Thinking About Questions

The library director for the Joshua Hyde Library agreed to meet with me, but we have yet to set up a date. I hope to meet with her this week or next.

While waiting, I've been thinking about some questions I could ask about the technology in use at the JHL.

1. What is the technology budget? What portion of the overall budget is dedicated to technology and upgrades?
2. Are all staff members knowledgeable about the available technology? What about volunteers? Who    troubleshoots?
3. What software platform do you use for the OPAC?
4. What E-resources do you provide? Periodicals, Ebooks, E-reference
5. What sort of security technology is in use?
6. Do you lend out electronic equipment? Is there a demand for these devices?
7. What technologies does the library use in-house for marketing or promotion? Do you have a website?
8. What future technology improvements do you envision?

These are a few questions that I've been batting around. I look forward to the on-site visit and hope it will be a mutually beneficial one.

Initial Contact

After putting much thought into which area library I would like to profile for this assignment, I decided to keep it simple. I chose my hometown public library, the Joshua Hyde Library, which is located in historic Sturbridge, Massachusetts. I know very little about it's technology services and figured this would be a good time to learn. I have interviewed the Library Director, Becky Plimpton, for a previous course, so introductions were not necessary.

I sent Ms. Plimpton an email on June 18, asking if I could interview her or another library staff member who is familiar with the library's technology services and issues. I also attached a copy of the assignment so she could get a feel for they type of information I would need.

While I am waiting for a reply, I intend to do some background research online and see what I can discover about the library's technical services.