Practice tech plan

Proposal for Technological Upgrades & Advancements For the Pleasantville Public Library

Proposed By:

Elise Forte

Leanne Rizzo

Lisa Serres

SLIM Students

Emporia State University

Summer 2011

Pleasantville Public Library

123 America St, Pleasantville, CO

Evelyn Forte

ppl@gmail.com

(123) 456-7890

Pleasantville Public Library Technology Committee Members

Plan authors:

Elise Forte

Leanne Rizzo

Lisa Serres

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………….4
The Role of Technology at the Pleasantville Public Library…………………….4

Trends for the Future……………………………………………….…………………………..5
 The Mission of the Library and Technology Visio…………………………………..6
Current Use of Technology at PPL………………………………………………………….6
Future Use of Technology at PPL………………………….……………...........………..8

Implementation/Goals & Objectives/Long Range Objectives/Training ….8
 Possible Technology Purchases…………………………………………………………...10
Evaluations…………………………………………………………………………………………..10
Our Experiences……………………………………………………………………………….….11

Budget…. …………………………………………………………………………………………….12

References...............................................................................................13

I.                   Introduction
      The Pleasantville Public Library has been a constant structure of learning, knowledge, and education in the town of Pleasantville for 135 years.  Founded in 1875 by the town councilmen, the Pleasantville Public Library is a historic building.  It has weathered two World Wars and survived the Great Depression just barely.  The people of Pleasantville have supported this historic red brick building ever since its founding.  Due to the recent economic crisis in both the state of Colorado as well as across the nation, Pleasantville Public Library has suffered some neglect.  With the recent visit of Bill Gates, who spoke at the Pleasantville High School Graduation, Mr. Gates has happily consented to donate some money to upgrade and modernize the Pleasantville Public Library.  Mr. Gates has impressed upon the townspeople and the town council the importance of technology to the town and to the survival of the library.  Librarians and council members Elise Forte, Leanne Rizzo, and Lisa Serres therefore propose the following technology plan.  The plan will cover the role of technology at the Pleasantville Public Library, trends for the future, the mission of the library, long range objectives, implementation, and evaluation.  Ms. Forte, Ms. Rizzo, and Ms. Serres impress upon the Mayor of Pleasantville and Board of Trustees that money is no object, and the following proposal has nothing but benefits for the Pleasantville Library and the Town of Pleasantville.

II.                 The Role of Technology at Pleasantville Public Library
      The Pleasantville Public Library is an old red brick building built after the turmoil of the Civil War.  The library has no modern technology of which to speak.  The librarians still utilize card catalogs to find and organize the collection.  There are no computers present and fines are kept by a cash box and taken with exact change only.  Through the advancements of technology, the librarians have recognized that without modernizing the library, the library will become obsolete and close.  Every towns-person of Pleasantville relies on the library for knowledge and education and the closing of the library would have disastrous results.  Having computers with high speed internet capabilities, an Integrated Library System, among other products, the Pleasantville Public Library could regain its previous position as the primary place for every individual to go for all of their information needs.

III. a            Trends for the Future
    The Pleasantville Public Library has always been a steadfast part of the community.  Due to the purchases of the following products the Pleasantville Public Library will continue to be a leader in the town and the primary place for information gathering and collecting.  With the generous donation from Mr. Gates the library council predicts that the trend for the future will be constant and up-to-date.  The librarians ensure that they will do their best in purchasing the products and protecting those same products.     

III. b. Organizational Profile
The Pleasantville Public Library is located in Pleasantville, Colorado, population 5,280.  PPL serves 2,000 registered borrowers and competes with the Pleasant County Public Library, which serves the rest of the county and surrounding towns.  PPL has been in the same facility since 1950, when the building was first built.  The circulation records and material inventory of the library are difficult to determine because of previous bookkeeping practices.   With so few registered borrowers, the Pleasantville Public Library needs to increase community involvement and encourage a higher circulation of materials.  The history of technology in Pleasantville Public Library is rather short.  As of this month the PPL has no computers, photocopiers, or printers for staff or patron use.  As of this month, all records have been handwritten or typed via typewriter.  Previously, all records were filled in filing cabinets and all books were catalogued in a physical card catalogue.  Because of this previous practice, the need for new technology is urgent and will prove to be invaluable, both to our library and to our community.

IV. Mission of the Library

The mission of the Pleasantville Public Library is to provide free and equal access to materials and resources to all the citizens of Pleasantville.  PPL also strives to be a landmark for community-building activities and to encourage patrons to become and remain lifelong-learners.


