South Plainfield Public Library
2484 Plainfield Avenue
South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080
www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us
(908) 754-7885

TECHNOLOGY PLAN
2011 – 2013

Sunnie Randolph, Library Director

Technology Plan Committee

Danielle Aronowitz. Librarian
Eve Pasternak, Sr. Librarian
Chris Grippo, Supervising Librarian
Linda Hansen, Sr. Children’s Librarian
Kenneth Morgan, Sr. Library Assistant

Created: May 2011
Approved: 
Library Board of Trustees
May 26, 2011

Background Information

Library Overview:

The current library, located at 2484 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, New Jersey was built in 1964. There is one library building, which is very small for the size of the community.  It is 6,330 square feet.  The Library serves a population of 23,830 people. The Library participates in reciprocal borrowing with neighboring libraries.  The Library has approximately 16,000 registered library patrons. The number of borrowers is projected to increase by 20% within the next five years. The five year growth of the library collection is dependent on moving to a larger library building. The library has approximately 66,000 titles and 75,000 items in the collection.  The annual circulation for 2010 was 202,781 items. 

Vision Statement:

The South Plainfield Public Library is a source of pride for the town residents as a community center offering programs, education and information resources to all ages, interests and abilities.  The library attracts new residents and resulting service businesses and provides increased value to the town while building a stronger community of informed technologically savvy residents.

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of the South Plainfield Public Library to provide informational, educational, leisure and cultural resources to every resident of South Plainfield regardless of age, background or income level. From its unique position of enabling access to its online resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Library encourages life-long learning through its print and digital collections, programs, activities and personal assistance at the Library. The Library strengthens the community by supporting schools, underserved populations and community charitable organizations through its outreach services as well as enriching the lives of all the residents of South Plainfield.

Technology Vision:

The South Plainfield Public Library must continue to seek out the best way to provide current library materials, services and programs to the public from the limited space of a building that is too small.  The South Plainfield Public Library Board of Trustees and library staff recognize the impact of technology in the provision of library services.  The Library strives to provide access to, provide instruction in the use of, identify, retrieve and organize technology in its various formats so that the maximum number of South Plainfield residents will have access to a broad range of technology based library services to meet their informational and recreational needs.  Technology expands the availability of reference resources, attracts new library users, and enlarges the scope of the overall collection of the Library.  Technology allows South Plainfield Public Library to provide “virtual” resources that do not take up physical space in the library building.  In an environment where technology is constantly changing, the Library wants to keep up with technologies and formats that will serve the community but also need little or no space in the building.

THREE YEAR LONG RANGE TECHNOLOGY PLANS 2011 - 2013

The South Plainfield Public Library has embarked on a three year long range technology plan to study, develop and implement a planned response to current and future changes in the library technology world that will directly impact the South Plainfield Public Library in the short term.

1.	Identify what products and services are available or are on the horizon in the next three years that would be of value to South Plainfield Public Library
2.	What do library patrons expect from technology and from their experiences at other places like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Home Depot? What do they expect from shopping online?  What do they expect from customer service in person that can be assisted by the technology they experience in the Library?
3.	What features are required and desired to serve the public the Library currently has and the public the Library wants to have?  This will include evaluations of social networking and push technologies such as RSS and Twitter.  In order to push information out to patrons, the Library will need to be prepared to be creators of information on a much more widespread scale than presently.

