Social Capital and Cyber Power in the African American Community

Racial Ravine is indicative of the large divide between the color of citizens and their access to phones, computers, and internet. The is a strong correlation between ethnic minorities and the lower rate of access that they tend to have to information. Furthermore, it's not just a question of digital divide anymore, because trends show that minorities are the ones usually excluded. Even if they do have access to information, it might not be relevant to what appeals to them, or they might not even have the education or "capability" to access and make use of this information. This problem is further demonstrated through a discussion of the "four C's" in another article that we read for class.

Midterm 1- Week 2 Japzon and Gong's article

What is "central- place theory"?

The central-place theory is a location theory that explains the locations of services such as libraries.  The study found that the frequency of visits by people to libraries can be predicted by travel time and transport cost to the library.  So the idea is that the location has very long-term effects on the use of the libraries.  For example the closer the library is to the consumer the more likely they will frequently use it.  In choosing a location of a library this theory looks at the geographic range of the library market area and the characteristics of the people that live in that area to determine the best location of the library.  

This information can be found on page 448 of the Japzon and Gong article.  

Midterm- Communities, Learning and Democracy

Kvasny, Kranich, & Schement (2006). Communities, Learning, and Democracy in the Digital Age.

4 C's 

Context: "Socio-technical network" refers to the way that communities will try to connect their social structure (internal) to the technological world (external). The factors that are included in the internal sphere are environmental, economic, and social equity issues. The question is how to hook up a community to the internet and what kinds of barriers will be faced from theses areas.

Connectivity: It is not enough now to just have "internet connection" but the connection speed must be fast enough and have enough capacity to be able to keep up with the latest online programs and features. 

Capability: The skills necessary for using the internet do not include just computer skills but also technological savvy and the willingness to learn new interfaces. Increasingly diverse software is being produced and communities and companies have to devote a lot of time to training the public/employees to use the new technology. 

Content: If we take for granted that the public has and knows "how to use" the internet, we also have to make sure that people have a reason to use it before we assume that they will. People need to know about what websites are out there that might interest them, such as social networking sites, community pages, or local news. 

Midterm- Community Analysis

Sarling, J. H., & Van Tassel, D. S. (1999). Community analysis: Research that matters to a north-central Denver community.

· What is “community analysis”?

“Mary Cutler (1896) identified community study as an essential element of librarianship, exhorting the librarian to “be a careful student of his own town…that he may catch the spirit of the civic life and relate the library to the whole…that he may select books, establish branches, [and] open up new avenues of communication between the library and the people.” –p.7

· Define the “CARI model”? What are its four perspectives?

“The Community Analysis Research Institute (CARI) model begins with a focus on the community from four perspective- individuals, groups, agencies and lifestyles- and incorporate both quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect a variety of data including demographic characteristics, history of the community, topographical features, transportation routes and traffic patterns, commercial activities, communication patterns, housing, education, cultural activities, health facilities, employment, recreation, entertainment, and the characteristic lifestyles of the community and its sub-cultures." -p8-9

Midterm-Public Library Use in NYC

What did the researchers discover about circulation statistics? What main recommendations did the researchers make?

The researchers found that library circulation per capita was higher in a library branch with a smaller service area and better spatial accessibility (Page 456).

One recommendation was that disadvantaged neighborhoods can improve the circulation in their libraries by targeting residents with high school diplomas. They should focus on increasing the number of library users instead of increasing the frequency of existing library users' visits. Secondly, disadvantaged libraries should have materials and an outward appearance that reflects their neighborhood characteristics. In other words, the library should be integrated into the neighborhood and social interaction (Page 460-461).

They also recommend that libraries in disadvantaged neighborhoods should get higher budgets than are proportional to their circulation figures, not ones that are equal to them. This would bring the libraries social justice because it would help to break the cycle of under-utilization. The money could be used to attract more people to the library or to extend their hours. Moreover, libraries should account for the in-library use of their materials, since they are used more often than materials that are checked out of the library. This can better accurately assess the level of support needed for the library. In the long term, a good relationship between library use and social capital in disadvantaged neighborhoods could be established to improve and sustain the use of library branches (Page 461-462).

