Villa Park Public Library. Technology Plan. Fiscal Years

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1 Villa Park Public Library Technology Plan Fiscal Years January 2011 January 2011 Page i

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... ii Abstract... 1 Technology Vision Statement... 1 Technology Assessment/Inventory (Current)... 2 Electronic Resources... 2 Hardware Owned... 3 Hardware Leased... 4 Workstation Operations... 4 Software... 4 Accomplishments in FY Technology Needs Assessment (Community and Library Needs)... 6 Specific Goals for Meeting Future Technology Needs... 6 Staff Core Competencies... 6 Specific Strategies (Action Steps) / Timetable / Budget... 7 Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Areas for Future Expansion Internet Connectivity Automation Staffing Other Areas of Potential Growth January 2011 Page ii

3 Abstract This Technology Plan seeks to provide the users and staff of the Villa Park Public Library with a plan for the effective and efficient utilization of current and future technologies. The Library's use of these technologies is in direct support of its statement of purpose:...to provide access to the universe of information and to make as much of this universe as is of immediate relevance and interest maximally accessible to the residents of Villa Park. Policy 101: Statement of Purpose Specific objectives are detailed below in relation to the fiscal year for which they are planned. Technology Vision Statement The Villa Park Public Library sees automation as an extremely important tool for enhancing the delivery of library services and wants to utilize this tool in every possible way that is affordable to an organization operating within the constraints of tax-cap funding. In coming years, the Library hopes to use automation in extending patron self-service in the areas of circulation, reference and information (currently we offer self-searching of the Library holdings catalog, other automated databases, including the Internet, and selected online and CD-ROM products). We will use automation to enhance collection development (providing reference and periodical titles in automated format, plus the imaging of documents such as local newspapers and local information files). We will use automation for communication and training purposes, inside and outside the organization; for record keeping; and for the acquisition and processing of library materials. In many of these activities, we will join with the other public library members of the Library Integrated Network Consortium (LINC), which will allow us to be more cost-efficient, while improving accuracy and timeliness, and also reducing effort. We look to our membership in LINC as an opportunity to share our resources and also to build on our resources through the contributions of others--to bring all these resources within easy, affordable access of our patrons as quickly and smoothly as possible. January 2011 Page 1

4 Technology Assessment/Inventory (Current) As stated above, the Library is currently a member of LINC. This consortium consists of nine public libraries and uses SirsiDynix as its automation vendor. LINC personnel at the LINC office located in St. Charles, Illinois, manage hardware and software maintenance of the SirsiDynix system. Currently, LINC is funded by tiered monthly automation fees from member libraries. SirsiDynix's software includes circulation, cataloging and the public access catalog and provides staff access to the consortium's bibliographic and patron databases. As a member of Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), the Library contributes to a national database of bibliographic records and utilizes the records from this database. Electronic Resources Patrons have access to the Library's browser-based public access catalog both within and outside the library. The catalog also provides access to the following electronic resources, mainly reference databases, in the Library: Ancestry Library BookFlix** Booklist Online Britannica o Encyclopædia Britannica o Spanish Resource Center FirstSearch (OCLC) with Wilson Select HeritageQuest Online Horn Book Guide Online Gale/Cengage Learning (includes the following) o Books & Authors** o Contemporary Authors o Contemporary Literary Criticism Select o Encyclopedia of Associations** o General Reference Center o Health and Wellness Resource Center o Scribner Writer Series Junior Authors & Illustrators LearningExpress Library MyMediaMall NewsBank (includes the following) o Chicagoland Newspapers (Chicago Tribune*, Redeye, Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, State Journal-Register, Villa Park Argus) o Chicago Tribune Historical Archive o America s News Magazines NoveList*** & NoveList K-8*** Online Book Clubs Record Information Services ReferenceUSA Tutor.com * The Library has received notice that we must purchase the Chicago Tribune through ProQuest beginning in 2011 ** New subscription in FY *** Formerly provided by Illinois State Library, now paid by VPPL through LINC A new service added in 2007 is federated searching via WebFeat/One Search, provided by Serials Solutions, which allows patrons to search multiple databases simultaneously. By the end of the fiscal year, the Library plans to migrate to Serials Solutions next-generation search product, 360 Search. January 2011 Page 2