Current State of Technology

•	In 1997 the Library purchased the Dynix integrated library system. Automation of the circulation system, cataloging, interlibrary loan, Library web page and online catalog provided easier access to library resources. Additional services were added, such as a self check out machine and telephone renewal/ notification of library materials. There have been many advances in ILS systems since 1997.  In January of 2010, the Library purchased a new ILS system from Innovative Interfaces Inc. Because of the small size of the library building, the new ILS system is hosted in Emeryville, CA. The Library uses Encore, a federated search interface that not only looks similar to Google, but also uses the same fuzzy logic technology that most people have come to expect when doing online searches. The new system includes circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, Homebound and remote web page management. This system allows patron email notification. Patrons can opt to keep track of their reading history, if they choose.  There is a telephone renewal/messaging system for patrons to use to renew items and check on what items they have out.
•	The South Plainfield Public Library has 25 computers for staff and/or public use.  There is one Apple computer for patrons who prefer MAC. There is a computer that will read, print, or send to email an image from microfilm or fiche. All the public computers have internet access. All the PCs have virus protection software and Microsoft Office installed.
•	Through its annual budget, South Plainfield Public Library systematically replaces older PCs and attempts to standardize hardware configurations by brand and model whenever possible.  All PCs scheduled for replacement are evaluated for usefulness and a determination is made whether the equipment can be used elsewhere for less demanding applications or sold. This plan has produced a predictable budget and keeps hardware available for the staff and the public to access the Internet or perform computer dependent work.
•	The Library recently upgraded its T-1 line to a 10 megabit fiber optic connection through the BTOP grant and the NJ State Library. The Library will also receive three additional public access Internet computers to aid patrons in their search for employment.

•	The Library has wireless internet within the library building.  This allows patrons to access the internet from their laptop computers or other devices for free in the library. It can also be accessed from right outside the Library.

•	The library uses Envisonware for time and print management on the public internet computers. Patrons can print using the HP networked printer or the Canon photocopy machine for both black and white and color copies. A five year life cycle is used for budgeting for new PCs and printers. Printing costs are monitored and evaluated at the end of the year. Patrons pay ten cents for black and white copies and fifty cents for color copies.

•	Public computers also have Microsoft Office, genealogy, typing, resume writing, and children’s software

•	The South Plainfield Public Library web site (www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us) offers access to the library catalog, online databases, library calendar, job resources, downloadable books from ListenNJ and links to other valuable sites on the Internet.

•	The Library has a security camera monitoring system which helps staff monitor the public areas of the Library. The cameras record to a DVR which keeps the images for one week and can be burned to a DVD.

•	The Library has both black & white and color photocopy machines for public and staff use.  

•	The Children’s Room has a ceiling mounted projector that is used to show children’s movies. It is wired to a VCR/DVD player and can broadcast basic cable from a connection donated by Comcast, or be hooked up to a Wii system for gaming programs.

•	The Children’s Room has two computers with educational and gaming and bilingual Spanish/English programs for young children. There is also a library catalog computer (OPAC) in the Children’s Room.

•	The Library provides public fax services.

•	The Library provides online subscription databases for both staff and the public.  

•	The Technical Services Department obtains cataloging records through Z39.50 servers at the Library of Congress, ITS MARC, OCLC and other libraries.

•	As new technologies are identified and/or implemented at the Library, workshops, webinars and other training opportunities are identified for staff. There is a laptop for staff training purposes.

•	There is a screen, laptop, and projector set-up for the main room of the library.  This is used for library sponsored programs.

•	The Library has a Canon digital camera which is used for publicity photos of Library programs and events.

•	The Library’s Canon color copier has scanning capability which the staff will do for patrons if it is not too big a job. Currently staff will do scans of up to 10 pages for patrons at $.10 per page.

•	The Library has a portable DVD player for checking damaged DVDs and for use in special programs.

•	The Library has a CD/DVD cleaning machine to clean scratched or dirty discs.  This helps keep the DVDs or CDs in our collection longer.

Through responsible management of technology, the Library will strive to maximize the public’s return on the investment in the Library.

1.	Utilize technology to minimize the use of paper, provide better access to information and reduce staff and patron time
2.	Evaluate the cost and effectiveness of print versus electronic, including overdue and holds notices, mailings, and library publicity
3.	Expand the use of web based internal/external training and meetings through the use of webinars
4.	Develop services to increase access, convenience and self service options for patrons via the website and in the Library
5.	Use statistical reports to analyze data on usage of specific collections, electronic resources, busiest days and times in the Library
6.	Identify and plan for upgrades, products, and subscriptions that interface with the ILS
7.	Regularly assess patron and staff needs for computer workstations and software. Plan and budget for identified enhancements

Goal # 1   CCD Scanners

Purchase CCD scanners to replace existing laser scanners at the circulation desk, reference desk and children’s room.  CCD (Charged Coupled Device) scanners are more compatible with newer technology.  Many library patrons have smart phones with applications (cardstar, keyring) that allow them to scan in and save barcodes (most often they are used for store shopper cards, but any barcode can be stored, including library cards).  The Library’s current laser scanners are not compatible with smart phones because they are not able to read barcodes off a source that emits light (like a smart phone screen does).  CCD scanners can read the barcodes on standard library cards as well as those that have been stored into a smart phone.  They cost a little less than the current scanner, and also have the advantage of having no moving parts and so are less likely to have problems.

1.	Find vendors and prices of CCD scanners
2.	Purchase and install five (5) scanners
3.	Keep statistics on scanner usage to scan smart phone barcodes
4.	Compare the accuracy of scanning on new scanners versus old scanners

Goal #2   Provide More Patron Access to e-books, e-music, e-magazines and e-newspapers

 The Library participates in ListenNJ for downloadable audiobooks and e-books but does not put them in the Library catalog at this time.

1.	Evaluate the new e-book readers
2.	Investigate the cost to a library of e-magazines, e-newspapers that people can read on their computers and/or mobile devices with a library card.
3.	Investigate vendors and evaluate the cost of providing e-music for patrons
4.	Evaluate Amazon’s new program for Libraries
5.	With the increasing popularity of e-readers and decreasing prices, investigate circulation of the readers and e-books.
6.	Set up a computer to be a “download station” for patrons who do not have computers or fast internet capabilities at home
7.	Keep usage statistics for the download station
8.	Keep statistics for all the “e” usage
9.	Determine the need for e-records in the Library catalog
10.	Identify ways (online and in person) to distribute information about new library materials and programs to new audiences

Goal # 3   Implement E- Commerce with the Library’s ILS

 E-commerce will allow the Library to accept online credit card payments for fees and fines via the Webpac. Patrons will be able to pay fees or fines from their home computer or by logging into one of the Library’s public terminals.  Staff will not handle the transaction.  Patrons will log into their own online account and have the option of clicking on a “pay fines online” button.  This will prompt them to fill out their credit card information and submit it 

1.	The Library will set up a merchant account (the Library’s ILS vendor suggests Merchant eSolutions) so that patrons can pay fines, fees or make donations from their Patron Account.
2.	Publicize and educate the public on the use of e-commerce on the Library’s website
3.	Keep statistics on usage by patrons
4.	Publicize that donations to the Library can be made online using the e-commerce feature
5.	Evaluate the success of online payment by patrons and if successful, set-up credit card payments at the circulation desk.

Goal # 4   RFID and RFID Self check-out Machine

The Library currently uses a 3M library materials theft detection system with tattle tapes in the library items and security gates at the main entrance to the Library.  Technology is changing and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) products can reduce the loss of library items due to theft.  The reduction of lost, stolen or misplaced items can bring significant savings to the Library and keep items where they are supposed to be on the shelves.  The addition of a second check-out machine that has RFID with the ability to unlock the Library’s security cases would speed-up checkout for patrons.

1.	Evaluate the RFID vendors and the cost of equipment
2.	Educate and train the staff about RFID and the process for tagging the library materials before the process begins
3.	Run reports of lost and missing library items. Discard what can’t be found
4.	Weed sections of the library collection before tagging begins
5.	Develop a plan of what sections of the collection to tag first
6.	Schedule staff teams to work on tagging and report damaged library materials
7.	Plan work schedule for least busy days and times of the year
8.	Close for in-service day of tagging
9.  In 3 month intervals, run library reports for missing or lost items

Goal # 5   Store Historic Library Records in Digital Format

The South Plainfield Public Library lacks storage space. The Library has Library minutes, payroll records, and history of the Library materials dating back at least 50 years.  According to the NJ Department of Records Management, these records must be saved indefinitely.  To prevent further deterioration and to save space, these records need digitization.  

