Christa Burns & John FeltonTechnology Planning Summer Camp 2:

Don’t Just Survive, Thrive!

What is a Technology Plan?

The Structure

• Executive summary• Library description• Library challenges• Current technology environment • Emerging technologies• Web site evaluation• Recommendations

Executive Summary

• 1-2 page narrative summary of the plan• Do last, after all of the other

sections are completed

Library Description

• Introduction• Purpose of the plan• Library history• Physical description• Mission statement• Community served• Staffing

• Budget• Collection size &

annual growth• Services offered• Use of the library• Current technology

Visuals never hurt!

Library Challenges

• SWOT Analysis–Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats

Current Technology

• Hardware–Patron computers, Staff

computers, networking equipment, peripherals

• Software–OSes, Patrons, Staff

How to pick new tech

Think about “competencies”

What do you think your staff needs to know to move your

library into the future?

Emerging Technologies

• Audio/Video• Wireless (802.11n/ac)• Mobile• RFID• Social Media• 3D printing• More? [insert your favorite here]

Web Site Analysis

• Follows current design practices?• Platform?–Static, CMS

• Accessible?• Social?• Mobile?

Recommendations• Priorities• Description of relevant categories• Listing of the specific recommendations– Type (new software, application,

hardware)–Cost (including interdependencies)–Benefits

• Recommended timeline• Assessment/results/training needed

Suggested phrasing

“In the next [time frame], the library will [action or

recommendation], which will result in [associated

benefits].”

More Resources• Matthews, Joseph R., Technology Planning:

Preparing and Updating a Library Technology Plan: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.

• TechSoup for Libraries: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/

• WebJunction – Technology Planning:http://www.webjunction.org/techplan

• NLC Technology Planning Worksheet: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/erate/worksheet .aspx