Technology
Core to library services, access to technology requires active and ongoing planning. Technology plans should support library strategic planning, include more than just computers, accommodate new and emerging technologies, and include staff training. This section has tips for planning as well as inspiration for what your plan could include.
Articles and Resources
State Library Guidebook: Support for digital literacy in public libraries
Publish Date: Document / 8 October 2013
This digital literacy guidebook was created under a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and is designed for state libraries to use in exploring potential state-level investments and partnerships that advance digital literacy.
The internet is important to everyone
Publish Date: News / 18 September 2013
The Internet Is Important To Everyone aims to bring attention to the impact broadband has on our lives, our health, our government, our jobs, and our education while considering who among us does not use the internet and who does not have home broadb...
Digital inclusion infographic released
Publish Date: News / 18 September 2013
In response to lessons learned, we have created the infographic: "The Internet Is Important To Everyone". This infographic aims to bring attention to the impact broadband has on our lives, our health, our government, our jobs, and our educa...
Why you need a technology planning team
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
Thinking about assigning the responsibility of writing a technology plan to one person? or maybe taking it on yourself? Read some suggestions and the benefits of creating a team for the process instead.
Total Cost of Ownership for new computers
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
When your library is in the market to purchase new computers, be sure to consider the total cost of ownership and not just the sticker price on the computer.
Technology lending policies and procedures: Samples from libraries
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
Examples of library policies for lending technology.
Sample technology budget for a small library
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
This Excel spreadsheet from NPower can serve as a template for a technology budget for a small library. The spreadsheet uses eight staff as an example, but is appropriate for a library with approximately 1-20 staff members.
Sample technology budget for a medium library
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
This Excel spreadsheet from NPower can serve as a template for a technology budget for a medium-sized library. The spreadsheet uses thirty staff as an example, but is appropriate for a library with approximately 20-80 staff members.
Sample technology budget for a large library
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
This Excel spreadsheet from NPower can serve as a template for a technology budget for a large library. The spreadsheet uses 120 staff as an example, but is appropriate for a library with 80 or more staff members.
Planning for Success Cookbook Overview and Toolkit
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
TechSoup for Libraries created these Computer Cookbooks and accompanying Toolkit, to help you keep your library's technology running properly, sustain its growth, and ensure its viability.
Guiding Ohio Online: Volunteer technology instructor training
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
Guiding Ohio Online is an AmeriCorps program that places members in rural Ohio libraries to deliver digital literacy training through computer classes, one-on-one computer assistance, outreach, and volunteer recruitment.
Connecticut State Library Checklist for Technology Plans
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
A checklist from the Connecticut State Library to help you walk through your library's technology planning process.
Case study: Creating a technology plan that worked!
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
The authors describe how the Sacramento Public Library developed a technology strategy to better achieve the library's goals and overcome the traditional gulf between public services librarians and information technology (IT) staff.
5 tips for dealing with difficult patrons on the web
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012
David Lee King, Digital Branch & Services manager at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, presents five ways to respond in the rare case of rude or inappropriate comments from patrons on your library's website.
