SYSTEM X PUBLIC LIBRARY
TECHNOLOGY PLAN
FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICE DISCOUNT ELIGIBILITY
Date Written: December 1, 2010
Library System X’s Mission Statement
The mission of Public Library System X is to help promote within the community; the
communication of ideas, enlightened citizenship, and enriched the lives of our patrons
through access to educational and recreational materials in print and non-print as well
as various technology based formats. The libraries within the system shall serve as a
center of reliable information and support educational, civic, and cultural activities of the
community, regardless of race, gender, age or social economic background, with trying
to become the community center of libraries of yesteryear.
Library System X’s Technology Statement
In order to achieve the mission statement of the Library System X; the system needs to
incorporate the use of the latest trends in technology. This technology plan will outline the
areas that are being grown, developed, and evaluated as well as the means to use these new
developed technologies to better serve the patrons of the this system. This technology plan is a
living document that is subject to change as new technologies are made available to the
system.
Development of the Plan
This technology plan was created from input from full time staff members, the County’s
IT department and when deemed necessary various partners with in the community; i.e. the
Board of Education and school librarians that have a vested interest in the technological needs
of the system. The technology plan will also meet any criteria that is set forward by the State
Library and if possible surpass what they have set.
Library Goals
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Library System X plays an important part in the community with being a place to meet the
technological needs of its patrons, but not just as a place to use technology, but a place to learn
how to use this technology as well. With ever changing face of technology from the hardware
to software there are many patrons that have a hard time keeping up with all of the advances
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The Community and the Library as a Place of Learning
that are being made. So to help our patrons to keep up to date, without crossing over and
conflicting with other agencies, Library System X continues to offer basic computing and
technology based classes that cover new software and technologies being used on public access
computers to new technologies, such as e-readers for patron use and check out.
Objectives to be met:
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To make sure that patrons are aware of the classes being held at all libraries
To make sure there is at least one library staff member at each branch is prepared to
teach classes
To make sure that each library has the technology needed to teach classes; either in a
permanent computer lab or mobile computer lab that can be used in conjunction with
either a meeting or conference room
Evaluation:
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The number of patrons attending these classes
The number of new technologies being checked out that the library provides its patrons
Public Computer Access
Following the logic of the pervious goal of having classes to benefit the patrons of the
system; not all patrons have access to computers or the internet within their homes, these
patrons than turn to the library to meet these needs. From school work to job finding to
checking e-mail the public access computers have become and interracial part of the library
environment. And there a variety of goals to be met in order to have full function public access
computers for patron use.
Goals:
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To provide a safe network and computers free from viruses, spyware, and malware
To provide reasonable speeds on the network for patron use
To provide the latest versions of MS Office
To maintain the public access computers software/virtual environment
To maintain the public access computers hardware
To make sure staff knows basic trouble shooting techniques for as to why the computer
might not be working and to know when to ask for help from the library or county IT
staff
To provide enough public access computers to make sure that there is only a minimal
wait time.
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Evaluation:
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The statistics of computer use
The downtime of computers that have issues be it hardware or software
The number of virus, spyware, or malware that make it onto the computers
To track the wait times of people having to wait for a computer when all public access
computers are full
Patrons With Disabilities
Provide a class that teaches patrons with visual disabilities how to utilize software that allows
them to access a computer. There are a number of available programs and software that allow
either those with limited vision or those who are legally blind to still take advantage of
everything the computer has to offer.
Goals:
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Teach visually impaired patrons the basics of using JAWS software and other screen
reader technologies.
Provide patrons with a list of well frequented websites that are screen-reader friendly.
Evaluation:
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Survey each member after the final class to rate the effectiveness of the program and
take suggestions for possible improvements.
Reduction in help requests related to computing resources by patrons with visual
disabilities
Gaming And the Library
In this day and age the library needs to look at alternative ways in order to bring teens, tweens,
and children into the library. Since libraries are looking at social networking to do this; there is
another avenue to peruse, gaming.
To bring more Teens and Tweens into the library
To use games to find other interests Teens and Tweens into the library
To allow a neutral/ground for Teens and Tweens to interact regardless of social
economic backgrounds.
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Goals:
Evaluation:
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The number of YA books, magazine, and other materials that are checked out after
Gaming Programming
The number of teen, tweens, and children attending the gaming programs
Web Presence
Library System has a variety of web presences. The Library’s main website is maintained by the
county as like many library websites across the state on county to maintain a uniformed look
with other county agencies.
The library catalogue online system is hosted by the county but is housed within the ILS, which
allows patrons access to the library’s collection for the purpose of knowing what is in the
collection; as well as putting holds on items in which they want. It also allows patrons to
manage their accounts for the purpose of know what they have checked out and what they
want to renew without having to leave home.
