Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). According to this Act, that covers both the job applicant and the existing employees, it is unlawful for any employer to discriminate a worker based on his or her old age in respect to the employment benefits that includes