2009 Library Technology Plans Analysis and Summary by eiNetwork May 2009

Background Objectives – Opportunity for technology discussion among libraries. – Increase awareness about eiNetwork services. – Develop technology baseline for each library. – Gather input about eiNetwork initiatives and priorities. Process – Developed survey instrument to collect information about each library. – Conducted 5 workshops attended by 30 libraries. – 42 plans received and analyzed. – Developed summary for communication.

Findings PC utilization and needs. Network and core infrastructure needs. Renovations, grants and new technology plans. Priority of eiNetwork 2009 initiatives. Library staff.

PC Utilization and Needs More than 2,200 PCs across all libraries. – County 35% for staff and 65% for public use. CLP 45% staff and 55% public. – 110 PCs in 12 labs. Libraries of all sizes have labs. Nearly 80% of libraries offer computer training for customers. – Most popular “extra” software includes Dreamweaver (websites), QuickBooks (financial), digital cameras, and scanners. More than 40% of all libraries utilize these. 175 PCs are NOT managed by the eiNetwork. – Used for staff, public, labs, and special purpose. – Nearly 60% of all libraries have one or more. – Three large libraries have 30+. – Approximately 70% are MACs and 20% are Vista. Opportunity: Develop a service offering for MACs

Network and Local Server Needs Seven libraries (17%) have local Internet service in addition to service from eiNetwork. – Most common use is public wifi and often provided for free by area vendor (e.g., Verizon, Comcast). About 15% of libraries believe they have a need for a locally managed network and/or server. – Local application needs (e.g., finance, security, fundraising). – Linkage with local government. – Historical perspective of eiNetwork service offerings. – Lack of clearly articulated service offering or technical solution from eiNetwork. Opportunity: Further investigate this perceived need and develop a service option/offering for local library applications

Renovations, Grants, and New Technologies 20% of libraries plan to apply for technology grants in Eight libraries are considering or planning a renovation project in Most commonly requested new technologies or initiatives: – Public wifi (ACLA received grant in 2009) – More laptops (staff and public) – Self checkout and improved materials security (RFID, etc.) – Gaming devices – Website assistance – Training

Priority of eiNetwork 2009 Initiatives 1.Reading History/My Lists - complete 2.Cybraryn Replacement 3.Staff Remote Access – complete 4.Site-based PC Imaging – complete end May 5.Ordering Portal – complete 6.New Catalog Frontend 7.Webhosting (Improved statistics) Opportunities: 1.Initiate taskforce to evaluate alternative public PC management systems. 2.Evaluate options for library website assistance/service offering and develop proposal for eiN Board

Library Staff 25% of the libraries said they had dedicated technical staff. 50% of the libraries have designated eiNetwork liaison. Libraries self-rated their overall staff expertise: – 80% of libraries report some staff have working knowledge (or better) of Excel, Publisher, and Word. – 56% of libraries report some staff have working knowledge (or better) of Create List; 15% of libraries report “one or more experts.” – More than 25% of libraries report “no expertise” with web editing tools (e.g., Dreamweaver). – Many comments in workshops and surveys about needing more technology training for staff. Opportunities: Evaluate potential options to address education and training needs and develop proposal for eiN Board

Summary: Opportunities and Unmet Needs Better communication about current service offerings. More opportunities for training and learning about technology for library staff. More PC platform options (e.g., MACs). New service options/offerings for local library applications. Plan for improving library websites and library capabilities for website management.

Suggested Next Steps Communication of Library Technology Plan summary (eiNetwork). Implementation of review process for Library Technology Project(s) (Technology Council). Develop response to libraries’ prioritization of 2009 initiatives (Board). Develop response to education and training needs (Technology Council). Evaluate opportunity and develop proposal for website assistance/services offering for libraries (eiNetwork, Board). Conduct focus group discussions to better understand need for local library servers (eiNetwork). Develop service offering for MAC (and Linux?) PCs (eiNetwork and interested libraries).