Technology Vision
The technology vision of the Pleasantville Public Library is to implement  a stronger effort to stay current and bring Pleasantville Public Library closer to speed with the Digital Age.  The library envisions being able to offer library patrons an opportunity to use public access computers, new software and to become acquainted with basic technologies  that include printing and scanning, and high speed internet.  This will then create a greater customer/patron level of satisfaction within the Pleasantville Public Library.

V.  Current Use of Technology in the Pleasantville Public Library

The Pleasantville Public Library is lacking in many modern technological advancements.   The only technology that is present at the PPL is one microfiche reader, two typewriters, and one telephone.  It has been the recent experience of the new PPL’s Librarian that most patrons feel that the library does not meet their technology needs and therefore the library is not the place that the public can go to in order to have their technology needs met.  Several patrons have suggested that the PPL purchase computers for public use, though that has not been previously possible due to budget constraints and previous management ideologies.

VI.  Future Use of Technology in the Pleasantville Public Library

With our recent endowment, the Pleasantville Public Library plans to purchase ten new computers, three new printers, two new copiers, and one new scanner.  Previously, technology has not been as important to the PPL as it should have been.  In the Digital Age that we presently reside, technology has become a necessity and not a luxury and therefore we need to bring our library into the Digital Age.

VII.  Implementation

a. Our goals and objectives for the 2011-2012 fiscal years are

To update the Pleasantville Public Library’s filing and computing systems.
Objective:  We plan to use the computers that we wish to purchase to update the library’s filing system using [Innovative Millennium Interfaces (III).  By updating to III, the library’s catalogue can be accessed using a computer terminal in the library or online via a remote location.

To increase patron use of library
Objective:  We hope to increase library usage by thirty percent with the purchase of ten new computers, eight of which will be used by the public.  We at the PPL believe that technology is important in our modern society and if we increase our technology available to the public, then the public will increase their usage of our facility.

To make the PPL a more technology friendly environment
Objective:  By purchasing new equipment and having wireless internet access available to our patrons and staff, the PPL will become more technology friendly to its patrons and to its employees.

Our goals and actions for the 2012-2013 fiscal years are

Continue Training Staff in Technology Use
Objective:  We will continue training the staff of the PPL in order to better help the patrons.  We will train our staff in all software and hardware available at the library.

To purchase new technology in order to help the PPL help the public with their information needs
Objective:  We plan to continue purchasing new computers and equipment that will encourage the public to continue learning in a life-long capacity.

Our goals and actions for the 2013-2014 fiscal years are

To ensure the technological development of the Pleasantville community
Objective:  Continue purchasing new technology and software that will ensure the Pleasantville community is in touch with current technology.

Purchase e-readers and train staff to use them
Objective:  The PPL wants to purchase e-readers to ensure that the Pleasantville community continues to stay current in the Digital Age.


b. Long Range Objectives

Beginning in 2013, the Library will begin to conquer bigger technology goals.

* evaluate e-readers and decide which type has established itself as the leader
* begin to check out e-readers (first to staff only) then to patrons
* continue to train staff and patrons alike on current technology trends
* create library sponsored programs that incorporate technology, staff, and the community
* anticipate the next wave of the Digital Age, and have a team of IT Staff ready to implement what’s    needed
* continue to monitor patron satisfaction and increase user statistics both in the library and remotely
* reevaluate plan constantly and make changes as needed
* consistently increase the use of technology in our library, we will use the new computers that we are purchasing and promote their use to the patrons.

c.  Training
Two new full-time employees will be recruited and hired.  One of these employees will be the Manager of the Intergrated Library System.  The other will be ½ time in Information Technology support of the Library.  The other ½ time in this position will be used to train both Library Staff and patrons alike on wireless, and the new technologies resources available.  Detailed information on salaries is included in the proposed budget.

See budget attachment.

VIII.  Possible Technology Purchases

See budget attachment.
See trainings schedule attached.

IX. Evaluation

Focus groups will be created among members of the community, directors of the town, members of PPL Staff and members of the city council of Pleasantville.
Surveys will be distributed both on paper and online for patrons to discuss their implementation of the new technology.  They will be able to offer constructive feedback so that the PPL can revise its goals and strategies as needed.
Library staff will meet on an on-going basis to discuss patron feedback as well as their own to make the best use of the new resources.

