The address for the Pioneer Library System is http://www.pls-net.org/. The home page is just about ready to change so if you go today or tomorrow, it will look different at the end of the week. Don't be startled-good things are happening!!
The address for the Gorham Free Library is http://www.gorham.pls-net.org/index.php. With the additon of a techno whiz to my staff, this is about to change this week too (hopefully) so tune in for that too.
Thanks to everyone for their interest in what I have learned. Doing a blog has definitely been one of the favorite parts of this class for me. I can't wait to take the web design course this summer.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Final thoughts
I am so glad that I had an opportunity to do this project. Not only did I learn a lot about the basics of how the library system technologically runs that I am a part of, but I certainly got a better understanding of my own library's technology. I will be making plans for the future on some much needed changes (Wireless is coming! Wireless is coming!) Hope everyone enjoys my blog as much as I have enjoyed others.
Some more technological information
The type of automated circulation system is SIRSI which no one at PLS seems to be to particularly happy with. I do know that they are looking at other systems but as of yet have not chosen anything. We have an online public access catalog (OWWL) and electronic access to OPAC from outside the library itself. In 2006 we had approximately 3500 patron usages of the public computers.
Since the Gorham Library has just under gone a renovation, it has plenty of space for the technology that is used (see side column pictures). This renovation included enough electrical outlets, network outlets, and cable outlets. The library is badly in need of appropriate computer seating as it is not ergonomically correct. There is one ergonomically correct keyboard available to the public and so far the patrons appear to like it (though I didn't).
What really works for the Gorham Library is the customer service provided by the staff. It is the #1 objective at the library and the figures of patron usage is showing that it is paying off. The staff is also innovative and creative. What doesn't work is the tight (screaming) technology budget and the lack of any policies. These are all things that the library hopes to correct in the near future.
Since the Gorham Library has just under gone a renovation, it has plenty of space for the technology that is used (see side column pictures). This renovation included enough electrical outlets, network outlets, and cable outlets. The library is badly in need of appropriate computer seating as it is not ergonomically correct. There is one ergonomically correct keyboard available to the public and so far the patrons appear to like it (though I didn't).
What really works for the Gorham Library is the customer service provided by the staff. It is the #1 objective at the library and the figures of patron usage is showing that it is paying off. The staff is also innovative and creative. What doesn't work is the tight (screaming) technology budget and the lack of any policies. These are all things that the library hopes to correct in the near future.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
PLS recommendations for patron computers
After all the reading I've been doing about Windows Vista and pondering if we should update our systems, I was relieved to find that PLS recommends staying with Windows XP Professional at this time. The basic computer requirements are a dual -core processor (Pentium D) with 2 GB RAM and non-shared 256 MB video memory. At this time, PLS doesn't provide any maintenance or repair for the 42 libraries in the system, but at our library, we are fortunate enough to have enough outside volunteer help to assist with problems that we run into.
For PLS, the personnel that is involved in the technology/media program planning and budgeting include the executive and assistant directors along with input from the staff. At Gorham, we have a budget committee that is far behind the times as to what the technology should be costing to keep current in today's library. I have really found that the information I have garnered from this class, along with my other computer classes, has at least opened up my eyes to what we should be doing as well as to what I may write future grants for to cover the funding needed. I did discover in my chats with Roma that Gorham isn't alone in not planning for technology, as most of the other libraries in the system don't either, though I don't consider this to be an excuse for my library in the future.
PLS supplies all the libraries in the system with BitDefender which is an anti-virus program. Unfortunately, for my library this feature is not working and no one seems to know why or to be able to repair it. DeepFreeze is on the public computers so that there is a complete reset each time the computers are turned on. PLS does all the updates to these programs, leaving me with one less thing to worry about.
The library is part of OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) provided through PLS. Wiki's and Twiki's are included and are invaluable to me in my hunt for information. There are no RSS feeds on or IM reference services at this time.
My board has a new policy committee that has not yet met but is charged with creating up-to-date policies for the library with a technology policy at the head of the list. I am sure that I will be having a great deal of input into this or else it will never get done. Sound familiar to anyone out there?
For PLS, the personnel that is involved in the technology/media program planning and budgeting include the executive and assistant directors along with input from the staff. At Gorham, we have a budget committee that is far behind the times as to what the technology should be costing to keep current in today's library. I have really found that the information I have garnered from this class, along with my other computer classes, has at least opened up my eyes to what we should be doing as well as to what I may write future grants for to cover the funding needed. I did discover in my chats with Roma that Gorham isn't alone in not planning for technology, as most of the other libraries in the system don't either, though I don't consider this to be an excuse for my library in the future.
PLS supplies all the libraries in the system with BitDefender which is an anti-virus program. Unfortunately, for my library this feature is not working and no one seems to know why or to be able to repair it. DeepFreeze is on the public computers so that there is a complete reset each time the computers are turned on. PLS does all the updates to these programs, leaving me with one less thing to worry about.
The library is part of OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) provided through PLS. Wiki's and Twiki's are included and are invaluable to me in my hunt for information. There are no RSS feeds on or IM reference services at this time.
My board has a new policy committee that has not yet met but is charged with creating up-to-date policies for the library with a technology policy at the head of the list. I am sure that I will be having a great deal of input into this or else it will never get done. Sound familiar to anyone out there?
