Technology Planning Simplified

Instructor: Joan Frye Williams

Technology Planning Simplified

My library’s technology plan is:

a) nonexistent

b) all blue sky and no substance

c) unintelligible to non-techies

d) already out of date

e) irrelevant when compared to the demands of real life, day-to-day service to library patrons

f) none of the above

Unless you chose (f), this workshop may be just what you’re looking for!

Workshop Description: This workshop will focus on shortcuts that will help you integrate technology planning with day-to-day library planning and management activities. You will learn practical techniques for:

• Identifying the right technologies for your library;
• Comparing technology-based solutions to non-technology approaches to providing a service or solving a problem;
• Breaking large technology projects into manageable chunks;
• Estimating the time and resources required for implementation;
• Laying out a realistic, step-by-step approach to turning an interesting idea into an actual service.

Planning Software: Course materials will include a licensed copy of Project Kickstart software, along with library-specific technology project planning templates, designed for use both during the workshop and afterwards.

Additional course materials will include:

• Technology project evaluation criteria and checklists
• Bookmarks for Web resources
• Sample project calendars
• Sample task lists

Please note: This is a two-part workshop. Part One is a self-paced reading and data gathering assignment, to be completed by attendees before the workshop date. This pre-workshop assignment should take approximately four hours. Part Two is the hands-on, PC-based workshop. At the workshop, attendees will work with material they have compiled in Part One, along with sample forms, templates and spreadsheets to create actual technology plan components.

Who Should Attend: Public library staff from any department.

Prerequisites: Basic proficiency in PC use and MS Word. No other technology background is required.

Please Note: There is a $200 per person fee for this workshop; this price includes a licensed copy of Project Kickstart planning software. InFoPeople does not provide parking passes, lunch or refreshments.