Appendix on our experiences:
  
We decided to use a Public Library for ease, creative license, and personal experience.  We created an outline and split it into thirds and then let each individual pick whatever part she wanted to do.  From there, Leanne had the brilliant idea of posting the document into Google Docs so that we could all collaborate on it.  Towards the end, once our tech plan began looking like a tech plan, we developed a time schedule of what to work on and when.  Elise and Lisa did not research other libraries or technologies outside of the technology plans found on Blackboard, but Leanne asked co-workers including Joe Gaona, Acting Manager of LIT at BPL.  He helped by giving specifics for budget numbers regarding implementing new technology.  We included technologies that we were familiar with and technologies that are fairly common in public libraries.  Overall, we did not encounter many difficulties.  We kept things simple and straightforward.  Having our document on Google docs has made the entire experience of working with other so easy.  What also made it easier is that we chose to create our own library, and we think that allowed us more liberties and creative license than if we had chosen a real library.  In addition, we decided that we could have a controlled environment in which we could choose whichever technological needs we wanted. There was one super fun night when all three of us were online at the same time.  We were using the discussion board in Google docs and chatting to discuss questions and working on our respective parts at the same time.  It was fun to literally watch the collaboration process.

References:

Boulder Public Library and Arts.  (2010).  2011 Library & Arts Approved Budget.  Retrieved July 24, 2011 from http://boulderlibrary.org/about

Cohn, J.M., & Kelsey, A.L. (2010). The complete library technology planner. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

City Of Boulder Web. (2010-11). About the library. Retrieved from http://boulderlibrary.org/about/

Kruse, M.J. (2007, September 26). Memorial Public Library 2008-2010 Technology Plan.  Retrieved July 25, 2011 from www.ebatesville.com/library/tech_plan_2008.pdf

TCPL Board of Trustees. (2006, March 29). Tompkins County Public Library 2006-2011 Strategic Technology Plan. Retrieved July 15, 2011 from tcpl.org/libinfo/documents/plans/TECHNOLOGYPLANwoapp.pdf

Anythink Library

This library blew my mind.  I'm still not sure if it was good or bad, but it was blown.  It had an awesome interior design theme.  Everything was cozy and welcoming.  The children's area was probably the coolest children's space that I have ever seen.  It was a magical fun place.  Now the part that I'm not so sure about is how they .... I'm not sure how to vocalize what I'm confused about.  They had a coffee shop in the library.  They refer to the patrons as customers.  They are not librarians, but guides.  They books are cataloged like a book store.  So, it's a very user centered place that encourages people to be able to help themselves.  I think some of my uncertainty comes from unfamiliarity of public library and what those constituents want and need.  So, if it is what the people want and if the people are the ones who get to decide what they want and need, then the Anythink library is perfect for them.  Their circulation has already passed 1 million and they have only been open for a year. And they have had very successful community programs as well.    

IT interview

We recently had two IT librarians come to class and discuss their jobs and responsibilities.  A lot of what they said went straight over my head, but they gave us some interesting information.  It yet again proved that I'm not cut out for being a technology librarian.  They discussed some of their day-to-day work and some of their responsibilities. 

Social & Ethical Technical Issues

The internet seems to be nothing but a huge challenge for the protection if individual privacy.  With how google and other search engines are trying to tailor your search to you, you end up losing all anonymity and individual privacy.  From what we talked about in class, it seems that the only way to protect privacy is to make sure that each patron's use of the computer is safe and individual (making the computer restart or something).   This is an important role in our technology plan because our library needs to have the proper technology and security in place for the patrons to use.

Semi-related rant follows:
It is frustrating to me that people demand privacy and security, but they want the ease of access of google.  Google would need to remember your previous searches to be able to anticipate want you want in your future searches.  It's a common problem in the history of America-- the push-pull of security and independence.  But you can't have both.

Information Security

Chapter 14 brought up interesting issues concerning technology and security.  With protecting the library by using firewalls and anti-virus software, the book brought up some questions about censoring information.  I feel that libraries are not censoring information, but saving themselves from viruses or potential lawsuits (if they allowed viewing of child pornography of something).  I do feel that libraries need this protection so save themselves and their employees .  I kind of feel that libraries might need to be even more careful for their employees' safety. 

Usability & Accessibility

Chapter 11 seems to be a helpful guide for libraries to use for making their libraries accessible to all patrons.  Most of the ideas even seemed to be easily adapted to libraries for a relatively low cost.  The youtube video was also thought provoking and I felt that the library made a very good decision to ask the family to help them decide what could be improved.  Some of the improvements that the family wanted seem to be improbable and undoable, such as changing numerous shelf heights for few patrons, when the adjustments would affect the ability of other patrons to access the shelves.  For example, an older individual probably couldn't reach a lower shelf, but might be more able to access a higher shelf.  And if all shelves were at the median height, then the library would need to be huge.

Digital Divide

I understand the the internet and technology are extremely important in today's society and that there is a huge divide between those who have and those who have not.  The articles explain the divide more, but they point out that the divide is not just about economic status, but cultural and age differences as well.  I found the article about the digital divide in libraries to be the most interesting because I feel that I'm in the same boat as the "older librarians" who aren't all that tech savvy. 