Monday, April 14, 2008
More questions from my questions.
One of the main things that I have learned from questioning Roma and my own experience in the library, is that I have more questions now than when I started. The present network at Gorham Free Library is a wired networked but through my discussions with several folks at PLS, I saw how relatively simple and cost effective it would be to also go wireless. Since there is only 4 stations open to the public, it would make a lot of sense to go wireless, which is why I am writing my final paper on just that. I will not only be doing it for a grade, but to use as a tool with my board of trustees to convince that of the legitimacy of the idea. I am hoping to make the entire library (which really isn't very big) a "hot spot". My biggest question at this point is whether or not the downstairs will be "hot" too. This is the area that will be for book discussions, clubs, presentations, etc. and I think it would be beneficial to be able to use personal computers and PDA's there also.
PLSs' servers are LINUX and they concentrate on open source. All the libraries, Gorham's included, use Dell computers. PLS does include specifications that computers should meet in order to be able to run to the maximum of the capabilities provided and ask that all the 42 libraries within the system meet those standards. The Internet is provided by Road Runner with a virtual private tunnel. The Gorham Library has the Dell's specified and we were fortunate enough to get them through the Gates Foundation. We will have to upgrade at least one of the four public ones in the next year or so as that one is the oldest and just barely meets the minimum requirements needed. Here's hoping for another grant!!
The library doesn't provide any PDA's or laptops at this time, but with the idea of going wireless in the near future, that is an option I am seriously looking at. I would particularly consider the laptops-does anyone know if the Gates grant would cover this? They would only be used in the library when the public wired ones are in use. Does anyone else do this?
PLSs' servers are LINUX and they concentrate on open source. All the libraries, Gorham's included, use Dell computers. PLS does include specifications that computers should meet in order to be able to run to the maximum of the capabilities provided and ask that all the 42 libraries within the system meet those standards. The Internet is provided by Road Runner with a virtual private tunnel. The Gorham Library has the Dell's specified and we were fortunate enough to get them through the Gates Foundation. We will have to upgrade at least one of the four public ones in the next year or so as that one is the oldest and just barely meets the minimum requirements needed. Here's hoping for another grant!!
The library doesn't provide any PDA's or laptops at this time, but with the idea of going wireless in the near future, that is an option I am seriously looking at. I would particularly consider the laptops-does anyone know if the Gates grant would cover this? They would only be used in the library when the public wired ones are in use. Does anyone else do this?
Roma at PLS
I've placed a picture of Roma on the site so that everyone can know the guru that gets me through my weeks and was invaluable in helping me to get an understanding of the technological side of the library.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Overly worked and overly tired
Sorry that there hasn't been more blogging going on. For the last 2 weeks I have been working between 11-12 hours a day trying to get the library back on its feet. The remodel that was suppose to be 3 weeks has lasted 9 and we are still not finished. We did open this week but since I have a new clerk and just tons of work to catch up on, I don't yet see an end in sight.
I am actually doing a combination visit as I cannot get away from my own library for the next several weeks. I did visit Pioneer Library System of which my library is a part of to ask some questions and I will also be reviewing my own library, the Gorham Free Library to look at how what I learned at PLS actually pertains to Gorham as each of the 42 libraries in the system are set up a bit different.
I set up an appointment ahead of time with Roma (see previous post) so that we would have about an hour to conduct the interview. I prepared my questions in advance using the information I found on the Onsite Library Visit Assignment sheet. I also spent time researching such items as what a "hot spot" was; different types of automation systems; and the PLS website so that I knew who did what.
I asked the following questions as to how they would pertain to Gorham's Library and will review the answers in the next post:
I am actually doing a combination visit as I cannot get away from my own library for the next several weeks. I did visit Pioneer Library System of which my library is a part of to ask some questions and I will also be reviewing my own library, the Gorham Free Library to look at how what I learned at PLS actually pertains to Gorham as each of the 42 libraries in the system are set up a bit different.
I set up an appointment ahead of time with Roma (see previous post) so that we would have about an hour to conduct the interview. I prepared my questions in advance using the information I found on the Onsite Library Visit Assignment sheet. I also spent time researching such items as what a "hot spot" was; different types of automation systems; and the PLS website so that I knew who did what.
I asked the following questions as to how they would pertain to Gorham's Library and will review the answers in the next post:
- Is the network utilized wireless or wired?
- Are there "hot spots" at PLS and when Gorham becomes wireless, will there be "hot spots" located there and how will I know where they are?
- What brand of automation system do they have and are they happy with it? Is the system web-based?
- Specifications for server, computers, workstations.
- Number of patron workstations.
- Is maintenence and repair done by staff or outside contractor?
- Who are the personnel involved concerning the technology/media program, planning and budgeting in the library?
- Is there a WebPage, and if so, who maintains it?
- Who is the Internet service provider and what is the speed of the connection?
- Is there a technology policy?
- Is there checkout for PDA's, e-books, AV equipment, etc.
- Is there enough space for technology, networking, patron computers?
- Is there appropriate furniture for technolgy such as spmputers, online stations, staff workstations and are they ergonomically correct? Are there accomodations for folks with disabilities?
- Are there enough electrical outlets, network outlets, cable outlets, wireless access points for technology?
- What works in the technology program? What doesn't?
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