Technology Plan

Goals and Objectives

I. The North Liberty Community Library patrons will have free access to electronic resources.
A. To provide and update a Library web page with links to informational, governmental and library sites.
B. To provide and keep updated an on-line catalog to access the Library’s collection outside the library’s walls.
C. To maintain continuous Internet access to patrons through our Internet provider including password-free wireless Internet Access.
D. To offer computers with Internet connection in the Library.
E. To provide additional computers with Internet connection in various areas of the Library with the future expansion of the Library.
F. To keep up-to-date computer equipment for the Internet stations as needed.
II. Library patrons will have free access to up-to-date computer equipment and resources.
A. To do collection development of educational/informational online databases for all ages for the Library collection on an on-going basis.
B. To provide updated technological information for library patrons, staff and volunteers through collection development, classes, continuing education, etc.
III. The Community will be provided with educational opportunities on the use of information technology.
A. To provide on-going assistance to patrons using library technology for personal, recreational or informational purposes.
B. To provide Internet and computer instruction free to the public on a continuing basis and as requested by patrons.

North Liberty Community Library Current Status Assessment

The North Liberty Community Library currently has twenty four (24) workstations for staff and public use running off a Windows NT server to network our library automation software. The Library would like to upgrade that to the most current Operating System software to coincide with the expansion of the Library.

Nine (9) workstations are for staff use only. All staff workstations contain DSL Internet Service. The staff uses the Internet for reference (using a variety of search engines) work, Interlibrary Loan (SILO), listservs and e-mails. All staff members have their own e-mail accounts and are encouraged to subscribe to listservs relevant to their position. Two (2) servers house these services. The Internet Service for public is donated by The South Slope Telephone Company. Internet Service for the staff is donated by Mediacom.

Available for the staff workstations are two (2) printers and a networked copy machine; P2015 series and an HP Color LaserJet 2500L and Savin C9020 copy machine. Each staff workstation has Microsoft Windows Operating Systems with Microsoft Office packages. Also attached to each is the Insignia Library Automation software.

Available at the Circulation Desk are three (3) workstations (including one laptop) for staff and volunteers, which are used mainly for circulation with occasional cataloging, word processing and Internet use. A web cam used to take patron photos is available on each of the Circulation Desk computers. These stations are linked to staff printers.

In the main part of the library, there are fourteen (14) computers, which operate on Microsoft Windows XP. These various computers offer access to our public access catalog (OPAC), Microsoft Office Productivity software, and Internet Explorer Web-Browser. There is a printer (HP LaserJet 1200 series) for public use. Connected to the Patron network is a Vend-Print (coin-operated) system in which patrons will need to pay for their printing prior to it being sent to the release station. There are two (2) computers that are devoted to our on-line catalog. Two of the computers are fifteen minute express internet stations. The library also offers a stand alone scanning station. There is one (1) computer dedicated to online job-searching and other career development activities, including Iowa Workforce Development’s Virtual Desktop .

Other technology available to Library patrons and staff include two a copy machine and an All-In-One copier which includes copying, scanning, and fax. There are also three (3) laptops available for patron checkout. These are mainly used for wireless Internet access available throughout the library.

Patrons enjoy using the Internet. This has always been a high demand service area with the usage continually increasing. We offer Internet classes for groups and individuals (upon request) free of charge, on a one on one basis.

Staff attends classes and seminars on technology when they are offered and as pertinent. The Technology Services Librarian is responsible for working with our automation system technical support and our computer consultants. Currently, Telecommunications Department is responsible for updating and maintaining the Library Website.

In the Library’s budget there are lines for technology, software, Internet Access (this is donated to the Library by South Slope Telephone Company and Mediacom), computer equipment and technology consulting services.

The population of North Liberty has increased greatly in recent years and we anticipate continued growth. Every effort is made to keep up with technology both for patrons and staff.

North liberty Community Library Staff Training Plan

1. Staff and volunteers will receive on-going, in-house training on the Internet and any upgrades made to the Library’s Technology by the State Library Districts, our computer consultants and by the Library’s own know legible staff.

2. The Staff will attend classes and seminars on current technology when applicable.

North Liberty Community Library’s Intent to Use FCC Discounted Services

South Slope Telephone Company is, at present, donating these services to the library. The Library will not, at this time, use the FCC discounted services if this involves the Library having to provide Internet filters on any of our computers.

North Liberty Community Library Technology Plan Evaluation

1. The success of the North Liberty Community Technology Plan will be judged on the Library’s ability to meet the objectives set out in this plan.

2. The success of the Plan will also be judged on periodic surveys of patrons.

3. The Library welcomes and encourages comments from patrons.

4. Library Administration and Technology Services Librarian will review the Plan once a year to evaluate the progress and modify objectives as necessary.

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Written: January 2001
Reviewed and Revised: November 2008
Reviewed and Revised: November 2011