Martin County Library System Technology Plan

INTRODUCTION

Technology now is the norm for public libraries as they serve their users. In recognition of this, the Martin County Library System has made a commitment to the integration of technology into its services as is consistent with the library's mission statement.

The Library's mission is to be an educational, informational, and recreational resource for the resident's of Martin County, promoting literacy and life-long learning

The Martin County Library System is a member of the Traverse des Sioux Library System (TdS) and is a participant in the PALS Shared Automation Network. The Traverse des Sioux Library System is a federated library system of 34 public libraries serving nine counties in the south-central part of the state.

TdS membership provides convenient resource sharing among network participants, provision of a direct Internet connection for use by the public and library staff, space on the server for library websites, technical assistance, and shared e-mail among workers at participating libraries. In addition, library users may place reserves from online catalog terminals or from their home computer.

In addition to Internet access the library provides other forms of technology, including providing personal computers with word processing capabilities, color printers, a fax machine, and a photocopying machine.

The Library Board agreed that this plan is to be reviewed on an annual basis. In the review or evaluation process, the Library Director and Library Board will revisit the goal, objectives and activities and consider these questions:

(1) Has the objective or activity been accomplished?
(2) Has the accomplishment of the objective or activity been effective for library service in Martin County?
(3) Does the goal or objective need to be re-phrased or re-directed in accordance with changes in the library environment?

LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT

Goal
The Martin County Library System will offer up to date library services to meet the informational and educational needs of the community through the use of technology.

Summary of objectives:

A. Objective. The library will continue to participate in the shared automation network offered by the Traverse des Sioux Library System.
1. The Martin County Library System will look to TdS for providing a shared automation network, technical advice and information in maintaining effective technology practices.

B. Objective. The library's user community will be able to address informational and educational needs through the integration of technology with library public services.
1. The Martin County Library System will provide a website that patrons can access from library and home computers. The website will provide information about the library, access to the library catalog, and access to other shared databases currently subscribed to by TdS and the Martin County Library System, and the State of Minnesota (ELM).

C. Objective. The Library will offer patrons personal assistance in their pursuit of information that involves technology.
1. Currently the Martin County Library System offers computer and Internet group instruction via a Senior Surf day that is available at varying times throughout the year. The Library will also be offering one-on-one instruction to adults who wish to learn more about the Internet, Word Processing, or how to use the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).
2. The Martin County Library System will also offer class-type instruction to those wishing to set up such type of instruction. (Ex, Boy/Girl Scouts, Grade-school Instruction, etc.)

D. Objective. The library will seek and implement methods to cover cost of technology applications.
1. The Martin County Library System will look at grants that may be incorporated into the acquisition of new technology, including Gates, state and federal grants.
2. The Martin County Library System will also look to community groups to help fund additional purchases of technological equipment (Trimont Chamber and TASK groups).

E. Objective. The library will incorporate technology planning into its ongoing planning for library services.
1. On a yearly basis the Library Director will evaluate the current technology available at the library, and will make suggestions, improvements and acquisitions to keep the library up-to-date with new technology.
2. Considering that most technology becomes obsolete after 18 months, the Martin County Library System will actively look to upgrade/replace its equipment on a rotating basis every four (4) years.
3. The Library Director will actively educate him/herself on new trends/advantages in technology, and will continue to address Collection Development issues in regards to technology.

F. Objective. The Martin County Library System will actively market the technical services available at the library to the people in the community.
1. Using such methods such as the library website, newsprint, e-mail and other forms of communication, the Martin County Library System will promote the need to improve its technology, advise of new acquisitions, and inform the public of technically related opportunities.

Approved by the Martin County Library Board, June 2003