Technology is a crucial part of libraries today. But when it comes to figuring out the most effective technologies for their library or to planning for future technology needs, many librarians don’t know where to begin. Library Technology Planning for Today and Tomorrow is the place to start. This practical guide will be of special value to those in small- and medium-size libraries, especially those new to the planning process who have not previously implemented technology or who have had difficulty implementing strategic plans. By using this LITA guide overwhelmed librarians can create a sound, realistic technology plan and implementing that plan by identifying each step necessary to accomplish the library’s goals. As they follow this road map from beginning to end, library staff will be able to meet the technology needs of their communities and to achieve their library's technology goals. This step-by-step guide takes the reader through the process of successfully creating and implementing a library technology plan. Each chapter addresses an aspect of planning and implementation—from conducting a technology audit and selecting appropriate devices to deploying new technologies and training staff and users. Further, this LITA guide will help librarians evaluate the success of their work in developing and implementing their technology plans.

Written as a technology guide for students, practitioners, and administrators, the focus of this book is on introducing current and future trends in library technology and automation within the larger context of strategic and systems planning, implementation, and continuous improvement. Technology is an essential resource for attaining both organizational and patron goals, and planning needs to emphasize the alignment between the clearly defined goals of each. For this alignment to occur on a consistent basis goals must be designed, or engineered, in a systematic fashion where technology fulfils the need to deliver the desired outcomes in an efficient, cost-effective manner. The concept of usability engineering is also examined, where the technology is planned, designed, and implemented in such a way as to maximize utility and ease-of-use for users and employees. Readers of this book will understand both the why and the how of library technology, planning, and implementation articulated in a simple, easy-to-understand fashion. Delivered from academic, public, and school library media perspectives Current and emerging technologies are discussed along with their current and future application in the field of library and information science Technology planning and integration is explained using a systems design process with scenarios and case studies that are articulated in a step-wise, holistic fashion

Stay a step ahead of technological change so that every student can flourish! Students and classrooms are growing more technologically savvy every semester, which presents you with an essential choice: Will you let these learning tools sit idle, or will you unleash the power of technology for your students and staff? The first edition of Planning for Technology created leaders who empowered students to master the technological tools now required for success. This second edition will prepare you for the coming decade, when the pace of change will be much faster. In addition to the core methods and exercises, this book includes: Revisions addressing essential digital developments of the past decade that school leaders must learn to utilize New content covering guidelines for addressing the new Common Core State Standards, distributed leadership, adult learning theory, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more A new chapter on creating a "culture of technology" that goes beyond user manuals to create responsible, tech-savvy students Technology is no longer optional—it is a requirement for success in the 21st century. Planning for Technology is the go-to resource for ensuring your students thrive. "This book is about how to plan for technology, promote it, pay for it, and take steps to ensure that it really is improving student achievement. This book makes school administrators consider more thoughtfully how they are using technology for teaching and learning and why. It helps the reader understand how to plan for and implement technology in a more effective way." —Patricia L. Tucker, Retired Regional Superintendent District of Columbia Public Schools, DC "The reflective activities at the end of every chapter prompt leaders to think about diverse areas they may have not thought about before." —Frances L. O’Reilly, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership The University of Montana-Missoula

Informed by a large-scale survey of librarians across the spectrum of institution types, this guide will be a true technology companion to novices and seasoned LIS professionals alike.

To help meet the challenge of using technology effectively, The Public Library Association 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 Mayo and Nelson 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 explain various technologies and applications available to libraries.

Managing Library Technology introduces library workers (including non-technical managers, tech administrators and even “accidental technologists”) to core concepts in technology management and provides strategies that will enable them to master the basics of library tech. The content of the book is taken from the author’s popular American Library Association -approved Certified Public Library Administrator course, “Management of Technology,” and is geared to the needs of all kinds of libraries. The book contains easy-to-follow exercises and tools that have been tested in real-world situations with students as they tackled their own evaluation, planning and management challenges. Readers are also given a roadmap to create a technology plan for their library—even if they have no direct technology background themselves. This book helps library workers understand the underpinnings of technology and how to powerfully manage tech to serve patrons and staff alike. Readers will learn: How libraries fit into the overall technology market Strategies to future-proof library technology efforts Approaches to technology planning that stick – and strategies to keep the plan on track Skills to understand technology investments by understanding the total costs of ownership and the specialized library return on technological investment How to collect and use useful data and statistics without being overwhelmed How to stay current, knowledgeable and comfortable with rapid technological change

Organized around the structure of a technology plan, this book explains each subject area and how each part of the plan is related. Individual chapters cover: The Purpose and Need for a Technology Plan, The Description of the Library, Challenges Facing the Library, Emerging Technologies, Current Technology Environment, Assessment of the Current Environment, Evaluation of the Library's Web Site, Recommendations, and Evaluation of the Plan.