Technology

Networking cable on top of a list of IP addresses

Core to library services, access to technology requires active and ongoing planning. Technology plans should support library strategic planning, include more than just computers, accommodate new and emerging technologies, and include staff training. This section has tips for planning as well as inspiration for what your plan could include. 

Articles and Resources

Sample technology budget for a medium library

Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012

This Excel spreadsheet from NPower can serve as a template for a technology budget for a medium-sized library. The spreadsheet uses thirty staff as an example, but is appropriate for a library with approximately 20-80 staff members.

Sample technology budget for a large library

Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012

This Excel spreadsheet from NPower can serve as a template for a technology budget for a large library. The spreadsheet uses 120 staff as an example, but is appropriate for a library with 80 or more staff members.

Planning for Success Cookbook Overview and Toolkit

Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012

TechSoup for Libraries created these Computer Cookbooks and accompanying Toolkit, to help you keep your library's technology running properly, sustain its growth, and ensure its viability.

Guiding Ohio Online: Volunteer technology instructor training

Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012

Guiding Ohio Online is an AmeriCorps program that places members in rural Ohio libraries to deliver digital literacy training through computer classes, one-on-one computer assistance, outreach, and volunteer recruitment.

Case study: Creating a technology plan that worked!

Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012

The authors describe how the Sacramento Public Library developed a technology strategy to better achieve the library's goals and overcome the traditional gulf between public services librarians and information technology (IT) staff.

5 tips for dealing with difficult patrons on the web

Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2012

David Lee King, Digital Branch & Services manager at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, presents five ways to respond in the rare case of rude or inappropriate comments from patrons on your library's website.