It is recommended that all libraries create a technology plan, even if they are not required to write one for E-Rate discounts.  Technology planning should be part of the strategic planning process as it lays down a path for the library to follow and facilitates discussion of the future and where your library wants to be technology-wise.

Creating a technology plan r equires a library to evaluate the present situation including recognizing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, projects, and the changes to the community your library serves.

If a library is applying for E-Rate support for Priority 2 services (Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections) it must have a technology plan approved by a USAC-certified Technology Plan Approver.  This is to ensure that libraries are prepared to effectively use the requested services.  The technology plans must include provisions for integrating telecommunication services and Internet access into their programs and services.

Writing a technology plan, for E-Rate or otherwise, can be a big task for many libraries.  So before your library embarks on writing a technology plan, it is recommended that libraries create a Technology Plan Team, and perform a Technology Assessment that reviews all aspects of technology within the library. 

• Preparing to Write a Technology Plan
• E-Rate Technology Plan Requirements
• Writing a Technology Plan
• Sample Technology Plans
• Sample Checklist

View a presentation on Writing a Technology Plan. (Slides Only)

TechAtlas for Libraries:

A brief introduction to how TechAtlas can be used by libraries to create technology plans as a requirement for their participation in the E-Rate program.  The State Library of Ohio and OPLIN endorse TechAtlas as a resource for completing your Technology Plan.

http://oh.webjunction.org/techatlas/-/articles/content/443463?_OCLC_ARTICLES_getContentFromWJ=true

TechAtlas Guideance Word Document

E-Rate Requirements

If a library is applying for E-Rate support for Priority 2 services (Internal Connections and Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections) it must have a technology plan approved by a USAC-certified Technology Plan Approver.  This is to ensure that libraries are prepared to effectively use the requested services.  The technology plans must include provisions for integrating telecommunication services and Internet access into their programs and services.

To be approved a technology plan must include the following elements:

• The plan must establish clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology to improve education or library services;
• The plan must have a professional development strategy to ensure that staff know how to use these new technologies to improve education or library services;
• The plan must include an assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services that will be needed to improve education or library services; and
• The plan must include 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 and they arise. 
• [Beginning with FY2011, this element is not required] The plan must provide a sufficient budget to acquire and support the non-discounted elements of the plan: the hardware, software, professional development and other services that will be needed to implement the strategy.

The USAC Certified Technology Plan Approver for Ohio Libraries is: