2. Library’s Mission Statement

To provide information, education, recreation, and inspiration.

3. Demographics of the Public Library System or Public Library

· Riverside Regional Library’s service area includes a population of 63,007.

· It is located in southeast Missouri, in Cape Girardeau, Perry, and Scott Counties. Riverside is made up of three separate county library systems with the administration library located in Jackson (Cape County), two branches in Perryville and Altenburg (Perry County), and three branches in Scott City, Benton, and Oran (Scott County).

· Specific challenges in terms of service delivery that we face because of our location or size include (1) being spread out over three counties, so simple distance between the libraries means a weekly rather than daily courier service, (2) three of the branches are in very small buildings which limits the size of the collection and number of services we can provide, (3) the area served is mainly rural farming areas, (4) Riverside shares the counties with four city libraries (Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Chaffee, and Sikeston Public Libraries), (5) all three Riverside Branches in Scott County are located in the northern part of the county, so we contract with the Sikeston Public Library to provide free service to our patrons in the area around that town.

· There have been no significant changes in the demographics of our public library system or public library customers within the last three years.

4. Identify Your Technology Planning Team

· The Library Director and the Library Board of Trustees are the individuals who are the technology decision makers for our library system. The Director deals with the day-to-day decisions and the Board members deal with long-range technology goals and budgeting for technology expenditures. Implementation is conducted by an outside computer company we hire for repairs, installation, purchases, and monitoring of the computer network.

5. Identify Your Technology Vision, Goals, and Strategies

· Riverside’s vision is to develop and implement through continuous evaluation and adaptation our computer technology to effectively fulfill our mission statement, which is to meet the informational, educational, recreational, and enrichment needs of our customers.

· Riverside Regional Library’s goals and strategies are as follows:

A. Goal for Public Services

To provide public access to the Internet, online resources, subscription databases, the library’s online catalog.

Objective 1: Provide the public with electronic tools to assist them with personal growth and prepare them for employment opportunities.

Add community activity links to library’s webpage in conjunction with local Community Information Network (Show-Me Net).
Add Careers & Employment web links to library’s homepage
Add Adult Literacy web resources links to library webpage.

Objective 2: Provide training for the public on electronic tools and resources.

Provide basic computer classes for the public. Provide one-on-one training as needed on how to use the OPAC, the Internet, email, and Microsoft Word.
Develop brochure with easy directions on using the online catalog.
Develop brochure on subscription electronic databases we offer—what they are and how to use them.
Work with community organizations in assisting patrons to utilize electronic services.
Add Computer Tutorials links to library web page.

Objective 3: Evaluate and enhance electronic services to provide ease of use and access to library resources for the public.

Upgrade existing staff and public computers on a regular basis by replacing at least ten outdated, old, or nonfunctional computers annually, and ensuring that the budget will include such expenditures each year.
Continued development and upkeep of the library’s home web page, through which the public can access the library’s catalog and other databases from the library or their homes.

Objective 4: Expand and enhance the functionality and scope of the electronic catalog and associated circulation databases and files for ease of access to information for patrons and staff.

Continue regular file maintenance of the bibliographic database files (nightly tape backups of TLC server and weekly tape backups of HP fileserver; stored off-site).
Continue on-going cleanup of the bibliographic database (correcting poorly-constructed catalog records; eliminating duplicate records; removing weeded titles; adding new titles on a regular basis). Run monthly TLC reports of lost items to either remove records or purchase replacement items. Run occasional TLC reports on long overdue items to keep holding codes accurate. Run TLC report “Titles with no Items” as a monthly maintenance technique. Need to run TLC report of inactive cardholders since 1998 to get more accurate number of library cardholders. Run occasional data verification reports to check accuracy of bibliographic records.

Objective 5: Enhance electronic services to children and young adults.

Add Children’s and Teen’s links to reliable web resources on our web page.
Add Homework Help links to library’s web page.
Provide instruction to school groups on using the online catalog and searching the Internet.
Riverside is CIPA compliant with use of Smart Filter on all computers in the library.

