DRAFT TECHNOLOGY PLAN 2005-2007
FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICE DISCOUNTS APPLICATION
1. MISSION: SERVICE VISION
The Tarpon Springs Public Library technology plan supports the library's Three Year Long Range Plan, 2003 - 2006, goal of “electronic democracy for all people to meet their need to obtain and evaluate information in the technological world of today and the future.” The Long Range Plan and the accompanying Technology Plan were devised to support the State Library of Florida's overall goal of “Access for All,” and specifically that “all the people of Florida have equitable access to the world of information through libraries.”
2. SERVICES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To achieve this vision the library's Three Year Long Range Plan, 2003 - 2006, has three goals that relate to technology:
1.) “Maximum access for all the community to needed information related to business and finance, government, consumer or general subjects in a satisfactory and timely manner.”
2.) “Adequate current materials both print and non-print that respond to the need for information, inspiration, education and recreation for all ages and backgrounds.”
3.) “Electronic democracy for all people to meet their need to obtain and evaluate information in the technological world of today and the future.”
To satisfy these goals the library expends 20% of its materials budget on electronic resources. The library has mounted a web site that provides easier access to information on the Internet, as well as information on library services and programs.
The library utilizes information on the Internet whenever practicable for quickest and most economical response. Also, the library provides databases on-line whenever practicable for integrated and expeditious access through group licensing.
3. STAFF AND PATRON TRAINING
Currently, the library utilizes electronic training opportunities either locally, regionally or those made possible through the State Library. To date all staff have had training on Windows and Internet searching. Half of the staff have had Troubleshooting PCs. Other staff have had HTML and more advanced or subject specialized Internet searching sessions.
The library conducts two monthly classes for adults. One adult weekly class is very basic, covering computer literacy, use of the mouse and an overview of computer functions, including the Internet. The other class focuses on the basics of Internet research. These classes utilize a mobile laptop computer lab, a computer projector and library prepared visual handouts.
Staff will continue to attend TBLC, Solinet and State Library sponsored computer training classes. In addition, where practicable, other helpful training sessions at New Horizons, the St. Petersburg College and the Pinellas County Vocational and Technical Institute will be taken.
4. EXISTING TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES
The library currently provides on-line patron access to its holdings and those of ten other libraries in a shared database called Sunline. This group uses a SirsiDynix automation system for circulation, serials and acquisitions. The library also participates in TBLC's “Anywhere Anytime Library” to access holdings of other participating libraries in West Central Florida and beyond. Reserves for materials may be placed from home.
The library provides access to electronic information resources through a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The LAN consists of two Windows file servers and individual workstations running Windows XP. The LAN uses TCP-IP to connect over 10base T and fiber-optic lines.
The WAN is a frame-relay network connecting the library to a central site at the Tampa Bay Library Consortium. The library's T-1 communications line, with a minimum speed of 560kbps, provides a connection both to the Sunline library automation system and to the Internet. This Internet connection provides the central site with a full T-1 line (1544kbps) and allows the library to provide access to online databases. Currently, the library provides direct access to 19 online databases, with 24 other databases being provided by the Florida Electronic Library. Sixteen local databases have remote access; all of the Florida Electronic Library databases are available from home These include business, periodical, bibliographic, and consumer information databases such as ABI-INFORM, Gale's General Reference Center Gold, Books in Print, and EBSCO's Automotive Repair Center.
Currently, the library has 70 personal computers. Seventeen public PCs are available for adult use of the catalogs, or the Internet. Ten networked PCs are provided for children's use. Adult patrons use the public access computers on a “first come, first serve” basis. Numbers are given out and time noted. If other patrons are waiting the time allowed for use is one half hour. The Computer and Internet Usage Policy is prominently displayed.
Several public computers have been designated for special uses or populations: two for teenagers, two for business users or investors, two for word processing and one for genealogical research.
The library's mobile computing laboratory consists 15 laptops with wireless network connections and hub.
