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Chester Library Technology Plan 2004-2006 Mission
1-Goals Technology will be integrated into all aspects of library services to ensure that all residents of the Chesters have convenient access to value-added products provided by the Library. The Library will become a bridge to technology for our community. Trained staff who can help them make the best use of both new and traditional information resources will assist residents. 2-Library services currently offered which utilize
technology
All staff members are trained in basic Windows and Netscape usage. All staff are trained in the use of Internet meta search engines, searching the periodical databases, and searching our online catalog. Two staff members are trained in technical PC maintenance and troubleshooting. Patron training is done "on the fly." Training is done on an individual basis as the need is expressed. In addition to printed materials and online help, online tutorials on the Internet and use of Netscape are available through the library’s web site 4-Current equipment & services · DEC Alphas (2) from M.A.I.N. for DRA integrated system and Internet service · DEC server for Web based M.A.I.N. catalog · Web site hosted on Library account at Global Telecom, Inc. TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT · 1 Adtran 1200062L1 DSU/CSU · 1 Cisco 2507 Router with switch TELECOMMUNICATIONS LINES – T1 PC INVENTORY
4a-Cabling and electrical support The existing building is fully cabled with Cat5. Unused drops are available in all locations. Electrical supply is more than adequate. Building expansion under construction will be cabled and electrical supply has been upgraded for the entire facility. 5-Technology-based service objectives 2004-2006 Objective 1: Simplify and expand public use of electronic services · Add a networked PC with Internet access and hardware and software designed for use by customers with disabilities by Dec 2004 · Add spreadsheet and graphics software to the public access “word processing” PC by Dec 2004 · Maintain PC’s and other equipment to maximize access · Continue to fund the PC Replacement line in the Reserves budget to replace worn and outdated equipment as needed · Purchase a laptop and projector for use in the Meeting Room by local organizations Objective 2: Add new technology-based services · Create and maintain an index of the local newspaper, The Observer-Tribune, by March 2006 Objective 3: Enhance communication with customers · Publicize the availability of Internet connections and electronic databases starting in 2004 · Investigate establishment of a web-based discussion group on topics of interest to library patrons by December 2004 · Investigate use of email to notify patrons of reserves and/or overdue materials by Dec 2004 Objective 4: Continue to increase staff productivity through the use of technology · Create a staff intranet with a searchable policies and procedures manual and with a notice board by September 2005 · Train some staff members in maintenance of the audio-visual databases currently maintained by the Director and Assistant Director by January 2005 Objective 5: Collaborate with Chester Boro, · Work with the School Technology Committee to plan and implement technology in the schools, 2004-2006 · Work with the municipalities to provide adequate funding for public technology at the Chester Library and to provide municipal officials with information about evolving technical opportunities for community services, 2004-2006 Objective 6: Bring new and enhanced electronic services to the community through continued active participation in and support of M.A.I.N. · Promptly pay all fees and assessments, 2004-2006 · Attend membership meetings, 2004-2006 · Participate on committees, 2004-2006
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Support government relations efforts, 2004-2006 Objective 7: Plan maximum flexibility for new electronic services as the library addition and renovation progresses. · Pay close attention to evolving technological opportunities and incorporate them in the plans as possible and practical · Plan for no less than the number of public access PC’s currently available
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Plan for the electrical needs of patrons who may wish to use their own
equipment in the Library 6-Staff and patron training Patron training will continue to be individualized instruction as needed. The staff will continue to offer instruction to each patron and to monitor the activities of patrons to determine when assistance and instruction is needed. Staff will be sent to training as the opportunity and need arises. We will continue to train one or two staff members who will in turn train other staff members and the public. 7-Required upgrades of equipment, software and communications
services To adapt one workstation for use by the disabled, special software and hardware will have to be added by Dec 2005 8-Local funding supporting technology-based library services 3.9% of the total 2003 budget is earmarked for “automation.” This includes telecommunications, membership in M.A.I.N., and miscellaneous computer related expenses. Additional funding for subscriptions to databases is included in the materials budget. The amount used of this funding is at the discretion of the librarians. In addition there are reserves for the purchase of replacement equipment as needed.
9-Evaluation of technology-based services We will maintain those statistics that can be captured electronically to provide a quantitative measure. Gathering statistics will be easier than interpreting them. For example, will a decrease in the number of interlibrary loan requests reflect increased rates of request fulfillment in-house through the use of full-text databases? We will survey patrons to measure their satisfaction with technology-based services to provide a qualitative measure. Due to constraints on staff time, it will be possible to do this only on a sampling basis at the end of each year of the plan. The Library Trustees and Director will review the plan annually to assess progress. Adopted
September 10, 2003 Board
of Trustees Approved
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Page last updated
02/20/06 |