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PLAN FOR AUTOMATION
Introduction
Virtually every System service makes use of some form of automation.
Information Services depends upon large automated databases. Consulting
and administration make daily use of networked computers and printers.
The System’s books and accounting ledgers are kept through the use of
powerful accounting software. Continuing education employs an automated
registration system, videoconferencing, and online meeting software.
RPLS maintains a website and several listservs to disseminate
information to the membership. Email is used for communication, both
among our staff and between our staff and other institutions.
Automation is found in all types and sizes of our member libraries. Many
RPLS libraries participate as full online members in the LLSAP (Local
Library System Automation Project) resource-sharing network. Other
member libraries search the LLSAP database through the Web. Most member
libraries also access ILLINET Online, the Statewide Illinois Library
Catalog (SILC) and several OCLC databases (including FirstSearch and
WorldCat). Personal computers are used by our member libraries both to
access remote databases and to perform a variety of in-house jobs.
The purpose of this Plan is to address some of the major issues that
RPLS must face in an era of ever-expanding technology. The issues
discussed in the Plan are general issues that arise regardless of the
service applying the technology. More specific information for
particular services can be found in other Plans, such as the Plan for
Interlibrary Loan and the Plan for Bibliographic Access.
RPLS Responsibilities
As we, and our member libraries, plan for the future, it is important
that there be a clear understanding of the role the System will play in
this area. System resources are limited, and many important automation
projects must be primarily local efforts. This does not mean that the
System does not have a vital role to play in fostering the wise
application of automated technology. It does mean that the ways in which
the System can stimulate the use of automation should be focused and
defined. Rolling Prairie Library System will provide the following
important functions:
- RPLS will continue to provide an example of the efficient and
productive use of automated technology in delivering services to its
member libraries.
- RPLS will continue to support the development and expansion of our
LLSAP by hosting central site services, by offering training and
consulting to LLSAP participants, and by promoting the growth of the
LLSAP among our members.
- RPLS will continue to provide one or more consultants to advise member
librarians on evaluating the use of automation technology in improving
library services. Advice will be available to member libraries on a wide
variety of automation-related topics, including the LLSAP, OCLC,
technology planning, and library applications of common software.
- RPLS will continue to provide security for central site servers
through firewalls, server security configuration, and appropriate
protective software.
- RPLS will continue to incorporate automation topics in its annual
continuing education calendar. The topics will address a variety of user
backgrounds and levels of experience. Opportunities will be provided for
demonstrations of appropriate technological advances in convenient
locations. RPLS will also continue to provide a computer lab for
hands-on instruction in various computer topics.
- RPLS will serve as a conduit for important automation-related
information from other appropriate agencies. The system will cooperate
with the Illinois State Library and others in spreading information
about automation grants, access to bibliographic databases, new
technologies and other important areas of automation.
Member Library Responsibilities
Member libraries should strive to take advantage of opportunities to
extend the use of automation in their local library. To be able to meet
the challenge provided by these opportunities when they occur, member
librarians should make a consistent and continuing effort to stay
informed about those developments that relate to their particular needs.
Librarians should participate in all workshops and demonstrations that
relate to their use of technology.
Automation of library services is not inexpensive. Library
administrators and boards should address the funding of automation
projects in their financial planning. They should also be prepared to
avail themselves of any grant opportunities that are consistent with
their needs and ongoing resources.
Automated technology provides a gateway for local libraries to the
growing bibliographic riches of regional and state databases. To be able
to bring these resources to their patrons, every library in the System
should have the equipment and connectivity needed for access to remote
databases and to the Internet. Local libraries installing this equipment
should also make realistic plans for the training of staff to provide
the service and for assuming the additional costs involved.
Finally, all member libraries should understand the importance of
conforming to accepted standards such as MARC for the storage and
transmission of bibliographic data. A commitment to these standards
should be reflected in the planning and decision making regarding
vendors and equipment.
Access to Other Automation Projects
The System has a responsibility to play a leadership role in the
development of practical, user-friendly links between all types of
automation projects. RPLS maintains a presence on the Internet with
links to our LLSAP catalog and to member library websites. We are an
active participant in the statewide SILC project, and our LLSAP database
is available through that interface. The LLSAP also participates in
quarterly backloading of bibliographic and holdings data into WorldCat.
Testing and Implementing New Technology
Another element of the System’s leadership role in the automation area
is its ability under certain conditions to act as an agent for
introducing new technology to its member libraries. An early example of
this aspect of System leadership was the beginning of the LLSAP in 1977.
At first, only the System headquarters collection was entered in the
LLSAP database. However, as member librarians learned the advantages of
this new technology by seeing its use at RPLS headquarters, a
willingness to try automated circulation and resource sharing through a
shared database grew. When grant funds became available for the
libraries to join an LLSAP, the demonstration by the System of the
effectiveness of the new technology provided a foundation from which
expansion could take place.
For new technologies to be tested at the System level, several important
criteria must be met:
- The technology should have a direct and immediate impact on the
ability of the system to reach one of the goals set in its current
long-range plan.
- Although new and perhaps unfamiliar to our particular area, the
technology should have enough of a track record to justify a reasonable
expectation of successful application.
- The technology should lend itself to cooperative ventures with member
libraries or other appropriate agencies.
- The technology must be either affordable in the context of the
System’s own financial resources or made affordable by grant support or
joint ventures.
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