On top of that each library branch in the system may, if they so choose, use a social networking
website(s) in order to create a much more personal space for their patrons to interact with
their branch.
CIPA
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So that Library X meets both State and Federal Laws when it comes to internet safety for
children, filtering software and hardware are in place. There are several levels of security in
place starting with SonicWall Internet Security Appliance, a state-of-the-art security platform
that include an ICSA-certified firewall with security services including network anti-virus, IPSec
VPN, digital certificate authentication and content filtering were installed in 2007 on the Library
WAN. There is a second wall in place as well, iPrism; it allows for blocking of internet sites
based on content ratings, which is customizable and can allow access to sites regardless of
content ratings through IP addresses. These programs are used on all computers in both the
library system and county. Being CIPA compliant allows access to additional State and Federal
funding.
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
ILS
Library System X as being a bold an innovative library system has migrated over to the
Evergreen ILS system. Patrons and Staff have both notice the easy in which they
system is used. There was only a minor learning curve once the system was in place.
Both patrons and staff picked up the skills to use Evergreen off of the skills they had
already based on computer and internet skills. Classes were held for Patrons and Staff
to help them along in the transition.
Evergreen allows staff members to do their jobs much more efficiently with the ease in
which this ILS is used.
As for patrons Evergreen is allowing them more access and control over their account
than the previous systems.
Evergreen looks to be the library’s current ILS for quite some time.
Internet Access
The internet has become one of the greatest technological tools since the creation of
the computer. The internet allows a freedom of information that has never been seen
before on such a global scale. It allows information and communications to move at
speed in which it has never done in the past.
This freedom of information and access to it has become a function of the library;
especially for those in the community that can afford their computers and then the
internet. That is why it is public access computers with internet access is a prime
concern of Library System X. The computers need to remain up to date and current,
(see computer replacement plan below) along with have as unrestricted as possible
internet (falling into line with State and Federal Laws and to remain eligible for LSTA
and E-Rate funding). Hence the reason the library system follow all CIPA guide lines.
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Including the firewalls and other protection programs on the computers to protect
patrons and the computers from viruses, spam, or waleware; each public access
computer has Microsoft Steady State installed upon it. Steady State creates a mirrored
partitioned drive that is wiped upon each reboot or log of the computer. So the computer
always returns to the state in which it was when Steady State was first installed. This
program alone has freed up countless hours of IT staff and Computer Downtime from
having to try and fix computers harmed by viruses, spam, or waleware; allowing any
staff member the ability to fix roughly 95% of the problems that occur with a simple
reboot of the inflicted computer.
Library System X is also bound by the filters and restrictions put in place by the county’s
IT department.
Library System X also allows unrestricted internet access through patrons own personal
computers and devices that can connect wirelessly via a Wi-Fi signal provided by an
outsourced vendor. This has also been done that ever such time that the county losses
internet connectivity there is a back up to connect with for the patrons. This connection
also allows the library to connect to the internet with the mobile computer lab to help
patrons with untimed or restricted access to the internet for tests or proctoring.
CIPA
So that Library X meets both State and Federal Laws when it comes to internet safety for
children, filtering software and hardware are in place. There are several levels of security in
place starting with SonicWall Internet Security Appliance, a state-of-the-art security platform
that include an ICSA-certified firewall with security services including network anti-virus, IPSec
VPN, digital certificate authentication and content filtering were installed in 2007 on the Library
WAN. There is a second wall in place as well, iPrism; it allows for blocking of internet sites
based on content ratings, which is customizable and can allow access to sites regardless of
content ratings through IP addresses. These programs are used on all computers in both the
library system and county. Being CIPA compliant allows access to additional State and Federal
funding.
Web Presence
Library System has a variety of web presences. The Library’s main website is maintained by the
county as like many library websites across the state on county to maintain a uniformed look
with other county agencies.
The library catalogue online system is hosted by the county but is housed within the ILS, which
allows patrons access to the library’s collection for the purpose of knowing what is in the
collection; as well as putting holds on items in which they want. It also allows patrons to
manage their accounts for the purpose of know what they have checked out and what they
want to renew without having to leave home.
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On top of that each library branch in the system may, if they so choose, use a social networking
website(s) in order to create a much more personal space for their patrons to interact with
their branch.
Training
Training in Library System X is based around core competencies that all full time library staff
shall know. These included, but not limited to, basic usage of e-mail, internet, and MS Office,
etc. Basic those skills that are needed to function in today technological based world. They
must all have a working knowledge of the basic functions of the ILS system. With these core
competencies, staff would also know how to handle basic problems with the computers so that
the IT department does not have to be called for every glitch or problem.
