Ph.D. Colloquia Series
2002-2003
Summary of Presentations

January 31, 2003, Owen McNally, a Ph.D. student, led a discussion on his recent participation in the National Issues Convention project in Philadelphia. Owen was selected at random from citizens in the US to participate. He was interviewed by Tom Spencer on PBS television on January 17. Owen provided us valuable insight into the research methodology behind the research protocols for the project.

January 24, 2003, the Colloquium watched a video tape of Owen McNally an in an interview with Tom Spencer on PBS TV. This video is in preparation for Owen's discussion at the January 31 Colloquium.

January 17, 2003, Suellen Adams led a discussion on Research into Information in Computer Gaming: An Idea in Progress. This was a fascinating discussion delving into the world of video games and the three research efforts Suellen has completed. They were good examples of ethnographic research and how it is conducted.

December 6, 2002, Xiumei Wang led the discussion on Exploring the Enhancement of Internet Search Engines from User's Perspectives. This presentation wrapped up this semesters presentations

November 22, 2002, Dr. Danielle Plumer led a discussion on, Humanities Computing Initiatives, or Why You Shouldn't Assume that English Majors Don't Know Anything About Computers. Danielle is one of the two founders of the School of Information Graduate Writing Project.

November 15, 2002, Tatiana Nikolova-Houston led the discussion with her presentation, Digitalization for Preservation and Access in Bulgaria: Historical Research of Printed Material. She shared the problems of implementing change in Bulgaria and its importance for other libraries and archives in the world. The talk was highlighted by slides of monasteries, rare books, papers, and realia in Bulgaria. On

November 8, 2002, Suellen Adams, led the discussion on The School of Information Ph.D. Program of the Future. Suellen will lead a discussion a discussion of the latest Ph.D. Committee thinking on the direction the modifications of the Ph.D. program. Dr. Doty has forwarded details of that proposal to all Ph.D. students. Suellen has volunteered to lead this discussion in order that Ph.D. comments may be heard before the package is presented to the Graduate Studies Committee for discussion on Tuesday, November 12. Suellen is now scheduled January present her Research into Information in Computer Gaming: An Idea in Progress next January. Suellen's area of specialization is in computer games.

November 1, 2002, Dr. Don Davis led the discussion on the historic research methodology. He provided the theoretical basis, examples of dissertations using this approach, and handouts listing some of the UT scholar currently publishing historical research.

October 25, 2002, Jennifer McCormick led the discussion on Overview of Cognitive Science and How It Relates to Human Computer Interface (HCI). The presentation was based on Jennifer's current work in her Cognitive Science seminar.

October 18, 2002, Jennifer Jobst led the discussion on Accessibility and Human Computer Interface (HCI). The presentation provided an overview of Section 508, Title 18 US Code requirements for accessibility to computers information. Jennifer's presentation was based on her work as a software designer.

October 4, 2002, Deon Dempsey, a GSLIS Ph.D. student, presented her experiences working in the libraries of India and Bangladesh. It was an enlightening presentation listing not only the academe work she did, but relating to us how it fit in her Ph.D. pursuits.

September 27, 2002, Lori Eichelberger, a GSLIS Ph.D. candidate working on her proposal, discussed her experience in passing her comprehensive exams and her role on the Ph.D. committee. She asked that we provide her input on the structure and content of the Ph.D. program.

September 20, 2002, Mac McGuire, a GSLIS Ph.D. student, provided an interesting presentation on the Confluence of Leadership and Information: Strategic Planning. Mac is a third year Ph.D. student and consultant on Strategic Planning and Quality Management. During the discussion, Mac provided us insight into the current comprehensive examination process based on his experience last spring semester. He argued for changes. Dean Dillon mentioned that the examination process is currently under review but that he does not expect to see changes until next spring at the earliest.

September 13, 2002, Lance Hayden, a Ph.D. student, provided an excellent overview of computer network security titled Information Security Concepts. The discussion accompanying the presentation was interesting and at times lively. It was clear from the presentation that we do not think enough about security.

September 6, 2002, Lisa Kleinman a GSLIS Ph.D. student, led the discussion with a thought provoking presentation titled Information Design: Communicating Complexity. She began with a review of the thoughts of leading design theorists such as Edward R. Tufte ,followed by good and bad application of those principles in the design of business home Webpages in use today. Discussion was lively with not all agreeing on what design elements contribute toward an effective business home page.

August 30, 2002, Don Drumtra, a GSLIS Ph.D. student, led the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation on how LIS and its subdisciplines fit into the system of disciplines in American universities and what this school offers in general. Don mentioned three articles which are especially important for Ph.D. students for understanding LIS and what role the Ph.D. should play in it:

Borko, Harold. (1868). Information Science; What is it? American Documentation 19(1) 3-5.
Bates, Marcia. (1998). The Invisible Substrate of Information. Journal of the American Society for Information Science 50, #12 (1999) 1043-1050.
Bates, Marcia. (1999, in press). The Role of Ph.D. in a Professional Field.

Content Manager: Don Drumtra
Last update: 2003 Septemgber 8