Everything you ever wanted to know about IT

Panel discussion moderated by Scott Reinhart of CCPL

On working with Systems:
If you need anything from Systems, write a proposal for Administration. Have examples of what is lacking in existing equipment/software/service and offer an alternative.

On 2.0 Tools:
They are as secure as they need to be. If you’ve been told to use the intranet and there has been some resistance to update it, explain that the intranet is not currently enabled with features that staff want or need. Put together a proposal--here’s what we need, here’s when we need it, here’s a free service that does it or would you like to build something by the deadline?

On ILS:
The panel noted that there are very few ILS systems that work with Mac, but there is a movement afoot to produce OS-agnostic ILS systems. Evergreen was cited.

On Open Source ILS:
Howard County is moving to Koha in Winter 2008. Koha is better for single library systems. Kent County is moving to Evergreen by the end of this month. Evergreen is better for consortia.

Pros of Open Source= ability to tailor user experience, customer service, cost, web browsing with book covers (ability to electronically browse and see what’s on shelf via the catalog), the ability to work on problems now versus waiting for a release a year later which may or may not address the issue

On libraries’ aversion to Apple products:
Primarily cost, however as costs come down and ILS systems become more friendly and compatible, we may see more Macs.

On Instant Messaging:
Some Maryland Libraries have been doing this for several years, primarily as a internal communication tool (between staff themselves rather than between staff and patrons). It has worked well for shelf checks between branches. Libraries should continually be looking for better ways to communicate.

On real world tricks and tips:
Reimage computers at least 2 times per year.
Troubleshooting networked computers- First, can you see it on the network? Get IP from printer, then ping it.

On future issues:
Implementation of Windows Vista

Libraries will seek to creatively integrate 2.0 collaborative technologies

Library websites will move toward the Amazon experience to meet the patron expectation (Also, how long will it take slow moving ILS to shift toward that model?)

IT departments will work toward seamlessly integrating environments (making the many electronic products and services that we offer work together)