Implementing Library Technology: Small and Home Libraries
Resources supporting the implementation of library automation--circulation, integrated library systems, federated search, discovery services, etc.
Small libraries can be found in prisons, homes, hospitals, museums, courthouses, corporations, and rural towns. They face unique challenges when providing services to their patrons, and particularly when choosing technology. Provided are some resources to help in choosing technology and how to implement it in this environment.
Resources
- Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Inc. is a network of persons throughout the country dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries. ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities.
- Church & Synagogue Library Association - Library software [Archived as of August 2017]A listing of companies and organizations providing software of interest to congregational librarians.
- LibraryThingLibraryThing is an online service to help people catalog their books easily. You can access your catalog from anywhere—even on your mobile phone. Because everyone catalogs together, LibraryThing also connects people with the same books, comes up with suggestions for what to read next, and so forth.
- Sample Technology Budget for a Small Library - WebjunctionThis Excel spreadsheet from NPower can serve as a template for a technology budget for a small library.
- Technology Planning Tips for Small Libraries - techsoup webinar (free)Watch this webinar to learn from small libraries that have used technology planning to make better decisions, be more prepared, and improve services to their communities. Even with limited time and resources, a technology plan can help your library stay up-to-date. We share tips and tactics to help you create a plan for your library’s technology.
- Technology Solutions for Rural and Small LibrariesSmall and rural libraries face challenges that their larger and more urban library counterparts do not. From budget issues to the fact that the pool of talent in IT is smaller in rural areas, they have to get creative to solve their technological problems.
- Tech Planning Tips for Libraries of All SizesTech planning: it might not be the most exciting task, but it’s a necessary and important thing to do as you look at the bigger picture for your library. But while that all sounds good in theory, actually putting together a tech plan might seem overwhelming or arduous. How do you even begin planning out everything you want tech-wise for your library?
- Two Perspectives on Tech Planning for Small LibrariesCompares a library director's and technology specialist's perspectives on tech planning.
Books
Managing the One-Person Library by ISBN: 9781843346715Publication Date: 2014-12-18Managing the one-person library provides a useful and needed resource for solo librarians confronted with the challenges of running a small library. The author uniquely focuses on topics encountered by solo librarians, such as IT troubleshooting and library security.
Running a Small Library by ISBN: 9780838912737Publication Date: 2015-05-01Since running a small library-public, academic, school, or special-often means making do with little or no staff, this challenging task calls for its own set of skills and expertise. That's where Moorman's how-to manual comes in, offering guidance on every essential aspect of what it takes to run a small library.
The Small Library Manager's Handbook by ISBN: 9781442239876Publication Date: 2014-10-16The Small Library Manager s Handbook is for librarians working in all types of small libraries. It covers the everyday nuts-and-bolts operations that all librarians must perform.
Technology for Small and One-Person Libraries by ISBN: 9781555708580Publication Date: 2013-04-01For those working in a small library, particularly one that may have little technical support, a foundational knowledge of technology is crucial. Written for librarians, library staff, and administrators at libraries serving populations of 15,000 or less, this LITA guide shows how to successfully develop, implement, sustain, and grow technology initiatives.
