Technology Plan 2010-2012

Library Vision Statement (from Long Range Plan: 2009-2014)
Kinderhook Memorial Library envisions a future where all individuals and families in our service area are eager and engaged life-long learners. We implement this vision by offering at little or no cost to our patrons:

  1. Library collections that are robust, in myriad formats, that encompass the range of human thought and expression, and meet the needs and expectations of an increasingly diverse clientele
  2. Widespread access to new and emerging information technologies
  3. A wide range of educational and cultural programs, workshops, and events
  4. Outstanding customer service delivered by high-quality professional staff and volunteers
  5. Convenient, inviting, and up-to-date accessible facilities that enable the use of multi-media; the provision of separate areas for children and young adults; “quiet” spaces for study/research and leisure reading; designated space for meetings and programs, growth in collections; and functional work-space for staff and volunteers
  6. Active involvement in community life by partnering with local governments, cultural and affinity groups, Friends of the Kinderhook Memorial Library, and educational agencies, as well as other libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System and beyond
  7. An access point for local information, resources, and services

Library Service Goal (from Long Range Plan: 2009-2014)
To develop and maintain technology resources for the public and library operations, including Internet access and database services, and to offer basic instruction on “how to” operate new technologies.

Library Mission Statement
The Kinderhook Memorial Library serves to enrich the quality of life for a diverse and growing constituency of all ages by providing resources and services which contribute to individual literacy, education and entertainment. The Library is dedicated to encouraging children and adults in a love of reading and an appreciation for libraries. Resources and services are provided free or at a nominal cost to patrons.

Technology Vision Statement
The Kinderhook Memorial Library recognizes the importance that computers and emerging technologies play in the pursuit of accurate, relevant, and timely information. Through the Library, the community will be able to pursue life-long learning, develop themselves professionally, and find materials for their entertainment. The Library will provide its users and staff with up-to-date computers, software, peripherals, and connectivity.

Technology Planning Committee Members
Dorothy Balko, Trustee
Karen Vecellio, Trustee
Julie Johnson, Director
Amy Thiel, Youth Services Coordinator

Current State of Technology
The library currently provides the following programs and services for patrons and staff:

  • Cable Internet Access with a download speed of roughly 4.5 Mbps and an upload speed of .64 Mbps
  • 6 public access computers with productivity software, Internet access, and black & white laser printing capabilities
  • One OPAC computer with ink jet printing capabilities
  • Two administrative office computers, each with a color ink jet printer
  • One circulation desk computer with black and white laser printing capabilities
    One laptop computer for use by staff
  • A Young Explorers children’s computer with no Internet or print capabilities
  • Wireless Internet access
  • A fax machine
  • A copier for staff, trustees and Friends of the Library use
  • A copier which is provided and maintained by Eastern Copy Products
  • A digital projector and screen which may be loaned to community organizations
  • or to patrons making presentations which benefit the community
  • A Flip Mino Video Camera for staff use
  • A Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera (4.0 megapixels) for staff use
  • An Actron Auto Diagnostic Code Scanner which patrons may borrow for one-day loans
  • A website hosted by Network Solutions that provides general information about the library, a calendar, websites of interest, and access to the OPAC and databases. A Meebo chat tool is provided for patrons to ask reference questions online when the director is available
  • A Sony Wii Video Gaming System and a variety of games for staff to use for programs
  • A DVD player for staff to use for programs
  • A portable stereo and CD player for staff to use for programs
  • One telephone/fax line
  • A staff blog for easy communication among staff members

Technology Goals
Goal 1: To support patrons in life-long learning, entertainment pursuits, and professional development

  • Provide educational opportunities such as one-on-one computer tutorials and personalized instruction using databases and the OPAC
  • Develop a seniors’ Wii Bowling group to compete with other libraries
  • Develop targeted web pages for library users with specific interests. For example: gardening resources, summer programs for kids, cooking, outdoor activities, and arts and culture. The goal of these web pages is to link patrons with other community organizations in their pursuit to satisfy their interests.

Goal 2: To keep abreast of emerging technologies for libraries

  • Director’s and Youth Services Coordinator’s attendance at the NYLA annual conference in 2010 and 2011
  • Director’s attendance at the Computers in Libraries conference in 2011
  • Subscribe to Library Journal Magazine, a leading professional journal

Goal 3: To provide staff and patrons with the proper tools to meet their needs

  • Provide adequate, up-to-date hardware and software to enable staff to efficiently perform the functions of their jobs as outlined in the library’s personnel policy
  • Provide adequate, up-to-date hardware and software to enable patrons to pursue their interests whether for education, their careers, or entertainment
  • Purchase a color laser printer for patron use
  • Implement a rotation schedule for replacing old hardware
  • Implement a maintenance schedule for antivirus, general software, and operating system updates
  • Explore electronics recycling services so that old hardware is discarded in an environmentally responsible way
  • Purchase a second telephone line to facilitate staff interacting with patrons in a timely fashion

Goal 4: To provide a website that supports all aspects of the library’s programs and services

  • Redesign the current website so that it is attractive and easy to use
  • Use a Content Management System such as Drupal or WordPress to develop the website with dynamic content so that current programs and information are prominently displayed on the main page
  • Add a trustee resources web page that lists contact information for the board of trustees, policies, and minutes from past meetings.
  • Add a Friends of the Library web page that lists contact information for the Friends’ executive committee, minutes from past meetings and dynamic content that the Friends can maintain independently.
  • Add a calendar with online registration for library events and programs
  • Explore and compare website hosting options with Network Solutions, Media Temple, and other providers.

Professional Development Goals

In accordance with the library’s personnel policy, the library acknowledges the value of employee attendance at workshops, courses, and conferences related to Library services and customer service as a means of enhancing the library’s offering to the community. Accordingly, to the best of its ability, the library will consider granting time and compensation to employees for attendance at workshops, courses, and conferences. Incentives for professional development are also available through our library system, and the library will work with employees to take advantage of all opportunities offered through the Mid-Hudson Library system.

A component of each monthly staff meeting will focus on the OPAC and our current ILS, the databases available to us through the Mid-Hudson Library system and the State of New York, troubleshooting hardware/software issues, the library’s website, or the Internet.

Staff will periodically review sections of the Webjunction.org site for extra help with Basic Computer Skills, Basic Computer Support, Buying Technology, Hardware, Mobile Devices, Networking, Operating Systems, Public Access Computing, Security, Social Networking & Web Tools, Software, Technology Planning, and Website Development.

Technology Inventory
See Appendix A for more detailed information on the current inventory.

Technology Budget
Budget lines that support the implementation and sustainability of technology can be found in the current operating budget on the following lines:

Budget Line Item
8150 Equipment
8330 Software
8375 Databases
8335 Computer Support
8380 Professional Development
8315 MHLS Circulation Fees
8320 Internet Access
8038 Downloadable Audiobooks

Evaluation Process
This plan will be updated every two years by the library director and operations committee. A technology survey will be given to patrons prior to the update to ensure that the current plan’s goals have been met. Staff input will be encouraged. The plan will be modified as goals and objectives are met and as new technologies or new objectives are established.

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