Technology Planning Meets the 21st Century

2011-09-02T20:40:37Z

The basics and beyond of technology planning in this decade.

Basic Resources

Technology Planning on WebJunction
WebJunction has long been at the forefront of helping public libraries manage their technology planning.

Technology Planning on TechSoup
With a broader focus on non-profit organizations, TechSoup also understands the importance of formulating effective technology plans.

Planning Tools and Guidelines

TechAtlas
This tool developed specifically for libraries guides your library through the planning process. Through the stages of planning, assessing staff skills, creating a complete inventory of all of your library technology, tracking tech support, and creating reports, this is a comprehensive tool. And it’s absolutely free.

Technology Planning Made Easy
The Florida Division of Library and Information Services provides a more analog format to guide you through “a lean approach” to the planning process. Ten clear steps include guidelines, checklists, E-rate requirements, charts and forms.

USAC on Technology Planning
For school and library applicants to the Federal Universal Service Fund support programs, it makes sense to go to the source to understand their expectations for the elements of a technology plan, scope, timeframe, process and other necessary information.

The Complete Library Technology Planner
Subtitled A Guidebook with Sample Technology Plans and RFPs on CD-ROM, this book published in 2010 garnered positive reviews in Library Journal and the Journal of the Medical Library Association. Authors: John M Cohn, Ann L Kelsey

Update Your Technology Program Knowledge

E-rate
Two WebJunction webinars offered earlier this year deliver basic and updated information about this opportunity for libraries to receive discounts on telecommunications and Internet access. Watch the archive recordings to bring your knowledge up to date.

E-rate for Beginners
The E-rate program has a reputation for complexity and seem daunting for those new to the process. However, recent changes in the rules have streamlined the application process for many libraries.
E-rate: Form 471 and Beyond!
Now that you’ve got the basics, get ready for the second major step in the application process—filling out Form 471. Greg Weisiger and Donna Mattingly from E-Rate Central will walk through the steps and share an example of a successfully completed form.

Microsoft Donation Program
This TechSoup webinar covers recent updates to the Microsoft donation program, which make it easier for organizations to access the software donations. View the archive to learn more about changes in the program, the eligibility quiz, what software is available and server licenses.

Free Windows 7 Curriculum: Basic Computer Training at Your Library
Another TechSoup webinar introduces the new My PC Series. What could be better than “jargon-free, basic computer training” for an adult audience? It’s free and it’s online.

Planning in the 21st Century

As Rachel Singer Gordon notes in Checking Out the Future, an ALA OITP policy brief from February 2010, “library planning and evolution often focus too much on the advent of new technologies rather than on their relevant uses in a library environment.” The following articles set some parameters for planning in this age of rapidly emerging technologies.

21st Century Learning Environments
This whitepaper from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills echoes Gordon’s observation: the greatest challenge is not about the time and money to obtain hardware and software but in “finding ways to adequately support humans in using these tools.” The chapter on Tools for Learning advises a focus on how tools enhance learning and promote 21st century skills.

Planning for a 21st Century Library
The Utah State Library created a collaborative forum via the 21st Century Librarianship Wiki to engage Utah librarians in defining five key strategic areas of operation for technology planning in the modern era. #1 item on the list: “Pay attention to social, cultural, economic, and political trends and consider their potential impact on our library.”

Tech Training Skills for 21st Century Library Staff
It’s not enough to acquire new technology; there must be a training component to help people make effective use of the new tools. Many library staff become the “accidental trainers” as they plunge in to help people with technology, and many lack basic teaching skills to do it successfully. This webinar discusses the Technology Trainer Competencies, established by The Colorado State Library to help librarians prepare to be skilled in both IT and teaching competencies.

Technology Planning for Libraries - webinar

2010-12-28T16:54:05Z

Archive of a webinar presented on October 12 on technology planning for libraries. Highlights include how to use WebJunction's free TechAtlas for Libraries software as well as tips for libraries how to successfully navigate the E-rate program.

Technology Planning for Libraries

Presented October 12, 2010.

WebJunction is connecting you to the resources to help build a great technology plan. In this webinar, we'll look at the planning process including creating goals and objectives all the way through budgeting your expenses in a plan. Because so many libraries are writing technology plans as part of their participation in the E-rate program, we'll hear specific tips and reminders to help navigate through the program requirements. Participants will also see a demonstration of TechAtlas and hear best practices about technology planning and how to help lead your library into the future through effective planning.

Presenters:

Kendra Morgan, WebJunction
Greg Weisiger, E-rate Central
Donna Mattingly, E-rate Central

Archive viewing options:

View full Archive (combined archive of audio, slides and chat)

View the slides (pdf)

View Chat log (xls)

Resources and Links:

WebJunction - Technology Planning