Around the Digital Campfire

Transcription

1 Around the Digital Campfire The Technology Planning Process Presented by Katherine Slimman and Dan Smith First Nation Technology Summit 2013 Sudbury, March 21, 2013

2 Telling your story From campfires to the digital world (First Nations Public Library Week) How can you use technology to tell your story? Make a plan for Technology.

3 What is technology planning? A plan for acquiring, servicing, upgrading, upgrading and replacing electronic networks, equipment and software applications. The plan considers the library s existing technology, technology potential, and future trends. It includes strategies for funding, staffing, training and technology support. Ontario Public Library Guidelines, Section 7.1.3

4 Overview Parts of a technology plan 1. Information gathering 2. Set goals 3. Timelines 4. Budget 5. Write the plan 6. Annual review

5 Advantages of a technology plan Shows how technology works with your library service plan. Serves as reference to your funders and community. Acts as template for grant applications. Provides budget plan for future purchases.

6 Committee Current Equipment List Goals Wish List Budget Review Plan Review Wish List vs. Budget limitations. Technology Plan Revise plan to meet budget. Maintenance Costs Network Support Library Services Operating System Software Infrastructure Hardware

7 1. Information gathering Committee Establish your committee - even if you are the only member, call it a committee!

8 Inventory Current Equipment List What do you currently have? List everything no matter how insignificant you may think it is. Anything you have now eliminates something that you may need to acquire at a later date. Is equipment outdated or no longer supported? Often needs repair? Computer, operating system Printer, barcode scanner, receipt printer

9 2. Set goals Wish List Library goals - what technology will help you? Clearly state your goal. Do you want to be an information hub for the community? Do you wish to be a teaching tool? What do you need to do this year? Next year? Wish list: where do you want to be in three years?

10 Set Priorities TALK and listen to your community: how will your community be better served? Who uses the library and who doesn t use the library? Talk to other libraries. Talk to JASI tech staff, OLS-North, SOLS, Excel courses, webinars. Keep up with news in the marketplace.

11 Wish List Wish List Set up your wish list of what you would like to have. Examples: Circulation desk PC, 5 public computers. Software to manage public computers. T1 internet access.

12 Hardware Hardware Infrastructure Laptop vs Desktop Router selection Network set up Space, lighting, heating/cooling, electrical Furniture, desks and chairs, privacy booths.

13 Operating systems Infrastructure Linux $ Windows $$ Apple $$$ Mixed environment.

14 Software Software and productivity What software will you require? Anti Virus, McAffee, Avast, Norton Productivity: MS Office, Open Office, Google Docs Apps: BookMyne

15 Network Network Internet Service provider (ISP) - Cable - Fiber Optic - Satellite - Dial up Do you have a choice in Internet service providers and plans? Can you establish a partnership to reduce costs?

16 Network Network Will you provide Internet access? If so, do you have a network that can support multiple computers performing searches and streaming media? Will you provide a wireless network? If so, will it be secure or open network? Do you want patrons to access the wireless network outside the library building? Who will you allow access to the network (patrons free, non-patrons pay?)

17 Network Network How many connections can your router support? How far does the router transmit? Do you need a signal extender?

18 Library Service Library Services ILS (Integrated Library System, such as JASI). electronic databases. ebook, Overdrive. government services. Library processes: Fastest method to get material to your patrons.

19 Support Support Who will maintain the network, hardware and software? In-house Local vendor Remote assistance Volunteer Staff knowledge & training

20 3. Timelines Set goals & priorities and tie to library service plan. What is needed, who needs it, and when? Sample technology goals: 1YR: improve bandwidth, BookMyne for Android. 2YR: staff training, replace 1 old PC, add PC security such as DeepFreeze. 3YR: purchase new PCs.

21 4. Budget Budget Reality hits! Review Wish List Vs Budget limitations. What you want vs what you can afford. What grants are available? Any fundraising and partnership opportunities? Revise plan to meet budget. Consider upfront and ongoing costs. Can you plan for replacement on a regular basis instead of when needed?

22 Budget Budget Technology Funding/Grants. Ontario Trillium Foundation _grants.asp Connectivity Funding - SOLS Youth Internship Industry Canada

23 Maintenance Costs Maintenance Costs Upgrades Repairs Replacement of equipment Labour costs for maintenance

24 Funding Ideas Cooperation: work together to reduce costs and improve services. Local partnership for better connectivity. Bulk purchase with other organizations. Contact other groups to share system support. Share training costs. If entering into a shared connectivity plan, attempt to set up a router division of bandwidth. This will help prevent slowdowns at inopportune times.

25 5. Write the plan Create a plan that lists monthly, annual tasks. Example action plan: 2013: apply for grant, find IT support, replace 1 st outdated PC, add PC security. 2014: replace 2 nd PC, review bandwidth upgrade with other community groups, staff training 2015: replace 3 rd PC

26 6. Annual Review Review Plan When you are finished planning and implementing the technology plan, review it. What works? What needs to be changed?

27 Committee Current Equipment List Goals Wish List Budget Review Plan Review Wish List vs Budget limitations. Technology Plan Revise plan to meet budget. Maintenance Costs Network Support Library Services Operating System Software Infrastructure Hardware

28 Your goals?