Technology for Results

Answering two key questions can enhance the effectiveness of current library technologies and ensure that new investments support the library’s mission. First, what technologies provide the most effective support for the library’s service priorities? Second, what technologies allow administrative functions to be managed more efficiently? Answering two key questions can enhance the effectiveness of current library technologies and ensure that new investments support the library’s mission. First, what technologies provide the most effective support for the library’s service priorities? Second, what technologies allow administrative functions to be managed more efficiently? Find these answers and much more in the PLA-sponsored Technology for Results, the latest volume in ALA’s bestselling PLA Results series. Building from the proven process outlined in The New Planning for Results, this expert step-by-step guide helps technology librarians and administrators create an actual blueprint to achieve results by creating a dynamic technology plan. It is designed to draw from the library’s service priorities and patrons’ needs to manage and expand current technologies. Access these latest tools and processes to: Focus on technology services that meet community interests Allocate resources to support library priorities Manage technology services based on community goals Build appropriately on available technological infrastructure Continually evaluate and improve processes and resources Using the 14 workforms, librarians can customize the planning process to sustain effective technology programs while expanding and adding where needed. Technology for Results provides the must-have answers for addressing fast-changing technology issues while meeting the library’s strategic objectives. No public library can afford to be without it.

Author Biography

The Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association, strives to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. This mission positions PLA to focus its efforts on serving the needs of its members, address issues that affect public libraries, and commit to quality public library services that benefit the general public. Jeanne Goodrich is a consultant and trainer specializing in public library planning, Job analysis, and data collection and analysis. Former Deputy Director of the Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon, she has more than thirty years of experience in public library management, directing medium-sized libraries and serving as deputy director for library development at a state library agency. Goodrich received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Oregon. Diane Mayo is vice president of Information Partners, Inc., an Information technology and library automation consulting firm that specializes in assisting libraries with planning and implementing a wide range of technologies. With more than twenty years’ experience as a librarian focused on managing technology, she has overseen both technical and public services at multi-branch public libraries. She is co-author of Wired for the Future: Developing Your Library Technology Plan and Managing for Results: Effective Resource Allocation for Public Libraries. Mayo received her master’s degree in library science from California State University, Fullerton.