LISWire: The Librarian's News Wire: Implementing Technology Solutions in Libraries

As Libraries Face a Rising Tide of New Technologies and an Increasingly Tech-Savvy Public, This Book Is a Timely Guide to Creating and Managing Library Technology Projects and Meeting Patron Needs

http://liswire.com/content/implementing-technology-solutions-libraries-libraries-face-rising-tide-new-technologies-an-1

By Rob Colding - Posted on 17 February 2011

For Immediate Release
Contact: Rob Colding
Information Today, Inc
609.654.6500 ext. 330

February 21, 2011, Medford, NJ—Information Today, Inc. (ITI) announced the publication of Implementing Technology Solutions in Libraries: Techniques, Tools, and Tips From the Trenchesby Karen C. Knox.

In this new book, Knox provides a practical, step-by-step approach to successfully implementing all kinds of technology projects in libraries and information centers.
“Very few libraries can afford to purchase and implement all the latest technology whenever it becomes available … in reality, no library actually needs to,” according to Knox. “Technology is a tool to be used to meet a library’s needs. … For any initiative, the key is to find the right solution to fill a particular need and integrate it into the library environment.”

The author has implemented many technology projects over the years, some more successfully than others, as she is quick to admit. In the book, she draws on her experience to help readers identify the most critical components of any project while modifying and scaling to meet their library’s unique needs. In addition to covering such nitty gritty topics as planning, building project teams, writing requests for proposals, working with vendors, training staff and customers, and evaluating a project, Knox deconstructs a successful implementation from start to finish, carefully examining each step.

“I wish I’d had this handy book about seven years ago,” said David Lee King, digital branch manager of the Topeka & Shawnee County (KS) Public Library. “It’s a great guide to technology planning in libraries.” Library consultant and futurist Joan Frye Williams concurs, describing the book as “clear and practical from start to finish—a comprehensive roadmap for rookies as well as success insurance for more seasoned implementers.”

In addition to the author’s Introduction and 13 topical chapters, Implementing Technology Solutions in Libraries is thoroughly indexed and features six useful appendices including samples of a technology plan, a request for proposal, a review tool, and a recommendation for vendor solution, along with IT inventory and IP planner templates. As a reader bonus, the author has created a companion website (www.karencknox.com/itsil) that provides links to resources mentioned in the book, copies of the appendix documents, and updates to the print content.

“This guide will help you make a plan, stick to it, and successfully implement new technologies in your library,” said Nicole C. Engard, director of open source at ByWater Solutions.

Karen C. Knox is the IT manager at the Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL) in Rochester, Michigan. She describes her niche in library technology as the perfect combination of her computer science skills and her love for libraries. Knox has a BS in computer science from the University of Michigan and an MLIS from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked with technology in public libraries for more than 10 years, including five years at the Novi Public Library in Novi, Michigan, prior to joining RHPL.

Implementing Technology Solutions in Libraries: Techniques, Tools, and Tips From the Trenches (192 pp/softbound/$35.00/ISBN 978-1-57387-403-8) is published by Information Today, Inc. (ITI). It is available in bookstores and direct from the publisher by calling(800) 300-9868; faxing (609) 654-4309; emailing custserv@infotoday.com; or visiting the ITI website at www.infotoday.com.