Midterm - Race and Place

- Describe Hall's childhood local library, the "yellow palace." What were it's features and/or barriers? Where was it located within her community?

"Anti-theft bars covered every possible point of entry. Not a haven by any means... ... The building itself was eclipsed by the adjacent police station and neighborhood jail." (31; 2nd page of reading)

The "yellow palace" is Hall's neighborhood library, and it is ill funded, not welcoming, and small. There are bars on all the windows and it is placed next to a police station and jail - not exactly the most calming and welcoming of atmospheres. There are only two small reading areas.

- Now describe the "white cathedral."

"... We also paid a visit to their public library, a gleaming white, newly blue-carpeted edifice to self-learning. I was speechless. Not one burglar bar. Instead, rows and rows of reading materials and soft chairs." (31; 2nd page of reading)

The "white cathedral" is described as large and welcoming, with a multiracial staff and lots of room to lounge and read. Instead of closing early, it stays open later and is more accommodating to patron's hours. It intimidates Hall's grandmother and is not at all like the "yellow palace."

Midterm--The Problem of Leisure

The problem of leisure is the fact that "Americans seemed to have too much time on their hands" (16). This is seen as a problem because if Americans have an excess of free time they will lose sight of how to spend that time wisely and with ease.

This problem of leisure was first noticed in the 1960s when "community groups across America had seemed to stand on the threshold of a new era of expanded involvement" (16). Various community groups were seeing activity increase at a high rate because citizens had more and more time to actively participate in these groups.

Midterm- Bridging & Bonding Social Capital

Give an example of both bridging and bonding social capital. Which one is inclusive and external, and which, is exclusive and internal? Which one is "glue" and which one is "WD-40"?

Pages 22 and 23 of "Bowling Alone"

"Of all the dimensions along which forms of social capital vary, perhaps the most important is the distinction between bridging (or inclusive) and bonding (or exclusive)." (p 22)

Bridging Social Capital:
"Examples of bridging social capital include the civil rights movement, many youth service groups, and ecumenical religious organizations." (p 22)
"Bridging social capital provides a sociological WD-40." (p 23)

Bonding Social Capital:
"Examples of bonding social capital include ethnic fraternal organizations, church-based women's reading groups, and fashionable country clubs." (p 22)
"Bonding social capital constitutes a kind of sociological superglue" (p 23)

Midterm - Social Capital

Social Capital: What is this? Can you define it?

Social capital is defined on p. 19 in "Bowling Alone."
-Social Capital theory is that social networks have value b ecuase our lives are made more valuable and productive because of our social ties. Social contacts can affect the productivity of individuals and groups. Social capital refers to connections among individiuals- social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. "Our social networks are important in our lives, often for finding jobs, more often for finding a helping hand, companionship, or a shoulder to cry on."

Adam Strutz

Hey. I am Adam Strutz. I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering. I'm from Middleton, WI (all of just a few miles away). I like playing guitar and soccer. I am also a leader of the UW Hybrid Vehicle Team.

Race and Place MIS

"And though I held my laptop bag too close at first-forgetting that I was home, that I had not to long ago been on the other side of the stare-there was something about that walk that revived my hope in the social realities and divides that this profession is uniquely positioned to confront and perhaps transform." (Race and Place pg 4)

I found this sentance irratating because I really don't understand how this sentence developed. First the author was talking about how her old neighboorhood had reamined destitute, and how she herself was afraid to walk through it. Then she all of a sudden feels her hope revived about her profession. Why the sudden 180? To me, there doesn't seem to be a reason for the change. The authors old home is the same as ever and she hasn't even seen the "yellow palace" yet, so a renewal of hope doesn't make sense to me. Maybe the author thinks that the library can still become a leveling ground for everybody, but in the context of the story this sentance still seems confusing.