Library System X is committed to have staff participate in continuing education classes. Each
staff member must at least attended two different workshops either online or in person;
though more may be attended. The funds for this have already been allocated into the system’s
budget.
Library System X also has put into place a mobile computer training lab that is comprised of
laptops, which can be moved between library branches for training purposes. These laptops can
be used for trainings for both staff and the public and would not cause the public access
computers to be tied up with a class.
Equipment/Technology Replacement Policy
Library System X uses technology on various levels ranging from library staff to the patrons.
Technology has changed the way the library system functions across the board and staying up
to date and current is a key concern along with keeping within the mission of the library. The
purpose of this policy is to create a set of guidelines to meet the needs of the system as well to
govern the use of this technology.
The Cycle of Replacement
With the nature of technology always change the replacement and upgrading of current
technology is always a growing concern, because if it is not kept up to a reasonable date the
flow of information resources may become impeded. Technology and computers allow library
staff and the public to access current information and references not always available locally.
The number of computers available in each library
How often the computers are used (public vs. staff computers)
Can a computer be reassigned to a less demanding function such as word processing or
for the online catalog?
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In an ideal world replacement of computers would come in a three to five year cycle, but with
budgeting factors in play criteria must be put into place to help evaluate the need of computer
replacement when funds aren’t fully available for the three to five year cycle:
Types of Computers
Within the library system there are a number of different types of computers. Some computers
experience more wear and tear than other computers in the library system. What follows is the
hierarchy of computers in the library:
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Personal Staff Computers – These computers are only used by individual staff
members in their offices or cubical. They tend to be the only ones who use these
computers.
Special Staff Computers – These are computers that have a special designated
purpose, where a handful of staff members might end up using the computer; such as
Government Documents, Children’s Staff Computer, or the Genealogy Computer.
Reference Computers – These computers reside at the reference desk and are used
by all staff members that are assigned times at the reference desk.
Circulation Computers – These computers are used by all part-time circulation staff
as well as full-time staff who are assigned to circulation desk.
Public Access Computers – These are the computers used by the public to access the
internet and other programs made available to them by the library, which most includes
the Microsoft Office Professional Suite.
Word Processing Computers – These computers have no internet access and are
only used as word processing computers.
Download Station – This is a single terminal used to connect to the digital library for
patrons to download audio books to various digital players.
Children’s Computers – very basic computers with games provided by the Gates
Foundation and Open Source.
Card Catalogue Computers – These computers allow patrons to look up books in the
library system.
This hierarchy also shows the order in which computers will be recycled to a lesser function if a
computer above it is newer than the one below.
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Various statistical data will be given for the annual state report. Circulation Statistics,
Door Counts, and Public Access Computer Use Records will reflect the number of users
coming into the library to use the Internet, non-Internet activities, or both. The library
system will monitor monthly usage reports of all online data base that are made
available for patron use. The number of hits that occur on the Library’s main website;
along with the social networking sites with also be recorded. The library will also
maintain the numbers of both staff and patrons that are receiving any type of technology
training through the library be it software, hardware, or online resource.
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Over All Evaluation of Technology Based Services
There will also be an annual sampling through survey on the libraries’ use of technology
in meeting the needs of both the staff and the patrons. All staff members of the library
system will partake in the survey as well as a random sampling of patrons at all library
branches.
Library System X will review all services (at time of renewal) and consider the data and
input from staff members and patrons as to how best to update and modify the system’s
technology plan, which will include, but not limited to:
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Reviewing the technology plan annually for any needs of revisions
There will be a constant review of the number of computer workstations per
library so that any adjust that is needed can be made based on workstation
usage
Keeping an eye out for any new and/or upcoming technologies that can be
used to benefit the library system, staff or patrons
Date __________
APPROVED BY
State Library:
Date
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SUBMITTED BY
Library Director:
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Certification & Approval
Annual Cost
xxx.xx
Source(s) of Funding
County X’s Budget
Internal Internet
xxx.xx
County X’s Budget
Wireless (4 Branches)
$4,320.00
Library System X’s Budget
Computers, Staff
$11,000.00
Library System X’s Budget
Computers, Public Access
Firewalls, iPrism, Sonicwall
$8,960.00
xxx.xx
xxx.xx
xxx.xx
Library System X’s Budget
E-Rate
Gates Grant
County X’s Budget
Gaming
$600.00
Library System X’s Budget
Online Data Bases
$5,000.00
Library System X’s Budget
Staff Tech Training
$2,000.00
Library System X’s Budget
Staff Travel Expenses
xxx.xx
County X’s Budget
Misc. Computer: Parts,
Supplies, Software, etc.
$3,000.00
Library System X’s Budget
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Expenses
Telephones
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Budget