A technology plan is a lot like a strategic plan or a project plan. It’s a formal mechanism for helping you to see where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going. Technology planning is especially vital because bad decisions in this area can cost so much in terms of wasted spending and staff time. It reflects feedback from your key stakeholders (staff, patrons, board members), and also ties back to your strategic priorities and your long-range goals.
- Cookbooks
- Planning for Success
- Planning and Decision Making
- Introduction to the Technology Planning Process
- Key Decision Makers
- Technology Assessments
- Strategic and Technology Plans
- Building a Technology Team
- The Costs and Benefits of Technology
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
- Evaluations and Metrics
- Keeping Up with Technology
- Further Resources
- Tools
- Technical Computer Competencies Assessment
- Six-Step Technology Planning Tool
- Quick Reference: What Do You Need to Know About Technology Decision Makers?
- Who Are Some Key Decision Makers?
- Technology Assessment Checklist
- 10 Rules for Building and Managing a Tech Team
- Writing a Technology Budget — Ideas in Action Chart
- TCO/TVO Questions You Should Be Asking
- Places to Learn about Technology
- Communication and Partnerships
- Technical Communication Basics
- Talking with Techies
- Talking with Non-Techies
- Discussing Technology with Library Shareholders
- Effectively Collaborating with Other Libraries and Partners
- Further Resources
- Tools
- Building a Better Relationship with Your Techies
- Possible Resources and Tools for Establishing Library Collaboration
- Compatible Library Partners Chart
- What to Consider When Entering into a Collaborative Process
- Tips and Techniques for Creating Strong Partnerships
- Ten Examples of Successful Library Collaborative Projects
- Buying and Deploying Technology
- Why Plan Carefully for Major Purchases
- Vendor Selection and Management
- Cooperative Buying Strategies
- Standardizing Your IT Infrastructure
- Buying Refurbished Computers
- Leasing Computers and Other Equipment
- Buying Hardware and Software
- Warranties and Service Plans
- How to Standardize Your IT Infrastructure
- Disk-Cloning in Libraries
- Deploying New Computers
- Installing and Patching Software
- Further Resources
- Tools
- TechAtlas: Technology Planning Options for Libraries
- Tips and Guidelines for Making Informed Computer Purchases
- Using Older Computers – Key Considerations
- Disk Protection Software Installation Tools and Techniques
- Patron Computer Software Comparison Chart
- Some General E-Rate Rules for Eligible Products and Services
- Maintenance Tasks/Costs: Computers WITH Lock-Down and Disk-Protection Software
- Maintenance Tasks/Costs: Computers WITHOUT Lock-Down and Disk-Protection Software
- Ten Steps to Successfully Working with Vendors
- How to Buy Cooperatively Quick Reference
- How to Examine a Lease Agreement
- Buying Hardware Checklist
- Buying Software Checklist
- Eight Smart Tips for Standardizing Your Equipment
- Guidelines for Disk-Cloning
- Deploying New Computers — What to Ask and Why
- Maintaining and Sustaining Technology
- Introduction to Help-desk Management
- Remote Desktop Software
- Help-Desk Management Software
- Help-Desk Policies and Procedures
- Hiring the Right Techs
- IT Asset Management
- Five Ways to Treat Your Old Computer with Respect
- Extending the Life of Your Computer
- Getting Rid of Old Computers Responsibly
- Replacing and Upgrading Technology
- Further Resources
- Tools
- Library Tech Support Evaluation Sheet
- Help-Desk Software Options
- Prolonging Computer Use — Tips and Tools
- Computer Disposal The Safe and Easy Way — Quick Reference
- Hardware and Software Inventory Worksheets
- Technology Policies, Plans and Procedures
- Tech Support Contact Information
- Troubleshooting Notes
- Troubleshooting Bootup Problems
- Software Troubleshooting Steps
- Internet Connectivity Troubleshooting Steps
- Troubleshooting Problems with a Network Printer
- Networking and Security
- Introduction to Network Security
- Identifying Vulnerabilities and Risks on Your Network
- Creating Security Policies
- Selecting and Configuring a Firewall
- Introduction to Broadband and Wide Area Networks
- Monitoring the Performance of Your Network
- Internet Access and ISPs
- Wide Area Networks (Internetworking Your Library Branches)
- Bandwidth Management
- Further Resources
- Tools
- Wired for Success: A Tool for Understanding Your Wireless Network
- Wireless Options Comparison Chart
- Quick Checklist for Setting Your Wireless Access Policy
- Where and How to Find Vulnerabilities
- Firewalls at a Glance
- Network Performance Metrics Defined
- Ten Factors to Consider when Shopping for a Telecom Provider
- Bandwidth Management Techniques — Tips and Actions
- Network Inventory
- Innovation
- Planning and Decision Making
- Recipes for a 5-Star Library
- Small and Rural Libraries
- Planning for Success
