The complete library technology planner : a guidebook with sample technology plans and RFPs on CD-ROM

Careful and systematic planning is essential to the success of your library's technology implementation efforts. This complete, clear, and easy-to-follow guide takes a highly practical, hands-on approach to thoroughly prepare public, academic, school and special libraries to develop and implement a technology plan in the library. Following a foreword from Executive Director of the American Library Association Keith Michael Fiels, authors John M. Cohn and Ann L. Kelsey provide a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts and elements in technology planning and the changing technological landscape affecting today's libraries. There is clear advice to help you best define your plan's scope, purpose and funding requirements, along with step-by-step guidance for developing an effective technology plan - from gathering data and identifying institutional needs, to determining priorities, identifying objectives, outlining costs, and writing the actual plan. A five-step model plan is included to provide readers with a start-to-finish example of the development process, and the authors also advise on how to implement the new plan and evaluate its success. The accompanying CD-ROM includes over thirty-five time-saving, sample technology plans and RFPs. Each plan is specifically targeted to public, academic, school, or special libraries, and can be easily replicated or adapted for use in your own institution. An array of figures, checklists, and examples are included throughout the book to help reinforce important concepts, and a comprehensive webliography lists further related resources.

New technologies, evolving system capabilities, user expectations : the impact on library technology planning -- Getting started : defining the purpose and scope of your library's technology plan -- Elements of a technology plan : from vision and mission to assessment and evaluation -- Elements of a technology plan : shaping your plan to meet funding requirements -- Developing your technology plan : gathering data, describing services, identifying needs -- Developing and writing your technology plan : refining priorities, identifying goals and objectives, outlining costs -- A model two-day process for developing a basic strategic plan -- Working with your technology plan : preparing your library's in-house collection databases -- Working with your technology plan : implementing traditional, open source, and Web 2.0-based systems and services -- Working with your technology plan : staffing options and user training -- Working with your technology plan : ongoing review and evaluation -- Your technology plan : what worked, what didn't.