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Technology Plan of the Kilbourn Public Library 2005-2008

Approved April 7, 2005

2004 KPL Technology Planning Committee

Library Board: Glenn Deedon, President; Bill Brown, Vice President; Dianne Effinger; Cindy Reichhoff

Staff: Cathy Borck, Director; Jess Bruckner, Chair

Library Mission Statement

The Kilbourn Public Library (KPL) serves the needs of the community. It serves a diverse group of residents and visitors, in addition to cooperating libraries. The library provides a place and a variety of resources to meet patron information, education, recreation, communication, and cultural needs. The library provides materials in print, audio, video, and other electronic formats for circulation and reference use. KPL staff is available to assist patrons in meeting their needs.

Statement of the purpose of technology at the Kilbourn Public Library

Technology is used to enhance communication, assist patrons, deliver library services, and manage the library.

Introduction

KPL is committed to providing technologies for its users. The staff are advocates for information literacy. At our library, technology is at the very core of our services. This technology plan will be revised every three years or as needed.

Current state of technology at the Kilbourn Public Library

The patron-accessible computer terminals play a pivotal role in library services. These terminals are heavily in demand, and require considerable staff time in support.

The library has 13 public terminals for high-speed Internet access, access to word processing, as well as the use of spreadsheets and databases. KPL utilizes 3 LINK-ready[1] staff computers at the circulation desk, equipped with Internet access. The staff work room has 1 LINK-ready computer with Internet, as does the Director’s office. There are 2 LINK-only computers for patron use in the library. The library also offers e-books, microfilm research capabilities, a copy machine, a children’s educational computer, numerous databases, and an electronic magnifying reader.

Security and Filtering

KPL has several forms of “software security”:

• New software cannot be downloaded or installed on patron-use or staff computers without local approval or approval by an administrator from the South Central Library System (SCLS).
• Anti-virus software (Office Client Scan) is on all computers and is automatically undated by SCLS.
• Operating Software is protected through a system of monthly changes in the password.
• Patrons are prevented from accessing critical system files, administrative programs, and other support functions (Gates Foundation Public Access Security Tool); and from making any permanent changes to software on the computer (Deep Freeze).

As for “hardware security,” KPL does not use cable lock devices or other forms of physical security for hardware. Given the constant presence of patrons and staff, it would be difficult to steal any major technology equipment components.

KPL does not use filtering software to prevent the viewing of a web site based on the content of that site.

Needs Assessment

The range of services offered by KPL has been established to meet the information, education, recreation, communication, and cultural needs of our patrons. Service needs assessments are based on information compiled from a variety of sources, including (but not limited to) patron surveys and feedback; staff experiences in daily library operations; use reports from the library’s online services; professional publications; and consulting and planning information provided by SCLS, the Department of Public Instruction’s Division of Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning, and Wisconsin Library Services.

Goals

KPL’s technology goals for 2005-2008 are:

1. Maintain the library’s current technology foundation.
2. Monitor and evaluate the demand and supply for technology-related library services.
3. Improve and extend patron knowledge of information technology.
4. Construct and maintain a web site that is useful to patrons, staff, and the community.
5. Maximize sources of technology funding consistent with the technology plan.
6. Maintain a process to evaluate technology for the library.
7. Address the technology training needs of the KPL staff.

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Maintain the library’s current technology foundation.

Objectives:

1. KPL will purchase hardware, software, and services as necessary to maintain an optimal level of technology.
2. KPL will cooperate with SCLS and others in upgrading, maintaining and providing services via the Internet and other technologies.
3. The Library Board and Director will allocate funds for the purchase, maintenance and updates of all technologies incorporated into the library’s service plan.

Goal 2: Monitor and evaluate the demand and supply for technology-related library services.

Objectives:

1. Demand--KPL will continually evaluate the cost-benefit of current and alternative technologies to meet patron needs and demands.
2. Supply--KPL will continually gather feedback from patrons and staff regarding their library-related technology needs.

Goal 3: Improve and extend library services through information technology.

Objectives:

1. KPL will assist patrons in using technologies incorporated into library services.
2. KPL will assist patrons in obtaining education in technologies incorporated into library services.

Goal 4: Construct and maintain a web site that is useful to patrons, staff, and the community.

Objectives:

1. KPL’s web site will be redesigned as a virtual extension of the library that allows patrons remote access for using and ordering information and materials and as a tool that provides community information.
2. KPL’s web site will be re-evaluated to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of the community.

Goal 5: Maximize sources of technology funding consistent with the technology plan.

Objectives:

1. KPL will take advantage of governmental and non-governmental grant opportunities for computer hardware and software, other technologies, and technology training, service and support.

Goal 6: Maintain a process to evaluate technology for the library.

Objectives: 

1. The Library Board and staff will routinely review the technology and the policy and evaluate feedback.

Goal 7: Address the technology training needs of the KPL staff.

Objectives: 

1. KPL will ensure that the staff acquires training and maintains an optimal level of knowledge of technology.

[1] wired to be readily available to a consortium of public libraries that work together and with SCLS to create a network of shared computer systems and services