Island Free Library Technology Plan
2012-2015
Vision Statement
The mission of the Island Free Library is to provide the citizens of Block Island and the visitors to
Block Island with a broad range of materials that will meet their on-going needs for educational,
recreational, civic, economic and cultural pursuits. This will include the use of electronic
information and technology. The library will assist its patrons and staff in becoming familiar
with new as well as existing electronic information resources and devices through on-going
instruction, guidance and opportunities.
Goal 1: Develop and implement electronic resources to effectively meet the needs of the Block
Island community.
Objective A: Provide cost-effective electronic resources that fulfill the library’s strategic plan for
public services.
Activities for Implementation:
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Annually evaluate and implement or renew online database subscriptions that
meet the needs of the community.
Purchase Microsoft Office 2010 software for both the staff and public
computers.
Investigate and evaluate software or online subscriptions for GED prep, SAT prep
and typing instruction.
Provide educational and interactive software for children and young adults.
Objective B: Provide assistance and training for the public and the staff in using the library’s
electronic resources.
Activities for Implementation:
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Provide online help documents, available thru the library web site for software
programs offered by the library.
Create “how-to” video tutorials for e-commerce, ezone, e-readers, Envisionware
and all other electronic resources, tools and gadgets.
Strategize a space as well as opportunities for young adults/teens to harness
creativity, including web design, writing, publishing and production and editing
of music and video.
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Goal 2: Provide electronic resources that allow staff to carry out work functions effectively and
efficiently.
Objective A: Maintain a training program so staff can perform effectively in their own jobs and
can provide knowledgeable assistance to the public.
Activities for Implementation:
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Hold at least 5 staff group sessions per year based on competency lists and
results of technology skills survey.
Schedule at least one staff meeting program per year to review or introduce new
technology in the library.
Provide online tutorials or training for staff to learn at their own pace.
Develop role-based technology competencies based on WebJunction’s
Competency Index for the Library Field.
Assess staff competencies by having staff complete the TechAtlas Technology
Skills Survey annually and strive for improvement through needed staff training
driven by survey results.
Objective B: Deliver catalog and reference service away from the traditional reference desk
scenario by using wireless connectivity in the stacks and on the floor.
Activities for Implementation:
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Purchase handheld wireless devices to be used in roaming reference and
reader’s advisory. These handheld devices will also be used as telephones away
from the desk.
Train staff on use of handheld devices and reference service to provide
competent and efficient assistance to patrons using wireless technology.
Purchase handheld wireless devices to be used for collections inventory.
Train staff on use of handheld devices for inventory using wireless technology.
Goal 3: Electronic Collection Development and Web Services- Select, organize and maintain a
quality collection of electronic materials which will provide a basis for community information,
education, recreation and historical preservation.
Objective A: Improve and expand service to people who potentially will or already do use the
library virtually rather than in person.
Activities for Implementation:
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Add online catalog features such as RSS feeds, My Lists, patron reviews and
Nearby on Shelf to add more patron interaction and functionality to the catalog.
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Redesign the library’s website.
Create a functional mobile website to allow commuters, pedestrians and visitors
on-the-go access to the library’s resources quickly and seamlessly.
Utilize existing social networking tools and sites to develop a social network
presence.
Investigate the optimal way to offer frequently asked reference questions to the
public via the website.
Acquire more digital tools to share with the public to provide hands-on access
and information thru the development of the “technology petting zoo” and the
“gadget mobile”.
Strategize with the Sr. Advisory Committee for ways to expose the senior
population on Block Island to new technologies and electronic resources.
Objective B: Convert as many local history resources as possible to electronic format to
increase accessibility and help preserve the collection.
Activities for Implementation:
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Investigate digitizing photographs and documents from the Block Island History
Collection.
Link the Block Island History Collection to the library’s website.
Goal 4: Facilities and Equipment- Provide technology resources to support the objectives of the
library.
Objective A: Maintain network equipment and resources to ensure a stable computing
environment.
Activities for Implementation:
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Review existing technology policies annually and make recommendations for
new policies.
Implement annual and special Innovative upgrades.
Annually review software and equipment licenses and maintenance agreements
and renew as needed.
Investigate VOIP (Voice over IP) telecommunications to replace the current
telephone system.
Investigate touch screen scan station.
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Objective B: Implement green technology practices that preserve the environment and save
money through reduced consumption.
Activities for Implementation:
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Encourage staff participation in online webinars, videoconferences and
workshops thus reducing travel.
Install Microsoft Office OneNote and encourage staff to enter random notes,
procedures and data in a single location (private and/or shared) that eliminates
binders and pages of information.
Investigate energy management software for the network to track energy usage
on the network and make suggestions for reducing consumption.
Reorganize copier, printer, fax, scanner and photo printer capabilities for
minimal electricity consumption and reduced supplies.
Objective C: Investigate funding technologies projects within financial constraints to develop
and sustain needed and effective information services.
Activities for Implementation:
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Investigate, prepare and submit a digitization grant that fits the scope requested,
and adheres to state standards.
Investigate LSTA technology grants and apply to applicable grant opportunities.
Investigate and apply to other grants funding the enhancement of technology in
the library.
Continue to appeal for Town of New Shoreham capital project money to ensure
the continued advancement of technology in the library.
Pursuit Sony e-reader library program.
Objective D: Implement and maintain security and disaster prevention practices to ensure a
stable and secure environment.
Activities for Implementation:
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Continue to comply with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act
(CIPA) to remain eligible for federal funding under E-Rate, LSTA and other
federally funded programs.
Review and update disaster plan annually to ensure preventative measures
regarding the technology plan and its implementation.
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