Wired for the Future: Developing Your Library Technology Plan - Softcover

Mayo, Diane; Nelson, Sandra S

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838934919 ISBN 13: 9780838934913

Publisher: American Library Association, 1999

Synopsis

To ensure that technology is used as a tool to meet library objectives, librarians must find the delicate balance between over-dependence on technology to meet patron needs and appropriate use. For public libraries with limited budgets and smaller staffs, planning how and where technology is used in the library is imperative. A technology plan provides a blueprint against which to measure new technologies and applications, assess future needs, and allocate resources to balance technology with the needs of users and staff. To help meet the challenge of using technology effectively, the Public Library Association (PLA) offers a comprehensive and practical guide to preparing a technology plan. ""Wired for the Future"" aids in preparing a plan that positions the library to meet its objectives for the community, its staff and its best future. Authors Nelson and Mayo provide the raw materials to build, implement and evaluate a workable technology plan. All the necessary tools are provided to determine technology needs, identify technology options, select a technology infrastructure, and implement the plan. Reproducible workforms enable librarians to customize key steps to specific situations. ""Technotes"" describe various technologies and applications to libraries. Regardless of the size of the library or the specific technology being considered, ""Wired for the Future"" aims to put librarians in control of the present and prepare them for the future.

About this title

Review:

"Every public library that is serving or planning to serve the technologically hungry and technologically phobic should own this book."

..".the content is remarkably up to date..."

About the Author:

The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, strives to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. This mission positions PLA to focus its efforts on serving the needs of its members, address issues that affect public libraries, and commit to quality public library services that benefit the general public. Jeanne Goodrich is a consultant and trainer specializing in public library planning, Job analysis, and data collection and analysis. Former Deputy Director of the Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon, she has more than thirty years of experience in public library management, directing medium-sized libraries and serving as deputy director for library development at a state library agency. Goodrich received her master's degree in library science from the University of Oregon. Diane Mayo is vice president of Information Partners, Inc., an Information technology and library automation consulting firm that specializes in assisting libraries with planning and implementing a wide range of technologies. With more than twenty years' experience as a librarian focused on managing technology, she has overseen both technical and public services at multi-branch public libraries. She is co-author of Wired for the Future: Developing Your Library Technology Plan and Managing for Results: Effective Resource Allocation for Public Libraries. Mayo received her master's degree in library science from California State University, Fullerton.

About this edition

• Publisher: American Library Association
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0838934919
• ISBN 13: 9780838934913
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 260