Goal 1: Develop and implement electronic resources to effectively meet the needs of the Block Island community.
Objective A: Provide cost-effective electronic resources that fulfill the library’s strategic plan for public services.
Activities for Implementation
- Annually evaluate and implement or renew online database subscriptions that meet the needs of the community.
- Purchase Microsoft Office 2010 software for both the staff and public computers.
- Investigate and evaluate software or online subscriptions for GED prep, SAT prep and typing instruction.
- Provide educational and interactive software for children and young adults.
Objective B: Provide assistance and training for the public and the staff in using the library’s electronic resources.
Activities for Implementation
- Provide online help documents, available thru the library web site for software programs offered by the library.
- Create “how-to” video tutorials for e-commerce, ezone, e-readers, Envisionware and all other electronic resources, tools and gadgets.
- Strategize a space as well as opportunities for young adults/teens to harness creativity, including web design, writing, publishing and production and editing of music and video.
Goal 2: Provide electronic resources that allow staff to carry out work functions effectively and efficiently.
Objective A: Maintain a training program so staff can perform effectively in their own jobs and can provide knowledgeable assistance to the public.
Activities for Implementation
- Hold at least five staff group sessions per year based on competency lists and results of technology skills survey.
- Schedule at least one staff meeting program per year to review or introduce new technology in the library.
- Provide online tutorials or training for staff to learn at their own pace.
- Develop role-based technology competencies based on WebJunction’s Competency Index for the Library Field.
- Assess staff competencies by having staff complete the TechAtlas Technology Skills Survey annually and strive for improvement through needed staff training driven by survey results.
Objective B: Deliver catalog and reference service away from the traditional reference desk scenario by using wireless connectivity in the stacks and on the floor.
Activities for Implementation
- Purchase handheld wireless devices to be used in roaming reference and reader’s advisory. These handheld devices will also be used as telephones away from the desk.
- Train staff on use of handheld devices and reference service to provide competent and efficient assistance to patrons using wireless technology.
- Purchase handheld wireless devices to be used for collections inventory.
- Train staff on use of handheld devices for inventory using wireless technology.
Goal 3: Electronic Collection Development and Web Services — Select, organize and maintain a quality collection of electronic materials which will provide a basis for community information, education, recreation and historical preservation.
Objective A: Improve and expand service to people who potentially will or already do use the library virtually rather than in person.
Activities for Implementation
- Add online catalog features such as RSS feeds, My Lists, patron reviews and Nearby on Shelf to add more patron interaction and functionality to the catalog.
- Redesign the library’s website.
- Create a functional mobile website to allow commuters, pedestrians and visitors on-the-go access to the library’s resources quickly and seamlessly.
- Utilize existing social networking tools and sites to develop a social network presence.
- Investigate the optimal way to offer frequently asked reference questions to the public via the website.
- Acquire more digital tools to share with the public to provide hands-on access and information thru the development of the “technology petting zoo” and the “gadget mobile”.
- Strategize with the Sr. Advisory Committee for ways to expose the senior population on Block Island to new technologies and electronic resources.
Objective B: Convert as many local history resources as possible to electronic format to increase accessibility and help preserve the collection.
Activities for Implementation
- Investigate digitizing photographs and documents from the Block Island History Collection.
- Link the Block Island History Collection to the library’s website.
Goal 4: Facilities and Equipment — Provide technology resources to support the objectives of the library.
Objective A: Maintain network equipment and resources to ensure a stable computing environment.
Activities for Implementation
- Review existing technology policies annually and make recommendations for new policies.
- Implement annual and special Innovative upgrades.
- Annually review software and equipment licenses and maintenance agreements and renew as needed.
- Investigate VOIP (Voice over IP) telecommunications to replace the current telephone system.
- Investigate touch screen scan station.
Objective B: Implement green technology practices that preserve the environment and save money through reduced consumption.
Activities for Implementation
- Encourage staff participation in online webinars, videoconferences and workshops thus reducing travel.
- Install Microsoft Office OneNote and encourage staff to enter random notes, procedures and data in a single location (private and/or shared) that eliminates binders and pages of information.
- Investigate energy management software for the network to track energy usage on the network and make suggestions for reducing consumption.
- Reorganize copier, printer, fax, scanner and photo printer capabilities for minimal electricity consumption and reduced supplies.
Objective C: Investigate funding technologies projects within financial constraints to develop and sustain needed and effective information services.
Activities for Implementation
- Investigate, prepare and submit a digitization grant that fits the scope requested, and adheres to state standards.
- Investigate LSTA technology grants and apply to applicable grant opportunities.
- Investigate and apply to other grants funding the enhancement of technology in the library.
- Continue to appeal for Town of New Shoreham capital project money to ensure the continued advancement of technology in the library.
- Pursuit Sony e-reader library program.
Objective D: Implement and maintain security and disaster prevention practices to ensure a stable and secure environment.
Activities for Implementation
- Continue to comply with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to remain eligible for federal funding under E-Rate, LSTA and other federally funded programs.
- Review and update disaster plan annually to ensure preventative measures regarding the technology plan and its implementation.