MIS Week 2: "Race and Place"

"I have seen evidence that libraries can and do serve the as vangaurds for social justice. But I have also been disheartened by the reification of the institutional racism and classism." (Hall 32)

This is the point of the article to me in which the direction goes to one of a critical portrayal of libraries from the authors perspective. I was just interested in the fact that Hall stated this and never really said any good about libraries. I just think that the author takes quite an extreme stance on libraries. I have never had any of the type of experience the author has had at libraries. I understand the authors complaint about the libraries but I just didn't think it was necessarily the libraries fault as much as it is the communities fault. But then again Hall was the director of American Library Association's Office for Diversity, and has a far greater insight then I do.  

Race and Place MIS

"But to localize that moment, to act as if as it belonged to that one specific library, would be too simple. Rules that unintentionally compound and redouble social exclusion, economic isolation, and, inevitably, race and class lines abound in libraries. There is no indemnity." Hall, pg. 33.

I think this quote sums up the theme of the entire article. Written by someone who works for the library, you can feel the frustration that the author feels about this harsh reality. Libraries, which are meant to be a beacon of equality and learning, are plagued by race and class problems the same way many other American institutions are. Hall speaks about the shock that her grandmother went into when they visited a library in a more affluent neighborhood, and how even at a young age, she noticed the inequality and discrimination that effected her local library. While Hall does point out that some libraries are making attempts to appeal to the needs and wants of their communities, she also explains how some libraries have material that is so irrelevant to the surrounding community, that books are hardly even taken out. This article, written by a woman who knows the library system, is placing the blame of library inequality on the people who work in the libraries. She asks them to take the responsibility and make libraries a less discriminatory, more equal institution. 

Bridging Social Capital as a Student - Discussion 2/2

"Of all the dimensions along which forms of social capital vary, perhaps the most important is the distinction between bridging (or inclusive) and bonding (or exclusive). ... Bonding social capital is good for undergirding specific reciprocity and mobilizing solidarity. ... Bridging networks, by contrast, are better for linkage to external assets and for information diffusion." (Putnam, 22)

I feel my post is reiterating the underlying importance of the first chapter of Bowling Alone, but what else is more important to focus on? It is worth the time to observe the social distinctions of our relationships in our daily life's and how they impact us. This topic is great to consider as students who eventually will enter the job market after college. It is widely known that individuals hire people, and not simply job postings in the local newspaper or online. As a student it's interesting to think of what kind of social networks I could enter that could bridge me hopefully into the job market that I want to get into and I think everyone should contemplate this. While a degree makes an individual a favorable employee, finding a way to meet the hirer is just as important.

MIS-"Bowling Alone" by Putnam

"As this array of independent coinages indicates, social capital has both an individual and a collective aspect-a private face and a public face. First, individuals form connections that benefit our own interests. One pervasive strategem of ambitious job seekers is "networking," for most of us get our jobs because of whom we know, not what we know-that is, our social capital, not our human capital" -Bowling Alone, page 20.

I chose this excerpt because with our economy and job market today, Putnam makes a good point. All of us will be graduating within the near future and competition is on the rise. Putnam states that one strategy of finding a job is networking. Although we spend four to five years at a top-ranked university, it will still be difficult for many of us to find a job. However, with the concept of social networking, people are willing to lend a hand or do you a favor by introducing you to maybe a CEO of a business, or the manager at a retail office. This gives you connections to a possible job position, or at least for the time being. It really is true that it doesn't matter what you know, it's who you know. It is a lot easier to obtain a job if you have a networking in the company, rather than simply applying for a position. This is also why it's so important to start doing volunteer work or getting internships so that once you step foot in the real world, you have a small group of social networking to help you get started. 

MIS Week 2

From the article "Chapter 2 - Branch libraries: The heartbeat of the community" by Putnam and Feldstein:

“Clark, who has managed the Bezazian Branch for two years, talks about how the role of the librarian has changed and is now more active and engaged.”

I selected this passage because I thought it was interesting how the old stereotype of an old librarian sitting behind her desk is beginning to fade. As the article discusses, librarians are taking a much more active and involved role in their libraries. Due to the advances in technology, librarians are now required to have a diverse technological skill set in order to help older generations. The article also discusses how librarians are reaching out to schools in an attempt to strengthen the library’s presence in the community. In general , a new type of librarian is beginning to emerge; active, helpful, and attempting to spread awareness and involvement in today’s libraries.