1.	Find and select a company which can digitize the material at a reasonable price
2.	Partner with the South Plainfield Historical Society 
3.	One possibility is to hold a fundraiser to help pay for the project. Some companies allow individuals to preserve valuable personal collections of print, photographic and a/v materials with the same professional quality imaging once exclusive to institutions.  Ten percent of all proceeds from this type of program will be credited back to the sponsoring library.
4.	Assign and train staff to sort through and organize the materials to be digitized according to the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Archives and Records Management records disposal schedule.
5.	Train Library staff to work with the Library’s web mistress to put the new, historical, digitized documents on the Library’s website for public viewing
6.	Publicize new, historical and old library minutes available on the website
7.	Utilize online surveys to get feedback from in-house and remote users

Goal # 6    Flatbed Scanner for Public Use

Scanners capture photos and images and convert them to digital format for printing, editing, storing and sharing. The Library’s staff photocopy machine is able to scan items.  There has been increase in requests for scanning materials by the public.  A public, flatbed scanner attached to one of the public PCs would allow people to scan their own photos, documents, etc., and either save them to removable storage or send them to someone. 

1.	Evaluate the features and price of flatbed scanners
2.	Purchase and install on a library PC where there is space for the use of the scanner
3.	Collect statistics on the use of the scanner
4.	Establish the charge for printing from the scanner to a Library copier.  There would be no charge for saving to a flash drive or emailing.

Goal # 7   Link a Photograph with Each Patron Record

The Library’s circulation system has the ability to put a photograph of each patron on their patron record. The feature was purchased and implemented to prevent Library patrons from using someone else’s library card.

1.	Increase the number of patrons with linked photos in the Library’s circulation system by 20% by the end of 2011
2.	Target both parents with children as well as adults to get their pictures taken during Summer Reading
3.	Publicize positive reasons for having photo on patron record
4.	Check the monthly statistics to see the increase in photos

Goal # 8   Wii and Video Gaming (X-Box, Nintendo etc.)

The library owns a Wii and some games and has gaming nights but has never developed a collection of games for circulation to the public.

1.	Investigate what vendors sell games and the best prices 
2.	Purchase and circulate a few of the various types
3.	Publicize the new collection at gaming nights, on the website and through email 
4.	Evaluate the monthly circulation statistics to determine whether to purchase additional games and in which type are the most popular based on circulation statistics.
.
Goal # 9   E-Tutoring

Since the Library has no meeting room or quiet study rooms, tutors complain about the noise and lack of space in this library.  E-tutoring in an online program and platform which allows tutors to work with students synchronously and asynchronously, answering questions in real time, or replying to questions and essay submissions that students have left for review and commentary. 

1.	Investigate the various e-tutoring programs and prices for library use
2.	Investigate whether there are apps for iPad, iPhone, & iTouch or other smart phones
3.	Produce a survey for the public to find out if there is an interest in e-tutoring in the community
4.	Arrange for a public demonstration of the program the library is considering using
Professional Development

The staff of the South Plainfield Public Library is trained in all aspects of the Library, especially in delivering customer services.  The staff is small so it is necessary that people can fill in when someone is out or working on another library project.  When there is a new procedure, product or policy, every employee of the library is informed and trained. All employees are encouraged to attend workshops, conventions and continuing education courses throughout each year. With the increase in the usage of webinars for training, it is easier for Library staff to register and participate in these than attending out of the library workshops.  The ability to retake a webinar or schedule it ahead of time enables more people to participate.  Webinars save the Library travel and expense money.  The Library has a Meeting Attendance sheet that employees fill out with the date, place, workshop/webinar name, number of hours of the program, whether they recommend the program to others, and if there is mileage and other expenses.  These are kept for a year and used for State Aid statistics.

•	The Library Director will be in charge of coordinating the professional development activities
•	The Library has budgeted for staff education and technology related professional development
•	Vendor demonstrations and training are included.