5 The Library has made remote access available to patrons for electronic resources whenever possible. Currently, all electronic resources except Ancestry Library allow usage via the internet using a Web proxy service managed by LINC. The Library has integrated remote access to include the FirstSearch database made available by the Illinois State Library. The Library currently provides access to the Internet at 28 staff workstations, 10 public workstations located in Adult Services, and 4 public workstations located in Youth Services. 11 of these public workstations (7 in Adult Services and 4 in Youth Services) have both Microsoft Office products and access to the Internet (including the online electronic resources referenced above). 3 Express Stations in Adult Services provide access only to the Internet, limited to 15-minute sessions. In addition, 3 multimedia stations located in Youth Services offer children access to recreational media. Youth Services also offers 2 multimedia stations dedicated to educational and entertainment software for preschool through third grade patrons. Two personal computers are designated as word processing/microsoft Office stations, for use by patrons who have not signed the Internet Agreement. One is located in Adult Services, the other in Youth Services. Wireless internet access and wireless printing are available to patrons using their own laptops. Multiple access points provide coverage to most of the building on a network that is separated from the main network by the firewall. The Library is currently using Windows XP as the operating system for its personal computers. Microsoft has recently released a new operating system, Windows 7. Upgrades to this operating system would require increasing the memory of many of our existing computers as well as purchasing licenses. These costs are not currently budgeted. The following is a list of equipment currently owned by the Library as well as a list of the functions of the workstations: Hardware Owned 4 Dell file servers 1 Quad-core 2.26GHz Xeon server with 584 GB disk array, 4 GB of memory (purchased 2009) 1 Dual-CPU dual-core Xeon 3.0 GHz computer with 108 GB disk array, 2 GB of memory, DAT72 tape backup unit (purchased 2006) 1 - Xeon 2.8 GHz computer with 108 GB disk array, 1 GB of memory, tape backup unit (purchased 2004) 1 - Pentium III 866 MHz computer with 27 GB disk array, 512 MB of memory, 8 tape backup unit (purchased 2001) 1 Todd Diskjockey 2000 CD-ROM server (100 CD capacity, 2 DVD-ROM drives, 160 MB RAM) 81 Windows XP Professional PCs 2 Laptop computers 1 Dell Latitude D830 (purchased 2007) 1 Dell Latitude E5510 (purchased 2010) 1 HP LTO-3 Tape backup system 2 3M 995 Staff workstations (scanners/security unit) 1 3M Security corridor 1 Zebra Technologies TLP 2844 bar code duplicator 1 ITG Apex XpressCheck self-checkout station 3 LCD/DLP Video projectors 15 Metrologic handheld barcode scanners 3 modems 12 Black & white laser printers 5 Color laser printers 4 Inkjet printers 2 Digital cameras 2 Digital video cameras 1 Audio mixing board/sound rack 2 Color flatbed scanners 6 Receipt printers 3 External CD writers 2 Network Routers (owned by LINC) 6 Wireless access points January 2011 Page 3