Five networked personal computers are allocated for reference service. Four computers are used for cataloging, serials, acquisitions and interlibrary loan. The remaining six PCs are used by librarians for administrative purposes. For the public, one laser printer is provided in each workstation area. All other computers have a printer attached or are networked to a laser printer. Internet access for patrons is provided to the library's web page: http://www.tblc.org/tarpon; e-mail reference questions are received through the tslref@tblc.org address.
The library accesses the City's IBM AS/400 through two personal computers. Seven telephone lines, a telephone answering/voicemail system, three modem lines and one fax link are installed. The 20,000 square foot facility, built in 1997, is wired with 10 Mbps Cat 5 cables and is expandable to 100Mbps.
5. PLANNED TECHNOLOGICAL UPGRADES, SERVICES AND TIME LINE
Objectives:
1. Dynix automated system will be upgraded to the new Horizon system for all modules. Conversion date is currently scheduled for December 9, 2004.
2. The number of public access computers will be increased from 1 PC per 700 residents (30 PCs for 22,000 population) to 1 PC per 680 residents (2 PCs added). Networked laser printers will be provided for every workstation area.
3. Electronic ordering and invoicing will be web based.
4. Community information will be kept current on the library home page, new links added regularly and software utilized to check dead links.
5. E-mail communication between the library and its patrons will be actively promoted and encouraged beyond the current reference e-mail service.
6. The e-book collection will be regularly expanded.
7. Technology Protection Measures and Internet Safety Policy are adopted.
8. Retire library's original print and file server, a 1996 PC running Windows NT; Complete installation of new Windows Server 2000 computer with swappable hard drives.
9. Purchase networking hubs as needed for new workstation locations.
10. Assist with statewide “Ask a Librarian” service, including live chat feature.
Objectives:
1. The number of public access computers will be increased from 1 workstation per 680 residents (i.e. 32 computers) to 1 per 660 residents (2 PCs added). Networked laser printers added as needed.
2. Community information on the library home page will be updated regularly.
3. New links will be added to the library home page on a regular basis and links will be kept current.
4. A user's survey to be conducted in September/October, 2004, will show a 5% increase of those responding indicating that they were successful in locating materials and finding information on the Internet.
5. One monthly specialized subject Internet search course for adults will be added.
6. One staff member responsible for technology, both hardware and software, and for planning assistance will be added.
Objectives:
1. The number of public access computers will be increased from 1 workstation per 660 residents (i.e. 32 PCs) to 1 per 640 residents (2 PCs added). Networked laser printers added as needed.
2. Community information will be updated regularly and appropriate new web site links will be added to the library home page.
3. An additional user's survey will show a 5% Increase of those responding indicating that they were successful in locating materials and finding information on the Internet.
4. 70% of interlibrary loans will be processed through the Anywhere, Anytime software.
5. A scanner will be made available to the public.
6. Local history clipping and picture file will be digitized.
7. Investigate the possibility of offering an automated checkout service.
6. EVALUATION
Staff will continuously monitor technology based services and make appropriate changes to the plan. Services will be evaluated based on the following quantitative measures:
In addition, the surveys mentioned above will be analyzed and available for review. These and other records will be available as part of the documentation of the success of this plan and its expenditures and efforts.
7. BUDGET
| Ongoing Annual Costs | 2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
| Network Operation, Telecommunications & Internet Service | $31,000 |
$32,000 |
$33,000 |
| System Maintenance | $8,000 |
$9,000 |
$10,000 |
| Workstations & Peripherals | $13,000 |
$15,000 |
$17,000 |
| On-line Databases | $8,000 |
$9,000 |
$10,000 |
| Training | $2,000 |
$2,500 |
$3,000 |
| Staffing | $37,000 |
$38,000 |
$39,000 |
| Telecommunications Line | $10,080 |
$10,080 |
$10,080 |
Approved by Library Advisory Board
December 15, 2004