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Technology Plan Criteria and Guidelines

Criteria

The following criteria must be met in order for the plan to qualify as an approved Technology Plan for LORI Standards and for Erate eligibility. Check to see that your plan meets the following five criteria:

_____The plan establishes clear goals and realistic strategies for using telecommunications and information technology to improve library services.

_____The plan has a professional development strategy to ensure that staff knows how to use the new technologies to improve library services.

_____The plan includes an assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software and other services that will be needed to improve library services.

_____The plan provides for a sufficient budget to acquire and maintain the hardware, software, professional development, and other services that will be needed to implement the strategy.

_____The plan includes an evaluation process that enables the library to monitor progress toward the specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.

Guidelines for Technology Plans

Vision Statement: How your library will use telecommunications and information technology to complement and support its overall mission and role.

Technology Assessment: List and describe hardware, software, telecommunications and Internet services, staff skill levels and professional development needs. Include technology used for administrative purposes, serving patrons, and for patron use.

Goals, Objectives, Activities: This section should reflect the 3-5 years period of the plans.

  • Goals should be general and related to the Vision Statement. Each goal will have one or more objectives.
  • An objective does not have to span the entire length of the plan. It may start and/or be completed in one, two, or more years. Each objective:
    • should have a measurable output.
    • should have a target date of completion.
    • must be evaluated at a specified time.
    • will have one or more activity.
  • Activities specify the steps and task taken to reach the objective.

The overall plan, as well as the specific objectives must be reviewed at least annually and revised if necessary.

Note: As an integral part of the library's general plans, policies, and budget process, technology plans may contain components that are repeated or detailed more fully in other documents. It is acceptable to refer to sections in other official documents if those documents are on file at OLIS or if they are provided as attachments to the Technology Plan. Please be specific as to the name of the document referred to and include relevant page and paragraph citations.

Resources for more assistance

Office of Library and Information Services, One Capitol Hill, Providence RI 02908-5803, (401)574-9300; Fax: (401)574-9320

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