Objective 6: Improve electronic access to document delivery and ILL (Interlibrary Loan) services.

Continue to make the records for all library materials available for public access through the online catalog
Continue ILL procedures using First Search to locate materials to borrow from other libraries. Public and staff have access to First Search to see the holdings of libraries around the world. First Search and WorldCat links are on our web page.
Continue contacting customers by phone or e-mail regarding their ILL material.
TLC program automatically notifies patrons of holds and overdues.

Objective 7: Increase and enhance electronic Reference services available to the public.

Offer reference services to the public via-e-mail through our web page.
Purchase reference materials in electronic format as the budget and need allows.

B. Goal for Collection Development

Select, organize and maintain a quality collection of electronic materials which will provide a basis for community information, education, recreation and historical preservation.

Objective 1: Expand the Library’s Home Page by continuously adding appropriate links to resources.

Add reliable links to Internet resources to our web page. To promote ease of use, links will be categorized by subject: Kids, Teens, Teachers, Reference, Genealogy, Health & Medicine, Legal, Homework Help, Business, Magazines, Newspapers, Test Preparation, Careers & Employment, Computer Tutor, Community Links.

Add links to web page for home schooling information.
Add links to web page for patrons with special needs.
Continue to maintain access to selected electronic databases provided by MOREnet through the library's home page.
Continue to evaluate and subscribe to our current electronic databases (as the budget allows): Heritage Quest, Learn-A-Test, and NoveList.
Evaluate new electronic databases that may be added to our budget in the future.

Objective 2: Expand the scope and functionality of the Library’s web site.

Develop a strong general collection of Internet resources, and subject collections of particular interest to the communities.
Develop and implement online finding aids, including FAQs, bibliographies, pathfinders, tutorials and databases to assist customers in locating and utilizing Internet-accessible resources.
Implement and standardize the use of Common Gateway Interface (CGI)-compliant forms for library services, to provide online forms including: reference, informational or support questions, requests for purchase, and improved methods of customer feedback.

Objective 3: Increase CD-ROM and software applications available to the community.

Office applications software added to all public Internet access computers through the free licenses offered through the Gates Foundation.
Children’s educational software will be maintained on the public computers.
Purchase computer games to install on computers in the Teen Spaces at each library.

C. Goal for Staff Development

Fulfill service objectives through effective human resources planning and development.

Objective 1: Improve both internal and external customer service

Provide staff with information and training on new and upcoming technologies.
Survey current and potential patrons to determine their level of technological knowledge and needs
Provide staff training on TLC automation software upgrades.

D. Goal for Facilities and Equipment

Provide technology resources to support the objectives of the library.

Objective 1: Insure that each library facility in RRL has sufficient public and staff use computers in good working order.

Annual budgets to include replacement of at least ten computers per year.
Check wiring and circuitry to insure sufficient electrical power and outlets for all computers at each building.
Teach staff how to do regular clean up, maintenance, and upgrade of every computer.

E. Goal For Administrative and Support Services

Attain and maintain the most efficient and effective utilization of the electronic resources available.

Objective 1: Upgrade the Library’s network backbone and staff workstations

All workstations have Microsoft Windows XP Professional.
All servers have Microsoft Windows 2003 Server software.
Complete computer network re-build completed in January 2007.
All workstations have Internet Explorer browser, either version 6 or 7.
Install TLC automation upgrades as they arrive.

Objective 2: Increase network security.

Recent network rebuild installed new, safer security measures.
Disaster Recovery Plan installed.
Antivirus program switched from Symantec to F-Protect in 2006.
Antivirus program set to do automatic updates on staff computers; staff must manually do updates on public computers with Centurion locks.
Microsoft updates, Dell updates, HP updates to be done on regular basis.

Objective 3: Establish and maintain standards for Library web publications, and

procedures for the maintenance of pages on the web server.

