Digitization

Digitization: Is It Worth It?

I often prefer to believe it is. After all, through the digitization of materials, the technology has enabled a more efficient method for people to distribute sources of information. So long as individuals have their own personal computers and entry to the Internet, those circumstances should enable them to easily access those sources. My opinion may seem very optimistic, but I am aware of the consequences that a dependence on this technology can have. There is always a possibility that the hard-drive where the digitized versions of those sources are kept can crash, not to mention even the slightest act of negligence can compromise the well-being of those files. Once this happens, so much information can be potentially lost. Although digitized copies can easily be retrieved by anyone, that scenario clearly demonstrates their lifespan is much shorter. For the case of physical copies, it is the other way around; thus not one form is superior to the other. This is why people need to be aware that digitized copies are not intended to replace the physical copies, but to complement them.

Digitization is expensive, how to sustain it? Is working with private companies a good solution? Any problems that we need to be aware for this approach?

When financing is the issue, the best way to sustain digitization is to either seek more funding or reevaluate the spending. There is more to handling the technology than just buying the equipment. Unless the current staff members know or learn how to use it and are willing to take up the tasks without extra charge, the organization would need to hire more workers to maintain the equipment. If the treasury does not have enough to afford such expenses, then the organization will have to wait and save until it can. Such contributions as generous donations could speed up the process. And I may be speaking through my personal experiences on this issue, but I would never recommend the option of working with private companies, with the exception of small businesses. When I think of private companies, I tend to think of the greedy corporations that are responsible for our current economic situation. Because of their reckless behavior that persisted since the years of the Bush administration and its laissez-faire policies, they are bound to take control of and mess up on everything the moment the opportunity is available to them. I tend to believe that smaller businesses stay more true to their word and are far more deserving of trust.

“Risk of a crushing domination by America in the definition of the idea that future generations will have of its world” Is this a valid concern?

I believe it is a valid and very serious concern. What often allows an empire to prosper is the advocating of tolerance. As people from different backgrounds are allowed to peacefully coexist, they are also able to bring more ideas to the table with less fear of persecution. Once the empire starts utilizing these ideas, it is more able to prosper. However, the people can always get too comfortable from the progress. In order to further satisfy their materialistic needs, they need to turn elsewhere to consume all the resources, which can never be done without making more enemies. As the empire, with its poorly disciplined and gluttonous residents, looks for more places to consume without end, while instigating more conflicts, it is only a matter of time that everyone from the outside will unite against their common enemy; thus leading to its destruction from both the outside and the inside. The United States is in a similar situation. Through its civil liberties, our nation achieved the prosperity that we have today, with our technologies as some of the greatest in the world. As inspiring as this may sound, it is just as disturbing to realize that this is the same country with one of the worst academic systems in the world. Putting into consideration that stupid people are able to wield the most advanced technologies in the world and dominate the Internet, what we have here is a global disaster waiting to happen.

Any other issues pop up.

We have every right to be fascinated with what these technologies can accomplish, but people fail to realize there is a responsibility they need to uphold on their part. The utilization of such equipment can make a work load easier in so many different ways compared to a current model an organization abides for performing its duties. But the equipment can also make the work load difficult in other ways, such as maintenance. It can also serve as an even greater burden if the organization has no clue as of how to use the equipment. Sometimes a business or an institution can go bankrupt from trying to stay up-to-date with these technologies. This is why it is important to never dispose of the old models for which organizations conduct their work. Whenever they incorporate immediately these breakthroughs, it is often done without thinking through the matters, or at least not thoroughly enough. Without a clear plan as of how to use the equipment, it is simply put into place and expected to get everything done right with the snap of the fingers. Ironically, the exact opposite happens, making an even greater mess than before. By preserving the old model, as imperfect as it may be, it can always serve as an emergency back-up to reestablish order when the new ideas turn out to be a disappointment.