Document for review by Tennessee Library Association Library Technology members. For use by others as needed.

1. TLA LTR 2013-2015 Draft:
Cody Behles, Brian Rogers, Clifford Anderson, Nancy Gibson
The Tennessee Library Association’s Library Technology Roundtable (LTR) serves
professionals in the state of Tennessee working towards the advancement of library
technology in all aspects. We believe that all those interested in developing this aspect of
libraries should be presented with the tools and resources to achieve their goals regardless
of background, institutional affiliation, or skill level. Anyone who wishes to participate in
organizational activities, contribute to the mission, or seeks to advance library and
information science in Tennessee is a welcome member. The inclusion of IT-oriented
professionals who work with libraries is essential to the flourishing of libraries in the 21st
century.
In order to best serve the organization’s members and professionals across the state, the
LTR outlines five areas of focus which are designed to encourage a broader discussion
among librarians and information technology professionals in the state. These areas are
subject to change and revision based upon the evolving needs and skill level of the
profession over time. These five areas include:
● the provision of training for librarians and library Information Technology (IT)
professionals in order to educate patrons on technology
● the provision of training for librarians and library IT professionals to enhance their
professional knowledge
● the promotion and engagement of the technology community across the state of
Tennessee
● the promotion and sharing of technology tools and resources for the library
community.
● advocacy for library and library IT professionals at the state levels
Training for librarians and library IT professionals to educate patrons:
The library technology roundtable recognizes the need to provide practical training which
equips members with the ability to share technology resources with patrons. Using the
resources and expertise of librarians across the state, the LTR will offer workshops and
training sessions for librarians on a range of topics of interest to patrons in all library types.
Workshops will target all skill levels and will be available to share with any organizations
beyond the LTR which seek them out. At a future date, an archive of content will be created
providing the general user body with access to training resources created by libraries in the
state.
Professional development training for librarians and library IT professionals:
Training will be provided through the LTR on subjects of particular value to professionals,
though not necessarily of value to library patrons. Library systems training, content
management, server-side communication, and training on new devices available in libraries
are among the examples of subjects under the professional development training category.
Advocacy for a standardized technology skill level among librarians, as mentioned below,
requires the provision of training to bring the profession to that common level.
Promotion and engagement of the technology community across the state:

2. Tennessee has a strong technology community and hosts several conferences,
organizations, and groups focused on a wide range of technology skills. Libraries do not
currently engage with these organizations because we have lacked an avenue to seek out
these groups. The LTR will develop relationships with these organizations, and facilitate
library participation at events where possible. In addition, the LTR will partner with existing
organizations interested in library technology (LITA, Code4Lib SE, etc.) to provide
opportunities for training and development of library technology in the state.
In addition to eventually creating an archive of training content for the state, the group will
also endeavor to create a directory of technology organizations in the state which will assist
librarians across the state identify partner organizations for local events, workshops, and
activities. Underlying all of these goals is the mission of seeing library employees actively
engage with the robust technology community at our disposal.
Promotion and sharing of technology tools and resources for library community:
The deluge of technology resources and tools available to librarians creates a problem of
information overload. In order to assist with this, the LTR will provide a filtered and curated
resource list of technology tools and resources. In a similar vein, the creation of a LTR-
sponsored GitHub to encourage project sharing would be a valuable resource for members.
The compilation of technology specialist directory and GitHub will complement the
previously mentioned resources to be created by the LTR.
Advocacy:
The LTR will function as an advocate for issues of importance for the Library technology
community. Examples of such advocacy would be the promotion and education on the topic
of Net Neutrality, and providing awareness of copyright and licensing restrictions of digital
content to the library community. The roundtable will also advocate for professional diversity
and an appropriate skill level for library technology employees. It is essential that institutions
have an avenue to seek out advice on the best skills for a position to stay current and to
encourage the best possible additions to our community. On this same point, the LTR will
argue for the promotion of a consistent technology skill level in all libraries. This will be
supplemented with training to be offered by the LTR.
It is also the interest of the LTR to provide a voice to advocate for the consistent and
recurring funding of library technologies. It is essential that the position of the group be one
which can provide assistance and direction to the correct individuals when a member is
seeking assistance with a problem related to funding or reallocation of resources.