New webpage re-design grant awarded by State Library in 2006; new webpage to be completed this month.
Webpage is housed on a small server at the Main Library in Jackson.
Webpage is updated by a staff member with knowledge of Microsoft Front Page.
Webpage is maintained on a continuous basis with new information being added, old information deleted, calendar updates, policy changes, and such.
Broken links are repaired as soon as discovered by either staff or patrons.
Two staff members have attended Front Page training.
Create a schedule to check for broken links and mine new links from the Internet that are deemed reliable and useful.
Insure that webpage is ADA compliant.
Get feedback from patrons regarding ease of use of library’s webpage, suggestions for additions or changes.

Objective 4: Establish and maintain standards for the purchase or development of public and staff databases.

The following standards have been adopted by RRL; USMARC bibliographic record format, Z39.50 information retrieval protocol, SQL (Structured Query Language, CGI interface protocol, MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) data formats. More standards will be adopted as new technology is introduced.

Objective 5: Establish and maintain network architecture standards to insure reliability of networked resources.

Maintain the TCP/IP Internet working protocol.

Comments: Main data circuits were upgraded to minimum line speed of T1 with assistance through REAL via assistance through REAL via MOREnet. Final line installed in 2001 at Altenburg branch.

F. Goal for Community Relations

Establish an effective community relations program which will communicate the availability of electronic resources and promote the library.

Objective 1: Develop a plan to promote the library's electronic services and

resources to the public.

Continue to use the library web page to publicize the library and its activities
Foster relationships with area media professionals and keep them updated on

library service developments.

· Develop computer-generated brochures and flyers of monthly library calendars,

lists of new books and AV, general information about the library, bookmarks, newsletter.

G. Goal for Interagency Cooperation

Cooperate with other libraries, governmental units, organizations and service agencies to improve the quality and efficiency of electronic services.

Objective 1: Foster cooperation with area libraries for resource sharing and cooperative

technology development.

Investigate shared web resource development.
Collaborate on an area-wide training program for librarians who are also using TLC automation software.

Objective 2: Develop relationships with community cultural/educational/social agencies and organization which complement Riverside’s mission and goals.

· Add Meeting Room Schedule to library webpage.

· Give talks to local organizations about the library services.

· We currently use technology to communicate with or involve public library trustees, public library friends, or public library customers through our library web page and email. Trustees receive the Board meeting minutes and reminders of meetings through email. Library Friends use our web page for news and announcements. Patrons receive automatic emails from our automation program notifying them of holds and overdues.

· Riverside’s policy limiting computer access to material that is pornographic for minors, public Internet access policy, and Internet user agreement & registration forms are attached to this document.

· Riverside currently does not have a written technology policy relating to equitable access for public library customers with exceptional needs. A policy will be developed by the end of 2007. We also do not have a written policy on data and network security. This also will be written by the end of 2007. After Board approval, the new policies will be added to Riverside’s policy manual which is printed and given to all employees and is published on our web page for public reading. A security audit of our network was performed by MOREnet in late 2006. This, in conjunction with the recent complete network rebuild, has greatly increased our network security. Additional firewall protection was added; administrative passwords are more protected; user passwords are forced to be changed every 120 days.

· Riverside has wheelchair-accessible adjustable tables, VERA reading machines, adaptive keyboards and computer mice. Our State Library grant-funded new webpage is nearly completed; the web designer is supposed to check it for ADA compliance before it is released.

6. Staff Training

To insure that the staff knows how to use the new technologies to improve library services, the following strategy will be followed:

· The Director will be in charge of coordinating the professional development activities. All appropriate training activities such as workshops, conferences, local training, etc. are disseminated to all staff members through email or print copies delivered at the monthly staff meetings. All staff members are encouraged to attend training, especially in the area of technology-related professional development, that relate to their positions.

· All staff members will be expected to develop their computer and technology-related skills through various methods, such as in-house training, online tutorials, CD based instruction, workshops, conferences, etc. Professional development is part of the annual Performance Evaluation of each employee, which directly relates to salary increases.

· Technical Services staff will attend workshops provided by MLNC, the State Library, or other sponsors to increase their cataloging skills.

· Inter-Library Loan staff will attend workshops provided by the above sponsors to increase their skill and understanding in the procedures of ILL.

