Three surveys were conducted of CORE library users, technologies, and staff skills. The user survey found high satisfaction rates and that desktop computers were the most used service. The technology survey found that most libraries used integrated library systems like TLC and Polaris and were satisfied with their systems. It also found that PC management software was commonly used to manage public computers. The staff skills survey found that 45% of staff may need training, particularly in data analysis, troubleshooting, and maintaining websites. It recommended establishing a training task force, developing training plans, dedicating a portion of budgets to training, and leveraging various training opportunities.
3. 32% employed full time 18% unemployed 30% did not have a computer at home 44% did not have Internet access at home 54% lived within 5 miles of the library 25% visited the library more than twice a week Demographics
4. 70% were very satisfied with the library Only 4% were somewhat or very dissatisfied Most satisfied groups: Most frequent users Retired Those living farthest from the library Least satisfied groups: Employed part time Students Those living closest to the library Overall Satisfaction
5. Desktop computers 74% Printers 53% Website 52% Integrated library system 47% Online catalog 41% No other service used by more than 22% of respondents Desktop computers were #1 for all demographic groups, all but one library Printers or Website were #2 for all but one demographic group, all but two libraries Library Services
6. Online job and career information 32% General computer skills 30% Online government information 29% Digital photography 28% Online genealogy information 27% No other topic selected by more than 22% of respondents All accounted for #1 choice for all libraries All accounted for #1 and #2 choices for all demographic groups Training Needs
7. Two thirds or more agreed that … Library had online resources they needed Staff had necessary expertise Computers were up to date Computers had software they needed Bandwidth was sufficient Less than half agreed that … Library had enough computers Time limits on computers were a problem Filters and firewalls were a problem Library Technologies
8. November 2009 27 CORE libraries Intended to provide a picture of the technologies being used throughout the CORE Library Survey
9. 56% had TLC, 33% had Polaris All had circulation, cataloging, online catalog More than 40% had enriched content for catalog, remote patron authentication, and email notification All libraries were satisfied with their system All but one were satisfied with their vendor support Integrated Library Systems
10. Only 33% of libraries had RFID Four vendors – ITG, Tech Logic, 3M, Checkpoint 78% or more had security gates, self-check Fewer than half had shelf scanners, book drop readers 7 of 9 were satisfied with the system 8 of 9 were satisfied with the vendor RFID
11. 78% had PC management 67% of these had Envisionware All or almost all had authentication, print management, and time management 18 of 20 were satisfied with the system 17 of 20 were satisfied with the vendor PC Management
12. Over three fourths had replacement cycles for public and staff computers Every 5 years was most common cycle 13 of 23 libraries can’t replace public PCs this year 19 of 25 libraries can’t replace staff PCs this year Main reason = cost Computers
13. 85% offered informal assistance 50% offered formal classes 35% offered online training materials 45% had a lab 45% had staff conduct training Most popular topics: general computer skills, using email, online job-seeking info, Web searching Technology Training
14. Reference via email 59% Fax machines for public 56% E-audio resources 37% Facebook account 33% Online book clubs 33% Scanners for public 33% Digitized special collections 26% Technologies Used
15. 106 sites from 24 CORE libraries Public Internet PCs More than half had fewer than 10 Only 22% had children-only Internet PCs Public non-Internet PCs 65% had fewer than 5 89% of these had children-only PCs Only 13% said that the number of PCs was not adequate Individual Sites - PCs
16. 46% had 3.1 Mbps – 6 Mbps 25% had more 28% had less 36% had cable, 28% had fiber Only 11% said that bandwidth was not adequate Individual Sites - Connections
17. 81% provided public wifi Of these … 81% provided it 24 x 7 51% filter wifi access 49% used same connection for public and staff but with no bandwidth management 70% of sites provide the only free public computer and Internet access in their areas Individual Sites - Wifi
18. October to December 2009 Technology Skills Survey from TechAtlas 342 staff members responded 69 per cent of staff who were invited 27 CORE libraries represented Staff Skills Survey
19. 45% of staff may need training in at least one area of their work Most pressing needs: Analyzing data with spreadsheet 29% Troubleshooting hardware/software 29% Enter/retrieving data from databases 28% Maintaining Website 25% Preferred learning styles Classroom instruction 35% One-on-one instruction 32% Findings
20. Establish a CORE Staff Training or Staff Development Task Force Develop staff training plans Target 2% of personnel budget to staff training Target 17 hours of staff training per employee per year Take advantage of … State Library, library association workshops College, library school classes Master Trainer program “Learning 2.0” approach Transfer of training Staff Training Recommendations