6 4 Linksys wireless G access points (purchased 2008) 2 Linksys wireless G access points, used as Annex wireless bridge (purchased 2008) 1 Wireless router 6 24-port network switches (1 switch is owned by LINC) 2 16-port switches 3 5-port switches 1 4-port hub 12 Wireless network cards 1 Electronic whiteboard 2 DVD players 1 DVD Recordable Drive 2 TV/VCR units 2 VCRs 3 TVs 1 DVD/VCR unit 2 A/V receivers 1 Fax machine 1 CCTV system, including 4 cameras, 1 DVR, 1 monitor 1 Konica Minolta BizHub 222 copier/printer 1 Minolta DI 550 copier/printer 1 Minolta DI 450 copier Hardware Leased 1 Konica Minolta BizHub C451 color copier/printer 1 Konica Minolta BizHub 250 copier/printer Workstation Operations 5 Adult Services PACs (Public Access Catalogs) 3 Youth Services PACs (Public Access Catalogs) 10 Adult Services Internet workstations (7 with MS Office, 3 are Express) 4 Youth Services Internet workstations 5 Youth Services multimedia/gaming workstations 1 Adult Services word processing workstation 1 Youth Services word processing workstation 2 Internet reservation stations 2 Print release stations 1 Lobby display screen 2 Laptops 29 Staff workstations 9 Annex computer lab 9 Workstations in storage Software All workstations have Windows XP Professional installed as the operating system. Microsoft Office 2007 Professional, SirsiDynix Workflows, and Print Shop version 15 are available at all staff workstations. Microsoft Office is also available on Internet stations and word processing stations for patron use. In 2010, the Library upgraded to Microsoft Office 2007 on staff and public stations. All Library computers, with the exception of machines used for digital signage and games stations, have Symantec Endpoint Protection. January 2011 Page 4

7 Accomplishments in FY The Library staff has completed or will complete a number of technology projects in FY Some of these include: Added a cable modem internet connection for additional bandwidth for public users, helping to conserve bandwidth for circulation and staff needs. Implemented server virtualization to host PC Reservation system on newly-purchased server hardware Replaced desktop computers in Technology Center and Youth Services Internet stations Replaced two aging laser printers in Technical Services and Circulation Library staff is currently implementing an online library card registration form Library staff is currently implementing an online program registration form The Library is migrating to the 360 Search platform for federated searching of electronic reference subscriptions. Purchased a new black & white digital copier to replace the 2 nd floor public copier, and completed staff training The Library upgraded all staff computers and public internet and word processing computers in the main building to Microsoft Office 2007 Successfully offered 23 computer training courses in 2010 for patrons in the Annex computer lab covering subjects including basic computer skills, , the Internet, and Microsoft Office applications. Converted most pages on the Library s website to the Wordpress content management system to streamline maintenance of the site and enhance search capabilities Progressed on conversion of staff intranet to Drupal content management system Added digital photo frames to display information on upcoming programs. Purchased additional laptop computer for staff & program use Library staff have begun re-designing the layout of the 1 st floor of the Library with the concept of an open computer lab in Adult Services. Library staff have moved the self-checkout station to the 2 nd floor to offer a checkout point in Youth Services Utilized a networking consultant to re-wire the Library s network rack, improving layout and labeling and adding future capacity. Purchased E-reader devices such as Amazon Kindle, Apple ipad, and Nook to provide staff & patrons with hands-on experience with current electronic book technologies Committed to substantial recycling of broken and obsolete automation equipment January 2011 Page 5

8 Technology Needs Assessment (Community and Library Needs) Training public and staff on new and existing equipment and software has been recognized as an integral part of the Library's Technology Plan. The Library s Strategic Plan identifies several goals and objectives which have been integrated into this technology plan. The Illinois Century Network, our Internet services provider, recommends that we replace network equipment on a regular three-year rotation, with the exception of the routers, which can be replaced every five years. Budget realities, however, sometimes prevent the Library from meeting this recommended schedule. Staff recommends that $4,000 be budgeted each fiscal year for automation contingencies such as network infrastructure, printers, battery backups, and cabling. Staff will look for grants whenever possible to aid in funding the Library s technology needs. Specific Goals for Meeting Future Technology Needs As stated in its Vision Statement, the Library views automation as a tool for enhancing the delivery of library services. Specific goals include: Providing personalized service through electronic means assisting patrons with PINs, TXT reference, notifications, electronic readers services Incorporate electronic forms on the Web site in order to expand reference services to patrons. Reorganize and expand the Library s Intranet. Provide electronic resources in the most cost-effective manner; i.e. subscription Internet sites, government Web sites, CD-ROMs. Determine feasibility of offering remote users access to additional products. Provide ongoing training for Library staff, Board, and public (see following section). Cooperate with other libraries, government entities, and other agencies to pool and network resources. Plan and implement hardware and software upgrades to file server, workstations, and security equipment. Utilize wireless technology as a supplement to the Library s existing network, thus providing staff and patrons the benefits of this mobile automation tool. Respond to all trouble reports in a timely, cost-effective manner. Department goal is to respond within two days. Staff Core Competencies As technology now permeates all levels of the Library s operations and services, every staff member must be comfortable using applications, computers, and other equipment. A core of technology competency is required of all staff members, to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the organization, whether they work behind the scenes or interacting with the public. Staff members who do not feel they have the needed competencies for their positions will be encouraged to review tutorials and/or request instruction. LINC personnel provides basic training for the Library staff on SirsiDynix functions. The Library provides additional one-to-one SirsiDynix training for new staff. Money is allocated for staff training and continuing education. Staff are encouraged to attend technology/computer workshops and classes either online or in person. With the evolution of the Library Intranet, the Library will enhance its in-house training for staff during the next three years. Whenever possible, staff assists patrons one-to-one with the public access catalog and at the public Internet workstations. January 2011 Page 6

