Preparing for Automation Dr. Dania Bilal IS 582 Spring 2006

What do you need to know?  Evaluation, selection, and purchase of an automated system  Software and hardware terminology  Modules and their functions  Functional specifications of various modules

What do you need to know?  Library users’ information seeking behavior and information needs  Goals and objectives of the library and how does automation relate to these goals and objectives.

What do you need to know?  The benefits automation will bring to your library and its users  The pitfalls you will need to deal with  The impact automation will have on staff and their responsibilities  Issues in using Opacs

What do you need to know?  Sources for finding software companies  General background about selected software companies, the services they offer, the modules available in their software, and their present and future plans in using cutting edge technologies

Knowledge Acquisition  Begin with texts that describe the process of library automation.  Consult the April 1 issue of Library Journal: “Automated System Marketplace”  Find reviews of specific software packages in Library Technology Reports

Knowledge Acquisition  Learn from colleagues – Listservs – On-site visits  Visit conference exhibits  Check Web sites of potential software vendors

Knowledge Acquisition  Request product catalogs  Obtain information about the vendors’ financial stability, reliability, and experience in automation.  Invite potential vendors for on-site demos  Use software at neighborhood libraries

Needs Assessment  Staff needs – Coping with change, job security, and training  User needs – Coping with change and training

Advisory Committee  Members  Project director plans and coordinates the automation project from initiation to completion  Project director and top administrators make the final decision about system selection & purchase

Function Analysis  Typical functions: – Circulation, Cataloging, and Information service  Analyze the tasks in each function – determine how automating it would save time, increase accuracy and productivity

Data Gathering  Collect quantitative data about each function in order to – justify the automation of each function – set priorities for automating various functions – phase in automated functions, as needed

Data Gathering Schemes  Interpretation of collected data – Identify tasks that are least productive – Identify tasks that are most productive, labor- intensive, and time-consuming – Identify tasks that result in inaccuracy and inefficiency

Funding  Issues in funding  Sources – State – Local – Grants

Cost Estimate  Software  Hardware  Utilities  Supplies  Personnel cost  On-going expenses