Planning and Evaluating Technology
We just covered planning for the entire library, but it is also helpful to plan for technology. Computers, copiers, etc. are often the most expensive items we have to purchase, which is why it's helpful to plan for technology. We think about evaluating our library services, staff, and ourselves but we don't always think about our equipment or our workflows. Sometimes we inherit a particular way of doing something without realizing that it's no longer necessary with the technology we have. The questions that follow cover both planning and evaluating:
- What do you have? Inventory the number of computers you have for staff and the public. What types of software are on each of the computers? Do you have a copier? A fax machine? What type of Internet connection do you have?
- Is it working correctly? Do you have computers that are acting up? What about your copier? If you are starting to experience problems with your technology, it may be time to replace it. Like a car, technology equipment needs regular maintenance and sometimes it needs to be replaced.
- How are we using the technology? Are you using it effectively? Is there another place where it might be helpful? Are you getting the results you want? What would help you get those results? Do you need more training?
- What do you need? Do customers have to wait and wait for a computer to open up? Maybe you need to purchase another one. Is the copier not working correctly? Think about your needs and the needs of your customers when answering this question.
- When will you need it? If you plan effectively, you can implement a schedule for when to replace equipment or when to order new. This lets you match the money you spend with what you'll receive in a given year.
- What obstacles will keep you from getting this technology? Money is usually the biggest, but you should consider others. Even if you have the money to purchase a new computer, you still need a place to put it, and sufficient bandwidth to connect it to the internet.
ASPeN: The New Library Directory
- Home
- Introduction
- Wanted: A Library Director
- Contacts
- Montana Library Scene
- Montana Library Scene Overview
- Montana Public Libraries
- Montana State Library
- Montana Library Association
- Wired-MT and Focus
- Federations
- Continuing Education in Montana
- Certification
- Public Library Standards
- Montana Shared Catalog
- Library Director, Trustee, and Local Government
- Library Director, Trustee and Local Government Overview
- Library Laws
- New Library Staff
- Library Board Overview
- Responsibilities of the Library Board and the Director
- Tips For Working With the Library Board
- Getting Boards to Attend Meetings and Plan for the Library
- Policies vs. Procedures
- Policies vs. Procedures Overview
- Policies
- Procedures
- Public Service
- Public Service Overview
- Customer Service
- Reader’s Advisory
- Reference
- Reference Interview
- Circulation
- Interlibrary Loan
- Outreach
- Programs
- Visiting Senior Centers and/or Schools
- Services to the Homebound
- Bookmobiles
- Children Services
- Young Adult Services
- Adult Services
- Collection Development
- Collection Development Overview
- Assessing the Collection
- Collection Development Policy
- Collection Management Honor Roll
- Selecting Items for the Collection
- Acquisitions
- Weeding or Deselection
- Technical Services
- Technical Services Overview
- Organizing Your Collection
- Classification and Cataloging
- Processing and Mending
- Public Relations
- Public Relations Overview
- Library’s Image
- Publicity
- Programming
- Community Relations
- Role of Trustees
- Marketing
- Friends and Volunteers
- Friends and Volunteers Overview
- Friends of the Library
- How to Organize a Friends Group
- How to Revitalize Your Friends
- Volunteers
- Volunteer Programs
- Recruiting Volunteers
- Managing and Keeping Volunteers
- Personnel
- Personnel Overview
- Personnel Policy
- Hiring
- Interviewing
- Job Evaluations
- Discipline and Termination
- Grievance Procedures
- Important Employment Laws
- Finances
- Finances Overview
- Local Funding Sources
- State Funding Sources
- Information Access Montana Act
- Coal Severance Tax
- Federal Funding Sources
- Library Services and Technology Act
- Telecommunications Discount Program (E-Rate)
- Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- Library Foundations
- Other Funding Sources
- Budgeting
- Budgeting Calendar
- Following the Money
- Planning for the Future
- Planning for the Future Overview
- Long Range Planning
- Preparing to Plan
- Describing Your Community
- Your Community’s Vision
- Questions That Should Be Answered
- Planning for Disaster
- Technology in the Library
- Technology in the Library Overview
- Planning and Evaluating Technology
- Automation
- Statewide Cooperative Projects
- E-Rate
- Montana State Library
- Montana State Library Overview
- Montana State Library Commission
- Montana State Librarian
- Library Development Division
- Montana Talking Book Library
- Montana Digital Library
- Publications
- Timeline of Required Paperwork
- Explanation of Paperwork Required by Montana State Library