9 Specific Strategies (Action Steps) / Timetable / Budget Fiscal Year The Library will purchase (15) desktop computers and monitors and (1) laptop computer as part of its computer replacement program. The Library will renew its license agreements for Symantec antivirus & backup software. The Library will explore purchasing a new file/print server to replace 5-year-old hardware. The Library will lease a new multifunction color copier to replace the 2 nd floor staff copier The Library will add additional part-time automation staff and utilize interns when possible The Library will provide publicity slides to the Village for broadcast on cable access Administration will explore having automation staff report directly to Administration department Staff will research thin-client and desktop virtualization technology and provide a recommendation on its use at some computer stations The Library will create a version of the website for access from mobile devices and work with LINC to implement a mobile catalog interface Technology costs are outlined below. Funds budgeted for copier replacements, printer replacements, upgrade for LAN/Server, and cable for Internet are contingent on need. Rental/lease costs listed below are not new but have not previously been listed in the Technology Plan. Non-Capital outlay/cabling or Wireless solutions 1 st floor Computer Center - $6,000 General/Other - $ $6, Non-Capital outlay/laptop Purchase $1, Non-Capital outlay/pcs LINC Purchase $14, Non-Capital outlay/hardware replacements $ Non-Capital outlay/software upgrades Symantec AV - $600 Symantec Backup Exec - $225 Express Metrix - $ $1, Non-Capital outlay/security camera upgrade $6, Non-Capital outlay/lan/server Upgrades File/print server - $5,000 Network switch - $800 Other contractual services/automation Cable Internet - $1,000 ICN filter - $105 Public Web Browser - $125 Sonicwall maintenance - $4,000 (May include new hardware) Cisco maintenance - $300 Self-check maintenance $2,000 PC Reservation maintenance - $2,800 Automation monthly charges/linc Automation monthly charge - $51,500 Supplemental operational fee - $2,000 Web hosting - $ $5, $10, $53, OCLC fees/linc $4, Rental/Lease KMBS Bizhub $234.22/month * 12 months KMBS Bizhub $68.15/month * 12 months New color ~$190/month * 12 months $5, Total Technology Costs--FY $109, January 2011 Page 7

10 Fiscal Year The Library will purchase 15 desktop computers and monitors and (1) laptop computer as part of its computer replacement program. The Library will renew its license agreements for Symantec antivirus & backup software. The Library will explore retrofitting its microfilm reader with digital scanning/printing capabilities. Library staff will investigate changing the design of library cards to add a photo of the patron. Technology costs are outlined. Rental/lease costs listed below are not new but have not previously been listed in the Technology Plan. Non-Capital outlay/cabling or Wireless solutions $ Non-Capital outlay/microfilm Scanner/Printer $7, Non-Capital outlay/laptop Purchase $1, Non-Capital outlay/pcs LINC Purchase $14, Non-Capital outlay/hardware replacements $ Non-Capital outlay/software upgrades Symantec AV - $ $1, Symantec Backup Exec - $225 Express Metrix - $250 Non-Capital outlay/lan/server Upgrades $ Network switch - $800 Other contractual services/automation Cable Internet - $1,000 ICN filter - $105 Public Web Browser - $ $8, Sonicwall maintenance - $2,000 Cisco maintenance - $375 Self-check maintenance $2,000 PC Reservation maintenance - $2,800 Automation monthly charges/linc Automation monthly charge - $51, $53, Supplemental operational fee - $2,000 Web hosting - $120 OCLC fees/linc $4, Rental/Lease KMBS Bizhub $234.22/month * 12 months $5, KMBS Bizhub $68.15/month * 12 months New color ~$190/month * 12 months Total Technology Costs--FY $97, January 2011 Page 8

