Awareness of current technology trends and the development of strategic plans for the use of technology is vital to the library. Library decision makers must be well informed to ensure that computing in the library is accomplished efficiently and in a cost-effective way.

Library Technology aims to help the library implement technologies that are consistent with current business computing, with the campus computing environment, and with that of the library and information communities at large.

Advise Library administrators on issues related to technology. Ensure that decisions that involve technology are made with knowledge of current products and emerging trends.

• Develop a forward-looking approach to the use of technology in the library both proactively and reactively. Proactively study how the various units of the library use technology and advise them on additional alternatives or approaches.
• Be available to library staff and administrators to provide advice and assistance on issues of technology.

• As needs for new hardware and software arise, review decisions to ensure that the products involved are consistent with the library's general computing strategies.
• To research and test innovative ways of providing access to information and services.
• Working with ACIS to integrate existing library networking infrastructure with the next generation campus backbone.

Operations and Maintenance of Current Technology Infrastructure

To provide a robust, secure, fast and reliable networked computing environment for library patrons and staff.

• Continue to provide and maintain data security through daily tape backup procedures.
• Replace Pentium class workstations with current Pentium class workstations.
• Maintain and refine NDS security to provide only authorized access to the network and to protect data from unauthorized access.
• Work cooperatively with ACIS in identifying and addressing problems with library network access to and performance across the campus backbone and internet connections.
• Upgrade storage and memory capacities for file servers and networked CD-ROM servers as needed.
• Further integrate web technologies as a primary tool for staff work and communications.
• Participate in the development of the Library's Public Web environment and the StaffWeb.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive virus protection strategy for the entire library network.
• Upgrade network operating systems for file and print services to current versions.
• Upgrade internal email system used by library staff to current version.
• Communicate regularly with SIRSI Corporation and library staff on new and outstanding problems.
• Participate in CAG, ISAG, CAAG, CDAG, and RSIG to coordinate and review ACORN related activities for all ACORN users.
• Participate with the Technology Support Coordinators and the Technology Coordinationg Committee to coordinate activities related to the library's technology environment.
• Review operating schedules and procedures regularly.
• Deploy current stable versions of support packs for workstation operating system and network operating systems.

To manage, maintain, support and secure ACORN.

• Create new and maintain old policies in ACORN.
• Review operating schedules and procedures regularly.
• Provide support for patron database maintenance.
• Refine daily backup procedures.
• Provide and secure means of accessing user records.
• Test and implementing new versions of both the client and the server.

Communication

Library administrators and library staff need to be informed about the status of the systems and services in the Library's computing environment and of activities of the Library Technology team. Communication channels available include: personal communication by phone or in person, electronic mail, and the Web.

Provide effective communication to library staff on the status of Acorn, local databases, and other network resources.

• Send mail messages or place calls to appropriate groups of library staff for any known interruption of service to Acorn, major databases, or other systems maintained by Library Technology.
• Communicate with staff in advance of any planned interruption of service for any resource maintained by Library Technology.
• Publish information on changes or updates to supported systems and services.

• Maintain up-to-date Web resource accessible to library staff that describes each NetFix task currently pending. This information is currently being managed in LTT's Problem Tracking System.

• Maintain an up-to-date Web-based resource that describes LTT projects. This information is currently being managed in an Inmagic database available at http://staffweb.library.vanderbilt.edu/libtech/projects/
• Provide summary and detailed monthly reports to the libraries on the projects and activities of the Library Technology Team.
• Regularly, and as requested, report on the status of systems, services, and projects to any relevant committees and work groups.
• Continue to hold regular technology update sessions.

Development of Original Information Resources

To facilitate the distribution of original information content in partnership with other information providers and content developers.

• Examples include: Poggenburg, Voices of Vanderbilt, ETD and Sigaux.

Provide training opportunities for Library Staff

Information about technology and computer applications should be shared as widely as possible. LTT shall work to provide library staff with opportunities to learn about technology in general and about the library's computing environment and will not control or limit access to information about technology.

The Library's Staff Development Coordinating Committee has general responsibilities for training issues in the library.

LTT will work cooperatively with library structures to provide training classes for library staff according to needs identified by the Staff Development Coordinating Committee.

• Identify training needs to the Staff Development Coordinating Committee.
• Develop and conduct classes on topics identified in cooperation with the Staff Development Coordinating Committee.
• Work individually with Library Staff as needed to help them learn to use software.