· Riverside received a laptop computer-training lab through a State Library grant in 2003; with this we are able to provide in-house training on Windows, Office programs, Internet searching, and email for our staff.

· Riverside also uses outside courses and workshops that apply to the improvement of technology skills for all our staff, either workshops provided by MOREnet, MLNC, the State Library, the local university, or enrolled classes at the local Technical School. The use of online tutorials and CD based training programs is also encouraged.

· Riverside’s staff prefers hands-on training when computers are involved. They have learned a great deal in the last few years on how to search the Internet, how to maintain the equipment, how to assist the public in their online research, and much more. Staff members also help one another in how to use different aspects of different programs through one-on-one training among themselves. This simple sharing of information has done much to increase the computer literacy among employees.

· Our annual budget has and will continue to have funds available for “Travel and Staff Development” so employees can be reimbursed for any eligible out-of-pocket expense related to training events.

· Riverside has not yet adapted technology skills standards for public library staff. This needs to be done by July 2008. We currently have no incentives to encourage library staff to learn and integrate new skill sets into appropriate job duties, except for the fact that CE training is one of the points in their performance evaluation.

· We have some staff members who are trained well enough to give computer training to patrons. All staff can help patrons one-on-one with the very basics of computer use and Internet searching.

· The Library Director has sufficient training in the use of technology as an administrative tool to do the job at hand. Training includes Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, and TLC Reports.

· The particular challenge our library is experiencing in providing sufficient staff development activities is mainly the size of the staff. We have four one-man libraries which means if training is done as a group, substitutes must be hired to keep the libraries open. Another challenge is space; we have no where to set up the laptop computer lab on a permanent basis—which in itself would encourage more training.

7. Technology Assessment

Hardware and software inventory sheets are attached to this document.

Our basic technology infrastructure:

· Our telecommunications/connectivity—T1 lines to all six library buildings. This is sufficient to meet our needs. We have no plans for expanding over the next three years.

· Our Internet connected computer ration to our public library service area is 1:940

· We do not offer wireless access to the Internet.

· Average age of the equipment used for public library services: 3 years

· We determine equipment obsolescence is 5 years. We budget replacement of 10 computers per year.

· We have no technology support staff to manage our computer and network infrastructure. All but the simplest repairs must be outsourced to a computer repair business. Technology support is a challenge for our library.

8. Needs Assessment

In evaluating progress towards needs identified in the previous technology plan:

· The benefit of having the previous technology plan in place was having a history of the equipment and growth of the network, a listing of the equipment and its locations, and identifying the need to replace a certain number of computers on a yearly basis.

· Goals and objectives we were able to meet included upgrading existing staff and public computers on a regular basis, upkeep of the library’s web page and catalog, expanded our ILL services so Perryville can do their own rather than going through the Administration Library (this increased speed of service to those patrons), purchased electronic reference services, began TLC automated emails to patrons, MS software was added to all public computers, staff received more computer training, migrated all workstations to Windows XP, changed from Symantec anti-virus to F-Protect, changed from Fortress to Centurion locks, created brochure for public on how to use the catalog and PIN numbers, included library policies on web page, and more. Plus, the network was completely rebuilt from the ground up.

· The main objectives we did not meet was redesigning the web page to include all the things mentioned in the previous Technology Plan, but as mentioned before, this new web page is near completion and will have all the items we listed.

· There was no formal needs assessment conducted to develop this technology plan, other than what the Director and staff know about the equipment from using it on a daily basis, plus the MOREnet vulnerability studies, plus input from our computer repair company.

· The critical component of the needs assessment were the network rebuild. In the spring of 2006 our network began running slow, occasionally dropping connections, and failing to open the shared drive on the server at times. As the year progressed the problems became more and more frequent, until it reached a critical stage in October 2006. The network was basically ready to collapse in on itself. An expensive rebuild involving renaming the domain, redirecting every workstation to the new domain, reconfiguring the active directory, installing new firewall protection, installing a new server at the main library, and correcting a multiple of other problems had to be undertaken. The critical components also included network security, which has been improved greatly.