11 Fiscal Year The Library will purchase 15 desktop computers and monitors as part of its computer replacement program. The Library will renew its license agreements for Symantec antivirus and backup software. Automation and Technical Services staff will assist the Board and department heads in developing a new long-range plan Technology costs are outlined below. Rental/lease costs listed below are not new but have not previously been listed in the Technology Plan. Non-Capital outlay/cabling or Wireless solutions $ Non-Capital outlay/pcs LINC Purchase $14, Non-Capital outlay/hardware replacements $ Non-Capital outlay/software upgrades Symantec AV - $ $1, Symantec Backup Exec - $225 Express Metrix - $250 Non-Capital outlay/lan/server Upgrades $ Network switch - $800 Other contractual services/automation Cable Internet - $1,000 ICN filter - $105 Public Web Browser - $ $8, Sonicwall maintenance - $2,000 Cisco maintenance - $450 Self-check maintenance $2,000 PC Reservation maintenance - $2,800 Automation monthly charges/linc Automation monthly charge - $51, $53, Supplemental operational fee - $2,000 Web hosting - $120 OCLC fees/linc $4, Rental/Lease KMBS Bizhub $234.22/month * 2 months $3, KMBS Bizhub $68.15/month * 5 months New color ~$190/month * 12 months Total Technology Costs--FY $86, January 2011 Page 9

12 Areas for Future Expansion The Library would like to implement several other technological innovations. However, due to budgetary restraints, the Library has determined not to plan for these items during any particular fiscal year. Instead the Library will refer to this portion of its Technology Plan as its "Technology Wish List" and will look to apply for grants and other sources of funding to assist in the implementation of these services. Other contingencies, which the Library cannot plan for during any particular year, will also be added to this "wish list". Internet Connectivity The Library may need to increase internet bandwidth during the next several years to meet growing patron demand. In 2010, the Library added a cable modem from Comcast to provide additional bandwidth for patron internet usage; this is currently used for the wireless network. Another option to consider in the future is Metro Ethernet. Metro Ethernet is an emerging technology available from AT&T under the brand name Opt-E- MAN. It is a fiber optic broadband connection to the internet using the Ethernet standard that can provide higher bandwidth than our copper T1 connections. The Illinois Century Network currently has a contract with AT&T for reduced Opt-E-MAN pricing. The Library will continue to investigate in conjunction with LINC whether and when it should invest in Metro Ethernet. Automation Staffing The Library expects to continue expanding the availability and use of computer technology and multimedia in the future. The Library will likely have a need in the future for additional automation staff hours to cope with expanding technology and patron and staff expectations of timely service and support. As a result, the Library may need to explore restructuring its organization to establish Automation as a separate department. Other Areas of Potential Growth The Library will: Investigate the ability to add patron photographs to patron records in our current patron database. Consider the purchase and implementation of a debit card system for use with existing copiers and printers. Consider expanding the collections of downloadable audiobooks and e-books. Monitor emerging technologies such as netbooks, electronic books, and cloud computing Explore the possibility of hiring additional automation staff to assist in ongoing projects. Continue to explore RFID as a potential method of inventory control. Add additional digital signage to promote Library services, programs, collections, and special events. Add videogame stations in the Teen area. Monitor the utilization of the public wireless network and plan to expand capacity in the future if the need is indicated. January 2011 Page 10