Technology Planning 101

Technology Planning 101

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  Technology Planning 101NLA/NEMAAnnual ConferenceOctober 14, 2010Christa BurnsNebraska Library [email protected]
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  What a TechnologyPlan is…A planA demonstrationA lens with which to focusA prioritizing agentA budgeting toolAn aligner with other institutional goalsA training scheduleA fund-raising tool
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  What it isnot…A list of technology that the library wants and on what time frame it wants it.
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  Your plan shouldbe SMARTSpecificMeasureableAggressive & AttainableResults-orientedTime-bound
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  Why?Give the librarydirectionShow the library is forward-thinkingHelp minimize technology-related crisesUse staff time efficientlyAvoid wasting money on equipmentHelp you think through your priorities in order to use technology in a way that directly furthers your mission
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  What makes agood plan?ConciseSpecificIntegratedForeseeableFlexible
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  And what doesn’t?Techfor tech’s sakeDoesn’t connect the tech to the mission of the libraryDoesn’t explain why the tech is neededPoorly organizedTechno-babbleLeaves stuff out
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  The playersBoardDirectorDepartment headsStaffPublic?
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  The ResourcesDirect:Current strategicand/or long-range planLibrary mission and/or vision statementCurrent and/or previous technology plansIndirect:All of the above for parent institutionLibrary journals, magazines, and blogs
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  The StructureExecutive summaryLibrarydescriptionLibrary challengesCurrent technology environment Emerging technologiesWeb site evaluationRecommendations
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  Executive Summary1-2 pagenarrative summary of the plan
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  Library DescriptionIntroductionPurpose ofthe planLibrary historyPhysical descriptionMission statementCommunity servedStaffingBudgetCollection size & annual growthServices offeredUse of the libraryCurrent technologyVisuals never hurt!
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  Library Challenges SWOT AnalysisStrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats
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  Current TechnologyHardwarePatron computers,Staff computers, networking equipment, peripheralsSoftwareOSes, Patrons, Staff
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  How to picknew techThink about “competencies”What do you think your staff needs to know to move your library into the future?
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  Emerging TechnologiesAudio/VideoWirelessMobileRFIDSocial MediaPhotoprinting
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  Web Site AnalysisFollowscurrent design practices?Platform?Static, CMSAccessible?Social?Mobile?
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  RecommendationsPrioritiesDescription of relevantcategoriesListing of the specific recommendationsType (new software, application, hardware)Cost (including interdependencies)BenefitsRecommended timelineAssessment/results/training needed
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  Suggested phrasing“In thenext [time frame], the library will [action or recommendation], which will result in [associated benefits].”
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  http://webjunction.techatlas.org/Inventory ToolEvent TrackerPlanningTool
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  More ResourcesMatthews, JosephR., Technology Planning: Preparing and Updating a Library Technology Plan: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.TechSoup for Libraries: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/WebJunction – Technology Planning:http://www.webjunction.org/techplanNLC Technology Planning Worksheet: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/erate/ worksheet.html