11. The Structure Executive summary Library description Library challenges Current technology environment Emerging technologies Web site evaluation Recommendations http://www.flickr.com/photos/99771506@N00/5791228117/
23. Web Site Analysis http://www.flickr.com/photos/90288178@N00/4800030571/
24. Recommendations Priorities Description of relevant categories Listing of the specific recommendations Type (new software, application, hardware) Cost (including interdependencies) Benefits Recommended timeline Assessment/results/training needed http://www.flickr.com/photos/83198397@N00/5037340038/
25. “In the next [time frame], the library will [action or recommendation], which will result in [associated benefits].” http://www.flickr.com/photos/88133570@N00/2979568085/
28. Resources Matthews, Joseph R., Technology Planning: Preparing and Updating a Library Technology Plan: Libraries Unlimited, 2005. TechSoup: http://www.techsoup.org/ Technology Planning for E-rate: http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/step02/ technology-planning/ Links:http://delicious.com/travelinlibrarian/techplan
Editor's Notes
Why plan?
A planA demonstrationA lens with which to focusA prioritizing agentA budgeting toolAn aligner with other institutional goalsA training scheduleA fund-raising tool
ConciseSpecificIntegratedForeseeableFlexible
Tech for tech’s sakeDoesn’t connect the tech to the mission of the libraryDoesn’t explain why the tech is neededPoorly organizedTechno-babbleLeaves stuff out
Alignment: Is your plan to use technology in alignment with the programs and mission of your organization?Does the plan align with the programs and mission of the funders with whom you wish to develop or deepen your relationship?Business Case: The business case for most technology projects can be computed by a relatively straightforward equation. The net benefits of the technology initiatives must outweigh the total costs.Framework for Accountability: Your plan should provide a high-level timeline for achieving goals and putting technology systems in place in a strategic and coordinated way. This timeline is a natural framework for ensuring accountability and providing funders with concrete milestones. During each phase of the planning, development and implementation, organizations and funders can make decisions about whether tasks were accomplished and initiatives continue to be viable.Discrete Initiatives: Often it will be in your best interest to develop your technology plan as a series of discrete initiatives. If you are pursuing a multi-funder strategy, this will allow funders the opportunity to decide which specific areas of the plan they would like to fund.Appropriate Costs: Demonstrate reasonable efforts to optimize the costs of your projects. Consider ongoing costs such as staff time, maintenance, and support.Proactive Approach: Articulate how your plan is proactive in its approach to technology instead of just simply trying to patch a set of existing problems in a "break-and-fix" mode of IT spending.Highlight Innovation: Many funders may be drawn to projects that use technology in new and innovative ways to service programs and mission. Funders may view such innovation projects as an opportunity to experiment with ideas that may prove to be valuable for other grantees in their portfolio. Although innovation can also provide an opportunity to raise the profile of your organization in the eyes of prospective funders, keep in mind that funders who are most interested in innovation may differentiate between "leading edge" and "bleeding edge" technology projects.Viability and Sustainability: You will need to ensure that the set of objectives outlined in your technology plan are reasonable both in their scope and timeframe. Additionally, your technology plan and its initiatives must be able to endure over time and enhance the health and long-term stability of your organization.
BoardDirectorDepartment headsStaffPublic?
Direct:Current strategic and/or long-range planLibrary mission and/or vision statementCurrent and/or previous technology plansIndirect:All of the above for parent institutionLibrary journals, magazines, and blogs
A 1-2 page narrative summary of the plan
(Cravath Memorial Library,Hay Springs)IntroductionPurpose of the planLibrary historyPhysical descriptionMission statementCommunity servedStaffingBudgetCollection size & annual growthServices offeredUse of the libraryCurrent technologyVisuals never hurt
Think about “competencies”What do you think you staff needs to know to move your library into the future.
Technology Skills Library Staff Should Havehttp://alalearning.org/2011/01/21/techskills/TerminologyTechnology terms glossaryHardwareParts of your desktop computerParts of a laptop computerUsing printersUsing photocopiersUsing telephonesUsing fax machinesUsing self-checksUsing projectorsUsing digital still camerasUsing digital video camerasUsing digital microphonesUsing sorting systemsSoftwareOperating systemEffective management of files and folders systemsWord Processing softwareSpreadsheet softwarePresentation softwareMultimedia players and plug-insWeb browsersE-mail and calendar software (Outlook or whatever)ILS (back-end staff-side stuff)Computer and/or room reservation softwareOnline reference softwarePhoto editing softwareVideo editing softwareAudio editing softwareSecurity and PrivacyPolicies regarding security on public computersPolicies regarding security on staff computersPolicies regarding user data collection and privacyPublic ComputingFamiliarity with softwareFamiliarity with hardwareFamiliarity with wired and wireless networksFamiliarity with computer and network use policiesErgonomicsProper ergonomic computer set-upHow to avoid repetitive stress injuriesHow to avoid eye strain with computersLibrary web presenceURLs for library’s website and catalogUsing the library’s websiteUsing the library’s web catalogBest practices for searching the catalog and websiteFamiliarity with library’s or library vendors’ mobile apps or sitesFamiliarity with eBooks collectionsFamiliarity with databasesFamiliarity with virtual reference and tutoring servicesFamiliarity with accessibility requirements and proceduresWriting for the web best practicesHow to post content (text, links, images) to the library’s websiteHow to post content to the library’s intranetBest practices for social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)How to post photos to FlickrHow to post video or audio files (to whatever sites you’re using)TroubleshootingAssisting in-house users effectively on our equipment or theirsAssisting remote users effectively on their equipmentPersonal SkillsContinuous learningChange managementPlanning and evaluating new information technology systemsAbility to quickly learn and adapt to new web servicesOne-on-one training best practices
Follows current design practices?Platform?Static, CMSAccessible?Social?Mobile?
