Need a good reason to write a technology plan? We’ve got a whole list for you!

A well thought out technology plan can create a great path to guide the library and make sure that the mission is accomplished. This list can help you to explain the importance of planning in your library and create enthusiasm for the planning process. It also helps to see just how a technology plan can strengthen the future of the library.

• Funding: A technology plan is great tool to show funders such as the library board or the city/county to demonstrate that the library has thoroughly considered why and what is needed to serve both the community and the staff.
• Mission-driven decisions: The mission statement for your library should guide the efforts and plans that are included in your technology plan. By selecting projects that fulfill the mission, the library makes the best use of funding and staff time.
• Save money: Definitely a priority for most libraries! By planning in advance, the library can be thoughtful about the process and really consider the impact of decisions. It creates the framework for deciding what the library really needs and which equipment to purchase and how best to spend library dollars.
• Documentation for future staff members: A technology plan is a great way to leave a path for future employees that will need to be involved in technology decisions. New directors or technology specialists can use an existing technology plan to get a sense of what the library is trying to accomplish and what projects are currently in progress or on the horizon.
• Helps to create staff/board buy-in for support: People like to be kept in the loop about future projects and a technology plan provides the framework for that conversation. By sharing the plans with these stakeholders, the library can create more open communication about technology futures.

These are just a few reasons to help encourage you through the planning process to creating the right technology plan for your library and community.

Updated from an article published in March 2013.