MIS - "Race & Place"

“Our policies and rationalizations do not drive the bus, We do. Yellow palaces and white cathedrals exist because we who work in libraries create them as well as the distances between them. We want to believe that libraries are politically neutral and colorblind. To sustain this belief we close our eyes as we steer. But who gets run over in the process?”

This excerpt is from the final words of “Race & Place” which I believe closes the writing up very well. I think this quote does a great job of highlighting the problems that affect not only our libraries but our society as well. The difference between the two libraries in this story exemplifies that libraries reflect the social and economic situations of the neighborhoods they reside in. The “Yellow Palace” with its anti-theft bars and undersized rooms reflects the run-down, poorer side of town versus the great “White Cathedral” that is placed among the wealthier population. The question of, “Who gets run over in the process?” puts the reader in the shoes of someone who lives in the poorer side of town. Why should someone be restricted in opportunities and ability to access information because of their economic status? An even better point is questioning why we are closing our eyes to these problems instead of fixing them. The author’s closing points do an excellent job of opening the eyes of the reader to the many problems of our society and the importance of a Library and its impact on its surrounding neighborhood.

MIS- "Bowling Alone" by Putnam

"On the contrary, American history carefully examined is a story of ups and downs in civic engagement, not just downs-a story of collapse and renewal. As I have already hinted in the opening pages of this book, within living memory the bonds of community in America were becoming stronger, not weaker, and as I shall argue in the concluding pages, it is within our power to reverse the decline of the last several decades."

I chose this as my MIS for many reasons. It really caught my attention when Putnam says civic engagement goes through cycles of collapse and renewal. I think community bonds are strengthening as we look to the future. I think that our idea of community is no longer confined to living in close proximity with one another. With programs such as Myspace and Facebook, we can become part of a national or global community. Being part of a global community has so many benefits because you can truly see how despite all the differences people have culturally, people across the globe can still find some common ground. 

MIS - Putnam, Bowling Alone

"Networks and the associated norms of reciprocity are generally good for those inside the network, but the external effects of social capital are by no means always positive."

I found this passage interesting because it discussed that externalities produced by social capital can be negative. Social capital is usually associated with positive aspects in a community, but it can also be used to inflict harm and disorder. It is odd to think that the same networks that people rely on everyday enabled Timothy McVeigh to carry out the the haneous Okalahoma City bombing.

MIS: Putnam, Bowling Alone

"Debates about the waxing and waning of "community" have been endemic for at least two centuries. "Declensionist naratives? -postmodernist jargon for tales of decline and fall-have a long pedigree in our letters. We seem perenially tempted to contrast our tawdry todays with past golden ages. We apparently share this nostalgic predilection with the rest of humanity."


This reading interested me because he argues for a cycle of involvement and feelings of community rather than just a decline. It also interested me because I noticed the same general decline as well. The evidence that I have comes both from what I hear from my parents and from first hand experience. When my family gets together for holidays, my Dad, his brothers and sisters, and his parents often reminisce about the good times they had with the family down the street or the guy that owned the local barbershop. They could all remember names of various people from around town, from church, and down the street. When I started to think about it, I see very few things like that in my own experience.

MIS: Branch Libraries

"...Margot Burke was fielding calls from reporters looking for the library's reaction to a group of south Side clergy who were protesting the library's Internet policy and demanding that filters be installed on computers..." -Branch Libraries

Reading this statement pointed out to me the huge liability the library system is taking on by allowing the free uncensored access to information that it does. In this day and age where it where you see the total loss of personal accountability (witnessed mostly through the mass media networks) almost every institution takes every possible precaution in protecting itself from being sued by some bum blaming everyone else for their problems. I can't blame them for being too careful when you see the cases such as, "The manual never said cruise control wouldn't take care of all the driving for me," and, "McDonalds never had any information available saying eating ten Big Macs a day would destroy my body."

I imagine that there's been considerable controversy over filtering because of the fact that children may frequent the library. Kudos to the libraries for standing strong on the freedom of access to information. Don't get me wrong, you can find some of the worst things on the internet, but as long as a user is not disturbing other patrons he/she should be able to view whatever they please. If a parent is so paranoid that their children may see something that offensive, they simply should not allow them access to the library.

