Mary G Kosta

Greener Records Storage and Archival Facilities

Mary G. Kosta — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 19:32:44 PDT

This paper reviews the requirements for buildings that store inactive and archival records. It then reviews the requirements for green buildings that meet LEED standards. Lastly, it discusses whether it is possible to build greener buildings for archival and records storage facilities.

Library Access and Equity for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples

Mary G. Kosta — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:43:42 PDT

The Canadian Library Association Code of Ethics includes the duty of librarians to provide equitable access to libraries for all users. In the case of the indigenous peoples of Canada, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI), we are not living up to our professional responsibilities. FNMI peoples do not use public and academic libraries in high numbers because of barriers to access and lack of equitable services. It is our responsibility as librarians to understand what barriers exist, and why, and to look for ways to eliminate them.

Archival Considerations for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Mary G. Kosta — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:34:57 PDT

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada is currently conducting hearings across Canada, and its records will need to be archived. The critical importance of preserving and providing access to such an archive will be discussed in this paper. Best practices for this archive will be exemplified by looking at the experiences of archivists working with truth commissions and international criminal justice tribunals in Africa. Additionally, Australian recommendations concerning aboriginal access to government records will be reviewed. Considerations related to aboriginal oral records will be noted, since these records are at the heart of the archives of the TRC of Canada.

Computer Assisted Language Learning

Mary G. Kosta — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:00:11 PDT

This paper will review natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence in CALL. We will begin by surveying how these technologies can be used to teach the different language skills: speaking, listening, lexis, syntax, semantics and literacy. Examples of various NLP and ICALL systems will be provided, and ideal systems will be discussed for evaluation purposes. We will look at how NLP and ICALL systems can be incorporated in different instructional methods, and address issues with respect to conflicting teaching approaches. Next, we will discuss the effectiveness of CALL in language teaching and learning, and developmental problems facing NLP and ICALL technology. The architecture of speech technology in CALL will be explored, because, along with the integration of intelligent tutors, the refinement of speech synthesis and recognition are the biggest challenges facing CALL today. Finally, we will consider the contribution of CALL systems in the library.