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Appendix E - Technology

Appendix E - Technology

Does your technology support your library's mission and your patron's needs? This appendix also includes a section on assistive technology, security, items or pieces of equipment used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Resources

  • Tech Soup for Libraries, a Gates funded project where libraries share their technology best practices and tips in 'cookbooks'. The materials are intended for small libraries with limited technology staff.
  •  Technology for Results: Developing Service-Based Plans by Diane Mayo. Chicago: PLA, 2005.
  • Technology Made Simple: An Improvement Guide for Small and Medium Libraries by Kimberly Bolan and Robert Cullin. Chicago: ALA, 2006.
  • Colorado State Library: Tech Training for Libraries - includes training materials for staff and patrons, plus skills lists.

Data Security (see also Governance & Administration appendix for policies)

Ebooks

MeL.org

  • Find MeL logos and buttons on the MeL Promotional Materials page. You can find items under both the "MeL Buttons for Library Catalogs and Web Sites" and the "Logos" sections. You can adapt wording for your website from the MeL.org reference on the MeL.org home page text, "This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Additional funding provided by the State of Michigan."

Technology Planning

Universal Service Fund (E-rate)

The Universal Service Fund (USF) checklist for technology plans is below and can also be found at their site: Technology Planning.

  1. The plan establishes clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology to improve education or library services.
  2. The plan has a professional development strategy to ensure that staff knows how to use the new technologies to improve education or library services.
  3. The plan includes an assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services that will be needed to improve education or library services.
  4. The plan addresses hardware and software that meet the library needs of disabled patrons.
  5. The plan provides for a sufficient budget to acquire and maintain the hardware, software, professional development, and other services that will be needed to implement the strategy for improved education or library services.
  6. The plan includes an evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward the specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.

Library of Michigan E-rate materials