MIS week 2

"Like so many other library workers and advocates, I want to believe that the library is unerringly socially progressive, occupying some sacred dimension that sets it apart, above. But the truth is, there is no such vacuum.” – race and place, p32


I used to think that libraries should be just a storehouse for knowledge and information, for all who wish to access. After reading the article I realize that somehow it is not entirely true. Although we want to believe that libraries are or should be one of the most neutral kind of places in diverse areas regardless of social status or race, but in fact, libraries are different, not standardized, even until today’s society. I believe libraries should be equally well-equipped. There should be enough books or stored information in every library with quantity and quality because everyone deserves it.

Putnam's Bowling Alone- MIS

"Social capital can thus be simultaneously a 'private good' and a 'public good.'  Some of the benefit from an investment in social capital goes to bystanders, while some of the benefit redounds to the immediate interest of the person making the investment."

I really enjoyed this quote because I felt as if it presented a side of social capital that many of us don't normally recognized.  Usually when thinking of social capital I only think of the direct effect it has on the person or persons who are actually doing the investment.  For example when you use a connection to another person to advance yourself in the workplace or to be hired for a new job.  This directly benefits the person that has the social connection.  This quote also presents a completely different view of social capital that is very important.  Not only does social capital affect the person or people that are directly involved but it also affects other bystanders.  An example of this is when a club decides to devote its time to clean up a neighborhood park.  Although the whole community did not help clean up the park, everyone that uses the park benefits.  There is a extra advantage for people that did not clean up the park.  I also believe that this quote shows one of the reasons why social capital is so important to a community.  It helps bring people together and benefits many even if they are not involved.  Social capital provides many opportunities for the people involved as well as others which is very important for communities to grow and thrive.

MIS for 2/2

From Public Library Use in New York City:

"In these neighborhoods, extra efforts and, therefore, extra funds are necessary to increase the circulations of the library branches. With the current funding system of budgets being proportional to circulation figures, the self-perpetuating cycles of under-utilization in disadvantaged neighborhoods will continue."

Such a blatently obvious statement, but libraries just don't even think to do things this way. Economicaly speaking that is poor allocation of resources. Afterall, the system as a whole will be suppar, and in the case of New York, a stellar library in Manhattan doesn't make up for the fact that libraries in Harlem or the Bronx are failing, and to be failing in the mission of the library to provide literary materials of merit to all citizens is a poor reflection on the system. When money is there, making the Manhattan libraries more spectacular should be discouraged in favor of bringing failing libraries up to par, for at the end of the day New York is responsible for the whole library system, and their tax dollars, investments, and private funding are donated to the system more often than a particular branch, so it is time to stop spending massive amounts of money to make superb libraries minimaly better and to start spending money to make failing libraries significantly better. In this way, the whole system will be using scarce resources at optimal efficiency to enhance the intellect of all patrons and community members of the United State's largest city.

MIS-Branch Libraries

"This is one of the ironies of investing in social capital that we will see in some other stories, too: improvements that help bring members of a community together sometimes also disrupt or sever old ties"-Branch Libraries

This statement came off as particularily ironic to me, yet also irritating. It's too bad that once a community finally is on the track to become more connected and on the path to regrowth, many of the occupants benefiting from the new changes are again forced out to other slum-like hoods. This is simply perpetuating the problem of crime and lower education rates. Once the community finally gets something, like the Near North Library, that is helping residents better themselves and the community as a whole, people who would normally be afraid to live in a "hood" like that, begin to notice its transformation and start to invest in the community. As soon as this investment begins, property value goes up, followed by the cost of living, driving out the low-income families that were finally beginning to benefit from the improvements in the community; forcing them into a new location that, often times, is worse than what they had before. Obviously, loads of people benefited from the library being placed there, but ironically and unfortunately, it seems that often times the people who can benefit most from the many services and improvements the library has offered, are shot down again as they are driven from the place they finally began to feel comfortable and involved in.