9. Budget

· Estimated budget for our anticipated technology expenditures for the next three years:

Ø Hardware: 10 computer workstations, 5 printers, asst. hardware, including labor: $15,000 per year x 3 years = $45,000

Ø Software: TLC contract, accounting software, software licenses: $15,000 per year x 3 years = $45,000

Ø Consulting contracts: N/A at this time

Ø Telecommunications services: $6,000 per year x 3 years = $18,000

Ø Staff: N/A (we have no staff dedicated exclusively to technology)

Ø Training for technical staff: N/A

Ø Staff development: $5,000 per year x 3 years = $15,000

· Evidence of adequate budget to support infrastructure and services over the next three years: Our 2007 budget includes the following:

Capital expense $22,000; Repairs & Maintenance $30,000; Electronic databases $4,500; Automation fees (TLC contract) $19,500; Travel & Staff Development $5,000. (A copy of the 2007 budget is attached to this document.)

· Existing and potential funding sources include: local tax revenue, State Aid, grants, donations and gifts from patrons, donations from Friends of the Library, overdue fines, lost books paid for, A&E tax revenue, ILL user charges, TIF income, and bank interest

· There are no foreseeable funding challenges our public library may face over the next three years that might impact our organization’s ability to implement the technology plan. There are preliminary plans to build a new Jackson community center with space for Riverside’s main library, but it is doubtful that this will be completed in the next three years.

· Riverside does not participate in the E-Rate program.

10. Implementation Plan

Timeline:

July 1, 2007—new web page uploaded and running; evaluation of webpage in progress; new links added.

July 15, 2007—15 new computers purchased (if grant is approved); 14 are replacements, 1 is new additional computer for handicap accessibility.

November 2007—budget approved for 2008 to include technology funding.

December 15, 2007—Written technology policy relating to equitable access for public library customers with exceptional needs approved by Board and in place.

December 15, 2007—Written policy on data and network security in place.

December 31, 2007—computer training for at least 10 staff members completed.

January 30, 2008—evaluation of Technology Plan by Long-Range Planning Committee completed

April 30, 2008—purchase of 10 replacement computers and 5 printers

November 2008—budget approved for 2008 to include technology funding.

December 31, 2008—computer training for at least 10 staff members completed.

January 30, 2009—evaluation of Technology Plan by Long-Range Planning Committee completed

April 30, 2008—purchase of 10 replacement computers and 5 printers

November 2009—budget approved for 2008 to include technology funding.

December 31, 2009—computer training for at least 10 staff members completed.

January 30, 2010—evaluation of Technology Plan by Long-Range Planning Committee completed.

April 30, 2008—purchase of 10 replacement computers and 5 printers

11. Evaluation

· The library will evaluate the effectiveness of technology in accomplishing its service goals by keeping the computer network and all workstations in good operating order, getting comments from patrons and staff who want or need additional programs added to the public Internet access computers or the library’s web page, keeping count of the number of patron Internet users per day, requesting MOREnet’s assistance in future vulnerability studies, maintaining the library website, using the Smart Filter reporting program to track the number of Internet hits in an average week, updating the TLC automation program and training the staff in how to use the changes, and once a year conducting a written survey of our Internet access computer users (both staff and patrons) to determine customer satisfaction with the library’s technology.

· We will monitor the progress of this plan by keeping the above timeline in the forefront of our annual planning and doing everything possible to meet those deadlines.

· The Library Board Long-Range Planning Committee meets every January to review and revise our Five-Year Plan and will now begin reviewing our Technology Plan to revise as needed and see that we are staying on track with the timeline. The Library Director and Long-Range Planning Committee will be responsible for updating the plan.

· Several developments in technology have emerged since we last wrote/revised our plan, but none that we can afford to implement as this time.

Mail your Technology Plan to:

Debbie Musselman, Library Consultant, Technology

Missouri State Library

600 West Main Street, P.O. Box 387

Jefferson City MO 65102-0387

Plans should be submitted no later than April 6, 2007.