Visit http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org for more on technology for libraries! How do you maximize your technology resources? When should you replace computers? How do you manage software updates? Do you have enough bandwidth to support patron Internet use? Technology decisions can be difficult to make, but a technology plan can help you focus your efforts. Join us for this free webinar to learn from small libraries that have used technology planning to make better decisions, be more prepared, and improve services to their communities. Even with limited time and resources, a technology plan can help your library stay up-to-date. We will share tips and tactics to help you create a plan for your library’s technology. Our guests for this webinar are: -- Julie Elmore, Library Director, Oakland City-Columbia Township Public Library (IN) -- Travis Montgomery, Technology Specialist, Liberty Lake Municipal Library (WA)

1. Technology Planning Tips for
Small Libraries
August 19, 2015

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7. August 19, 2015
Technology Planning Tips for
Small Libraries

8. Julie Elmore
Oakland City-Columbia Township
Public Library
Oakland City, IN
Presenters
Chat: Becky Wiegand
Twitter: Ginny Mies
Travis Montgomery
Liberty Lake Municipal Library
Liberty Lake, WA
Crystal Schimpf
TechSoup for Libraries
San Francisco, CA
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs

9. • The Director Perspective
• The IT Perspective
• Tips, Templates, Best Practices
• Resources
• Q&A
Today’s Topics
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs

10. Does your library have a current technology
plan?
•Yes
•No
•I’m not sure
Poll

11. Are you required to have a technology plan?
Check all that apply.
•Yes, my state library requires it
•Yes, a funder requires it
•Yes, my board requires it
•Yes, for other reasons
•No, I’m not required
•I don’t know if it is required
Poll

12. Technology Planning:
The Director Perspective
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Julie Elmore
Library Director
Oakland City – Columbia Township
Public Library
www.occtpl.lib.in.us
occtpl@gmail.com
Personal Twitter: @rurallubrarian

13. About Us

14. Why I First Created A Tech Plan?
I had to
Indiana Administrative Code 590 Rule 6

15. • Serves as a guide
• Provides direction
• Serves as an evaluation tool
• Measures progress
Why I’m Glad It Was Required?

16. Our Plan
• 3 year plan
• Utilized state library templates
http://www.in.gov/library/files/TEMPLATE_Technolo
gy_Plan_2011_12_06.pdf
• I opted for the K.I.S.S. strategy
(Keep It Super Simple)

17. Simplicity
Benefits of simplicity:
– Don’t stress over not knowing details
– If it doesn’t apply to you, leave it out
– It allows for your library to stay fluid

18. • Not a one afternoon job
• Inventory what you have
• Direction
• Focus on key areas
• Goals and objectives
• Drafts and edits
Time & Process
image credit: openclipart.org

19. • Mission Statement
• Technology Inventory
• Goals & Objectives
• Professional Development Strategy
• Budget
• Evaluation Process
What’s Included

20. More than just computers:
– Networks
– Computers (hardware & software)
– peripherals
– Internet Connections
– ILS
Current and Proposed Inventory

21. • Maintenance
• Patron Training
• Replacements
• Online presence for the library
• Databases
Goals & Objectives

22. Online Presence

23. • Virus Protection
• Upgrades
• Updates
• Cleaning
Maintenance

24. Training, Training, Training
• Patron training
– classes
– one-on-one
• Staff training

25. Professional Development
“The Oakland City – Columbia Twp. Public Library strives to have
a knowledgeable staff when it comes to our technology. When
new equipment is added to the library, staff receives training on
how the equipment is operated. Additionally, when time allows
staff members are encouraged to take advantage of any freely
available training. “

26. $ Money $
• Existing Budgets
– Our goals are written to be realistic to our budget.
• Grants
• Free Stuff!

27. Evaluation
• Monitor your progress
“Technology needs will be monitored by staff through
observing usage and requests for new technology.”
• Frequency

28. • Keep it realistic
• K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple)
• Review and evaluate
• You’re a Librarian,
YOU CAN DO THIS
Remember
Photo credit: rg1024 on openclipart.org

29. Please type your questions in the chat window.
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Julie Elmore
Library Director
Oakland City – Columbia Township
Public Library
www.occtpl.lib.in.us
occtpl@gmail.com
Personal Twitter: @rurallubrarian

30. • Planning for Success
• Small and Rural Libraries
• Recipes for a Five Star Library
Download at:
TechSoupforLibraries.org
TechSoup for Libraries Cookbooks

31. Technology Planning:
The IT Perspective
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs
Travis Montgomery
Technology Specialist
Liberty Lake Municipal Library
www.libertylakewa.gov/library
tmontgomery@libertylakewa.gov

32. Liberty Lake Municipal Library
• Population: 8925
• 10 miles from Spokane WA
• 3 full time staff
• 9 part time staff
• Lots of wonderful volunteers

33. Practical Reasons For Having A Technology Plan

34. Saving Money
The best time to buy something is when you don’t need it.

35. Shop Around
• NewEgg
• TechSoup
• Amazon
• eBay
• Frys

36. Shop at the Right Time
• Black Friday
• Cyber Tuesday
• After Christmas

37. Preventative Maintenance

38. Compressed Air

39. Rubber Rejuvenator

40. Surge Protectors &
Uninterrupted Power Supplies

41. Kiosk Software
• Deep Freeze
• Drive Vaccine
• Reboot Restore RX (Free)
• Steady State (Free)

42. Software & Security Updates
•Important Updates
•Antivirus Definitions

43. What do you do if you
don’t have access to an IT Guy?

44. Search Engines
•Google
•Bing
•Yahoo
How you ask the question
is just as important as
the question itself

45. Microsoft IT Academy

46. How-To Books

47. YouTube

48. Networking with other Libraries
•Talk to other libraries
•Forums or Message Boards
•Networking is not just
computer based

49. Community Outreach
It can go both ways

50. Replacement Schedules
•Every library is different
•Make it your own
•It should evolve over time

51. Liberty Lake’s Technology Plan
IT and Library Director: 50/50 split

52. Please type your questions in the chat window.
Travis Montgomery
Technology Specialist
Liberty Lake Municipal Library
www.libertylakewa.gov/library
tmontgomery@libertylakewa.gov
@techsoup4libs
#ts4libs

53. • WebJunction: Technology Planning
• LITA Guide: Technology Planning for Small and One-Person
Libraries
• Idealware: Technology Planning Training (TechSoup Donation)
• Tactical Technology Planning: Requesting Technology
Donations through TechSoup (Webinar Archive)
Other Resources

54. TechSoup for Libraries

55. • Online reading education program
• For children age 3-13
• TechSoup product donation
• 10 license subscription packs
Upcoming TechSoup Webinars
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Thursday, 8/27, 11AM-12PM PST
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Wednesday, 9/16, 11AM-12PM PST

56. Thank You to Our Webinar Sponsor!
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