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The technology plan will, ideally, be an integral part of the overall long range planning of the library.  It should reflect how technology will be used to improve the service goals of the library and contain a description of the strategy for using information technology in the activities of the library, including integration of that technology into the library services.  Technology plans should support and validate the services requested on the Form 471.

To qualify as an approved Technology Plan for a Universal Service discount, the plan must meet the following five criteria that are core elements of successful school and library technology initiatives:

Within these core elements, the plan should:

Describe all activities eligible for support under the Universal Service provisions;

Provide for the acquisition and use of:

• hardware
• software
• staff and training needs/development;
• and describe why each is needed for implementation of eligible services

Include enough details to enable judgment of the validity of the request for Universal Services in meeting the objectives for use of information technologies in the plan.

List and describe the telecommunication services your library will be requesting under USF in your plan and ensuring that these telecommunication services are supported by objectives in plan.

State clearly the time period covered by the plan.  Remember that a technology plan may cover no more than three years. 

Include approval by the library’s governing authority (Board, municipality, etc.)

Include library contact information

When writing your plan you should include the following components

Vision statement
The statement should be consistent with the vision statement in the library's overall plan and reflect how the library views the integration of technology for improving library services. How does technology generally facilitate the role of the public library? How does the impact of technology on society affect library management and services? How is the role of the public library changing because of technological advances? What is your vision for technology in the library? What benefits do you anticipate?

Description of the current environment
What is the current technological capacity of the library. What equipment and telecommunications services are already available?

Goals and objectives for using technology in the library
Broad goals form the framework for plan. Each objective should be measurable and lead to necessary action steps.

• What administrative functions will be more effective/efficient using technology?
• What patron services or programs do you want to provide that require technology or telecommunications capacity?
• What type of environment do you want to create? For example: Internet access networked CD-ROM's, administrative LAN, network participation.
• What specific skills do you want staff and patrons to acquire?
• What kind of technology linkages do you want to establish? For example to: schools or municipal offices, the Connecticut Digital Library, automation consortium, the Internet.
• What changes must be made to the facility to accommodate technology/telecommunications?

Strategy or action plan for achieving the goals and objectives
The action steps should be specific enough to justify services and equipment for which you will be seeking USF discounts. Include the specific activities or action steps that must take place to implement the identified goals and objectives. For each action step consider:

• Staffing
• Training
• Budget implications
• Building renovation
• Policies and procedures
• Equipment needs: What already exists? What upgrades or purchases will be necessary? Where will equipment be located? How will maintenance be handled?
• Software needs (Same as hardware)
• Telecommunication /wiring needs: What specific capabilities are required (phone lines, cable drops, location, speed) What upgrades will be necessary to accommodate new technology and meet goals?
• Implementation timelines. What time frame is realistic for each activity?

Sample Connecticut Technology Plans:

Bridgeport Public Library

Durham Public Library

Russell Library, Middletown

West Hartford Public Library

Avon Free Public Library

 
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