Chapter 8: Computers and the Media Center Amy Coffey September 30, 2002 ETEC 579 Dr. Jason Lee Davis

Chapter 8 Objectives: Understand terms such as Internet Intranet LAN & WAN Media Center management tasks performed by a computer Instructional computer uses Hardware and software purchasing guidelines

The Basics Basic components of a computer Accept, Store, Process, & Display Information Internet Connecting computers via a network. Intranet A website belonging to an organization and only accessible to authorized users.

What is a network? Local Area Network (LAN) Connection of computers over a small area Example: network for a school campus Wide Area Network (WAN) One LAN connected to other LAN’s Example: School district network, The Internet

Computers in the Media Center Select and acquire media resources Catalog materials Maintain inventories Maintenance records Track Production Make reports Accounting and billing

Media Center Tasks Computers help to speed up the business processes of managing a media center: Circulation of materials Reserving media Print due-out and due-in lists Maintain current inventories

Instructional Computer Services Classroom use Instruction using a computer Word processing, math software, etc… Computer lab Student and faculty use Training Patron check-out

Circulation Procedures Computer distribution Software distribution Copyright control Database inventory

Purchasing Technology Attributes to consider before purchasing: Ease of use Readability (screen size, resolution) Flexibility (allow for future needs) Adaptability (interface with existing technology) Cost-effectiveness Dependability

Steps before purchase Educate yourself Analyze your computer needs Determine what services are already available Obtain informal proposals RFI (Request for Info) RFP (Request for Proposal) Review proposals Determine functions to be served Write functional and technical specifications Obtain firm quotes Check with other customers

Writing Specifications Functional Specify what tasks the computer must perform Technical Should be written by a person knowledgeable in the computer field Memory, Hard Drive, Processor, etc…

Chapter 8: Managing Media Amy Coffey September 30, 2002 ETEC 579 Dr. Jason Lee Davis