Other thoughts:
During the youtube video, I was frustrated with the mother who wanted higher speed internet for her son.  It's called patience and time management. Teach it to your children.  I know that it is frustrating and annoying, but at least you have internet in your home, unlike millions of others.

Digital Preservation

I found the Digital Library in 100 Years to be an extremely interesting piece because of my want to be an archivist.  It seems that digital archiving is the future of archiving and it is the new "it" thing in archives.  The articles both gave a good idea about some of the problems with preserving things digitally, though, sadly, no way to fix said problems.  It saddens me that being able to save such data is so hard and often useless.  I really hope that someone can figure out a way to save digital information and make it useable in the future, though I have my doubts that there will be anything in the near future.  I feel that archives are underfunded and under appreciated by the vast majority of the public and therefore the government. I have no idea how many times I've had to explain what an archivist is or what one does. 

As to the questions:
I don't think I've ever lost a document because I didn't save it right. I could have when I first started using computers, but nothing is coming to mind.
I know a little bit about digital preservation practices, but not enough, that's for sure.
I do not know of any tool that has potential for automatically selecting and evaluating digital content.

E-Rates & Technology plans

From reading the other posts, there do seem to be a few caveats to this concept, but I think the biggest one is whether or not the schools actually fit the criteria.  The criteria that most catches my eye is that the library must have a budget completely separate from any schools.  Are school libraries budgeted separately from schools?  I have no idea how that works.  Because if they are not budgeted separately, how could they get these grants? 

But I just wanted to gush about how awesome technology grants can be.  My tiny high school gets amazing technology grants which have allowed the school to keep up with the rest of the world and in some cases surpass it.  Right now each student is issued a laptop that they become responsible for, which allows them to use online resources and programs to enhance their learning experience.  Which I think is pretty cool.  When I was in high school we had enough desk top computers that every student could be on one at the same time and there would still be computers left over.  I just think that technology grants are cool and I'm glad that they exist.

Open Source and Web 2.0

The use of web 2.0 tools can be a good thing, but I'm not so sure how much of a good thing it can be. 
Arguments:
Pro--The younger generation uses web 2.0 tools and therefore libraries should adapt to the patrons and use these tools as well.
Con--Why should libraries be the factor that changes? Why can't the younger generations stop being so self-centered and learn how to use systems that are already in place.  I really feel that kids today are being allowed to decided decisions that they are not mature enough to make.  I really do no think that systems should be changed just to suit a few individuals.
Pro--Librarians need to be the technology experts so that they can help patrons
Con-- I don't know if there is a con for this
Pro-- using new technologies can make information searches easier and more helpful
Con--it costs precious resources to purchase technology and train employees to be proficient in these technologies

Integrated Library Systems

I do not know much about ILS except for what was discussed in the textbook.  Of all the things listed, they seemed to all be valid benefits and drawbacks.  Before reading the chapter, I did not know what an integrated library system was.  The thought of purchasing an ILS seems pretty daunting and complex, but it is an important decision, so being complex is an okay thing. 

The discussion about open source software was interesting and I believe will be helpful for our open source project

Library Jargon

So. Library jargon. I can't decide if that's fun or not.  I'm glad that libraries have their own jargon just like other professional groups, but the thought of learning all if it is daunting.  Especially if the acronyms are different in different states and regions.  It would be awesome if there was a universal library jargon so that you would only have to learn one set of acronyms, but I realize that is impossible.  Oh, well.  I guess that's the price you pay to be a professional, no?

The History of Computers

After reading a few articles about the history of computers, I find it interesting that everything we think or imagine can be reduced down to two numbers, 1 or 0.  Binary code is quite fascinating, though far more complex than I am able to understand.  What is more fascinating is that computers use binary code to do everything that I want it to.  I mean how awesome is it that I can write a blog or play Frontierville and everything that I see on my computer is combinations of binary code.  It reminds me of the Matrix. Crazy awesome. 

Another awesome thing that I learned from these articles is that one of the first computers that Apple creates was called Lisa.  Awesome.   Not so awesome is that they were too expensive and there are over 2,000 Lisas in a landfill.  Boo!  I don't like the idea of any kind of Lisa being in a landfill.  : (

This article made me think about the future of the computers and microchips and that, as always, gives me mixed feelings.  First, that's awesome that people can create such vast and cool things that might be able to save people or help healthcare.  But, secondly, I always get a little creeped out by the idea that computers and microchips can become self-actuating or some such thing.  Can anyone say the Matrix or the Terminator????

My First Blog

This is my first Blog. YAY!