TECHNOLOGY BUDGET                             $90,000       $130,000	  $90,000

Category	Year One	Year Two	Year Three	
	2011	2012	2013	
Equipment				
(5) Barcode Reader/scanners	$1,800			
ILS Hosting fee	$11,700	$11,700	$11,700	
Flatbed Scanner	$450			
Cabling for 3 BTOP Computers	$950			
(2) Small Computer Tables for BTOP computers	$959.40			
1 Computer Table	$384.30			
RFID (2) Conversion stations (rental)		$3890		
RFID (4) Enhanced Pad Staff Workstation		$5,800		
Self Check Out Station (1)		$8,795		
Dual Corridor Detection System (Gates)		$10,995		
	2011	2012	2013	
Software				
Base ILS Millennium 	$37,549	$37,549	$37,549	
E-Commerce (ILS) (Annual subscription)	$1,305	$1,305	$1,305	
Annual LC Authority Database Service	$3,400	$3,400	$3,400	
Circulation Patron Images	$1,161	$1,161	$1,161	
Web Access Management	$2,048	$2,048	$2,048	
Encore Subscription 	$14,750	$14,750	$14,750	
Content Café	$3,143	$3,143	$3,143	
Quick Click Ordering	$1,860	$1,860	$1,860	
E- Music (Freegal?)	$5,500	$5,500	$5,000	
E-Books (Subscription)				
RFID tags		$15,600		
Digital Assistant Library Kit with DDM software for RFID			$4,935	
				
Digitization of Historic Library Records			Price to be determined based on amount to be done	

Needs Assessment

The South Plainfield Public Library most basic need is a new, larger building.  However, the infrastructure of this building is able to maintain the technology that the Library provides.  The server for the new ILS system purchased in 2010 is housed in Emeryville, CA.  The hosting of the system off site was done because there is a lack of space, cooling, and security in the current Library.  Remaining computer equipment is in the Account Clerk’s office.  That is not an ideal work environment for her but it is the only space available.  We recently had to add five additional cable drops to accommodate the three new computers from the BTOP grant and to move two of the Library’s OPACs to new locations.

Evaluation Process

•	The Technology Plan will be evaluated yearly
•	A Library Technology Committee made up of the Library Director,  library staff and Trustees will be charged with the development, procurement, implementation and promotion of the elements of the Technology Plan
•	In case of budget decreases, new building construction or new technologies introduced, the Technology Plan will be revised as needed
•	Overall success of the Goals will be judged by the use of circulation data, the number of residents served, a measure of the in-library and outside use of electronic resources and surveys as appropriate.
•	Potentially useful new technologies will be identified by attending conferences, reading publications and networking with peers.

TECHNOLOGY INVENTORY LIST

COMPUTER	SERIAL NUMBER		
SPFPLIB (DYNIX)	C952241		
WEBSVR2K8	3528FN1		
STAFF CANON PRINTER/COPIER	C5754 (MODEL NO.)		
DIRECTOR1	F4BC491		
HIP7	G7ZC491		
CIRC03	B086RL1		
CIRC02	B087RL1		
CIRC01	B085RL1		
ACCOUNTING1	5DG72B1		
TECH1	B094RL1		
CATALOGING1	1DG7ZB1		
CHILDREN1	148X4J1		
KIDSPAC	US73724922		
HIP10	F3B82G1		
HIP9	G3B82G1		
JOBS-1	JFY7F11		
PAC5	109XI		
PAC6	B7SGC01		
JOBINFO01	6S20211		
HIP8	F7ZC491		
HIP6	H7ZC491		
CHASE TERMINAL SERVER			
LAPTOP1	6NTJP91		
NEC LT280 PROJECTOR	61B0573FD		
LIBSERVER (REF)	55CLZ81		
HP 3700N PRINTER (CIRCULATION)	CNLBB37778		
NETGEAR ROUTER (FVG318)	1HY165AY006B2		
SELF CHECKOUT	MXL6320J8P		
HIP1	12QQ2C1		
HIP2	32QQ2C1		
HIP3	62QQ2C1		
HIP4	72QQ2C1		
HIP5	7FNFXC1		
PAC1	HY895F1		
TECH3	268LYF1		
PELCO DVR (security system)	810KVXFOO6346		
SONY DVD/VHS      SLV-D38P	2344750		
APPSERVER	2XV8VK1		
NEW III INCOMING PHONE			
NEW III OUTGOING PHONE			
AXIS 210 IP CAMERA (patron photo)	00408C98D997		
POWERWARE 5125 UPS			
COMCAST	HWYJ401		
ZENITH SYSTEM3 TV 25”			
COMCAST	109XA		
OKIDATA MICROLINE 395 PRINTER			
(2) NETGEAR SWITCH	JES524		
CISCO 2500 ROUTER (NOT USED)			
CISCO 1800 ROUTER (CURRENT)			
CISCO PIX 515E (FIREWALL)			
HP OFFICE JET 6480			
INTELLI-FAX 2820 (FAX)	U61325E6J638715		
VT700 LCD PROJECTOR			
TOSHIBA VCR/DVD PLAYTER DVR670	940B55154U0800		
CANON IMAGE RUNNER 2016 COPIER (PUBLIC)	KRE02091		
KIDS AWE OPTIPLEX 755			
KIDS AWE OPTIPLEX 6X60			
HP P1505 PRINTER	CNBK408872		
VMI CD/DVD CLEANER	08201VB004		
SCANPRO 1000	17GBDX-MSP		
IMAC 27’’			
HP LASERJET 2100 PRINTER	USDX155910		
PANASONIC VXP1124 PRINTER	KXP-1124		
EPSON LQ570E PRINTER	CCBY142895		
5) Q56000 PLUS BARCODE SCANNER	SS4817094
D5105050
S8X60048864
SS-D5105056
S8X60046834		
5) EPSON TM-T88IV RECEIPT PRINTER	J5VG072692
J5VG072160
J4PG022232
J5VG072167
FA3G036100		
SHARP XE-A102 CASH REGISTER			
IPAQ III SCANNER			
LIEDERT 1000 UPS			
HONEYWELL CCD SCANNER	10338B0C43		
3 PEN BARCODE SCANNERS			
HP DESKJET 832C	MY98R130PG		

TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

In order to provide the most current electronic services to our patrons, the South Plainfield Public Library is requesting that you complete this short survey.
Please return the completed survey to the circulation desk at the library.

Do You…?  (please answer with a yes or no)	
Have a PC with Internet service?
	Download E-books?	
Have a MAC with Internet service?		
If you have an internet connection what do you use (dial-up, cable, dsl)?
	Download Audiobooks?	
Have an IPOD? Or other MP3 player?
	Download Music?	
Have an IPAD? Or similar device?
	SMART PHONE/IPAD USERS ONLY:

Browse the internet on your device?

Download apps for your device?

Store audio files on your device?

Store any other types of data on your device? (please specify)
	
Have an E-Reader (Kindle, Nook etc)?

If yes please specify:		
Have a smart phone (iPhone Blackberry etc)?

If yes please specify:		
Do you regularly use or participate in any social networks (facebook, twitter, linked in etc)?

If yes please specify:		
Have a gaming system? (wii, ds etc)

If yes please specify:		
Renew items online?
	Use the self-checkout machine?	
Renew items with Elvis (automated telephone system)?	Get E-mail reminders from the library?	
Place holds online?
	Check our bestseller/new material list online?	

Mark all areas in which you would like to see improvement:	
	More computers to access the collection		More on-line databases	
	More Internet access computers		More CD-Roms available to borrow	
	Improved access to our resources from your home computer		Public scanner	
Is there anything else that you would like to see improved in terms of technology?

How would you rate the library’s public computers?  (MARK ONE)	
A	EXCELLENT	
B	GOOD	
C	JUST OK	
D	POOR	
E	I DON’T USE THEM	
Any comments about our computers:

How often do you visit the library’s website?  (MARK ONE)	
A	NEVER [OR RARELY]	
B	ABOUT ONCE A MONTH	
C	SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH	
D	SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK	
E	DAILY	
Any comments about our site:

Mark all types of online databases that you use/would use
Please mark with an “H” for have used, a “W” for would use or an “N” for not used/would not use	
 	Antique Pricing		Health Information 	
	Auto Repair		Homework Databases	
	Business Information/Resources		Legal Forms/Information	
	Career Guidance/Information		Newspaper Database	
	Foreign Language Instruction		Online Courses (non-credit)	
	Genealogy		Test Preparation	
Any comments about databases:

Mark all of the web directories that you use/would use
(these are sites collected & checked by a librarian 
before being linked from our web site)

Please mark with an “H” for have used, a “W” for would use or an “N” for not used/would not use	
	Help for Jobseekers		Páginas en Español	
	Homework Links		Sites for Seniors	
	Information for New Americans		Teen Zone	
	Kidstuff		Useful Websites	
Any comments about our web directories

	

Have you ever used the library’s computers or online resources for job hunting and/or career/professional development?
	
If yes, which resources did you use?

Any comments: