Group 3: Ingrid Hayes Brandon Lewter Susan Skipper LIS 630 Dr.

Fatih Oguz Benjamin Branch Library Technology Plan 2010-2014 Submitted December 12, 2010 Greensboro Public Library System Mission Statement: Through collaboration and community involvement, the Greensboro Public Library system is dedicated to providing free and equal access to information, sharing knowledge, fostering lifelong learning, inspiring the joys of reading, and meeting the current and future Library needs of a diverse community (GPL Work Plan 2010-11).i Benjamin Branch Library Vision Statement The Benjamin Branch of the Greensboro Public Library will provide comprehensive, current technology to continue to meet the growing needs of its surrounding community. We will endeavor to provide a wide range of electronic and print materials, and continue to expand our resource base. Overview and History One of six branch libraries of the Greensboro, North Carolina Public Library System, The Benjamin Branch Library is located in the Guilford Hills neighborhood, across from General Greene Elementary School which educates children K through 5th grade. One of Greensboro Public Librarys first branches, it first opened in 1970. On November 7, 2007 the voters of Greensboro approved a bond referendum to renovate the existing interior and increase the size of the Benjamin Branch Library, and renovations were completed and the library was reopened in January, 2010. The library offers meeting space with seating capacity of 30-40 adults, a youth space with three dedicated computers, two of which were purchased with Gates Grant funds, a broad range of children's programming, and access to computers.ii While the Greensboro Public Libraries do not have a specific Technology Plan in place, the Benjamin Branch Library is included in the Greensboro Public Library Work Plan 2010-11 which states the following goals: GOAL 1 Community residents will receive quality Library and museum programs, services and materials based on community needs and interests Goal 2 -- The Library department will maintain and develop our facilities and service outlets to provide equitable services for the greater community Goal 3 --The community will value the Greensboro Public Library and the Greensboro Historical Museum as essential to the quality of life of the community GOAL 4 The Library department will work to ensure the financial viability of the Greensboro Public Library and Greensboro Historical Museumiii

The Greensboro Public Library Work Plan 2010-11 met the following priorities: 1. Installed RFID tags for all Benjamin Branch materials -added security gates which alarm if a product has not been checked out. 2. Installed a Self-Check system for material loans. This is a third party, proprietary product from Integrated Technology Group (ITG). 3. Maintained their closed-source ILS system, Horizon which has been used for approximately ten years. 4. Implemented a book drop system which is part of Horizon and sorts books automatically by RFID tag according to branch. The system sorts the books into bins identified by branch. Assessment and Recommendations based on The Greensboro Public Library Work Plan 2010-11 : This technology plan addresses two measures outlined by Goal Number One, Objective 3: to provide technology and equipment to support quality programs, services and resources. ivThese measures are: 1) 85% of customers rate Library technology services as satisfactory or above 2) Number of service modifications as a result of input from community advisory groups, boards and commissions to provide input on services To address the first measure, 85% of customers rate Library technology services as satisfactory or above, Group Three examined staff and customer satisfaction with new technology implemented: the self-checkout system and the book return. We found that staff satisfaction was low with both systems, and that patrons were dissatisfied with the self-checkout system.vGiven that these systems are new and represent a significant cost to the library, Group Three has the following recommendations: 1) Schedule a staff meeting to gather specific feedback on the systems. 2) Alert sales representatives of these specific concerns. 3) Schedule trouble shooting sessions with sales representatives and staff. 4) Design trouble shooting tips for patrons and post prominently near self-checkout stations. In support of the second measure, number of service modifications as a result of input from community advisory groups . . ., Group Three offers the following priorities for consideration in the form of The 2010-2014 Benjamin Branch Library Technology Plan. Priorities Summary: The 2010-2014 Benjamin Branch Library Technology Plan consists of eight priorities to help improve patron access to tools that are current and relevant in their content and technology in order to meet evolving information needs. Priority 1: Purchase of a district license for the Professional Version 12 of JAWS (Job Access With Speech) software.

On site Assistive Technology in the Greensboro N.C public library system is lacking for people with visual impairment. In keeping with the GPL systems Mission Statement of commitment to free and equal access to information. . . vi this plan proposes the purchase of a district license for the Professional Version of JAWS 12 software. allowing for up to 5 consecutive users, each at a different GPL branch. Priority 2: GPL System Wide Installation of MyStudyBar Open Source software. Budget restrictions compound the complexity of providing assistive technology to library patrons. Regional Support Centre in Scotland has complied bundled open source software packages which address these needs. This free software, tested and recommended by Regional Support Centre, is available to install as a desktop toolbar or to load onto a portable USB drive. Priority 3: Develop A Music Listening Station With the advent of readily available music in easily downloadable formats such as MP3s, creating a dedicated space with a catalogue of music titles representing many genres of music that can be sampled via headphones would allow patrons access to a large amount of music. cds, iPods, vinyl records, and headphones could be included. Priority 4: Investigate Promotion and Expansion of Digital Book Collection Creating a digital book collection will help to expand the librarys catalogue without the cost of repair and replacement of physical copies. It also allows the same book title to be accessed simultaneously by multiple patrons. This is not designed to replace the book collection, but to extend it to a wider audience, including homebound patrons. This collection will include Playaways, and Tumblebooks. Priority 5: Acquire a collection of contemporary video games for circulation. Developing a collection of video games at the Benjamin Branch Library could attract a new demographic of library users. Priority 6: Acquire a variety of contemporary video game consoles, HD televisions, and headphones for console use. In addition to developing a collection of video games at the Benjamin Branch Library, developing a video game club that meets monthly could also help attract new patrons; in addition the acquisition of video game consoles would allow patrons to test video games before renting them. Priority 7: Investigate developing a video game club. Developing a video game club to be used in conjunction with the acquisition of contemporary video games and video game consoles could attract new users. Priority 8: Investigate Installation of Photoshop or other graphics software Providing a graphics program such as Photoshop on one or more networked computers will allow patrons the ability to utilize and become proficient with a design program. Benjamin Branch can institute a pilot program where two computers will be installed with Photoshop, and a staff member is available for assistance with using the program.

Technology Assessment: The Benjamin Branch of the Greensboro Public Library has the following computers and electronic devices (Table 1). It provides Internet and wireless access to patrons in the main library, the childrens room, and in meeting rooms via Time Warner Telecom, using a 20 megabit connection. The Benjamin Branch features a total of 24 computers [for patron use] with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet access. The computers are available to patrons on a first-come, first-served for one hour time slots. One of these computers is reserved as an express terminal available for 15 minutes at a time, and a library card is required for computer use. vii 28 Newer Public Computers Upgraded Within the Last Year Base Unit: OptiPlex 760 Ultra Small Form Factor Base Up to 88 Percent Efficient PSU Processor: OptiPlex 760, Pentium Processor E5300/2.60GHz, 2M, 800,FSB Memory: 2.0GB,Non-ECC,800MHz DDR2 1x2GB,OptiPlex Keyboard: Dell USB Entry Keyboard, No Hot Keys, No Palmrest, English, OptiPlex Monitor: Dell UltraSharp 1708FP USFF AIO,Black,Height Adjustable Stand,17.0 Inch,OptiPlex Video Card: Integrated Video,GMA 4500,DellOptiPlex 760 and 960 Hard Drive: 80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s and 8MB DataBurst Cache,Dell OptiPlex Floppy Disk Drive: No Floppy Drive, Dell OptiPlexUltra Small Form Factor Operating System: Windows 7 Professional Downgrade to XP Professional SP3, Media, Optiplex, English Operating System: Windows 7 Downgrade RLOB Mouse: Dell USB 2 Button Optical Mouse with Scroll,Black OptiPlex NIC: ASF Basic Hardware Enabled Systems Management CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive: 8X DVD-ROM,OptiPlex,Ultra Small Form Factor CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive: Cyberlink Power DVD 8.3,with Media, Dell Relationship LOB CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive: Roxio Creator Dell Edition 10.3, Media, Dell RLOB Sound Card: Heat Sink, Mainstream, Dell Optiplex Ultra Small Form Factor Speakers: Internal Chassis Speaker Option,Dell OptiPlex Ultra Small Form Factor Cable: OptiPlex 760 Ultra Small Form Factor 85PLUS Power Supply Cable: Dell Control Point for OptiPlex,System Documentation Diskette: Documentation,English,Dell OptiPlex Documentation Diskette: Power Cord,125V,2M,C13,Dell OptiPlex Factory Installed Software: Dell Energy Smart Power Management Settings Enabled OPTI 760 Feature Resource DVD contains Diagnostics and Drivers for Dell OptiPlex Service: Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response 3 Year Extended Service: Basic Support: Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response Initial Year Service: Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Extended Year(s) Service: Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Initial Year Installation: Standard On-Site Installation Declined

5 Older Public Computers (No More Than 3 Years Old) Base Unit: OptiPlex 755 Ultra Small Form Factor,Pentium Dual Core E2160/1.8GHz,1M,800FSB Memory: 1GB,Non-ECC,667MHz DDR2 2X512MB,Dell OptiPlex 740/755/330 Keyboard: Dell USB Keyboard,No Hot Keys English,Black,Optiplex Monitor: Dell 17 Inch UltraSharp 1708FPFlat Panel and All in One Stand,OptiPlex 755 Ultra SmallForm Factor Video Card: Integrated Video,GMA3100,Dell OptiPlex 755 Hard Drive: 80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s and 8MB DataBurst Cache,Dell OptiPlex 755 Floppy Disk Drive: No Floppy Drive, Dell OptiPlex745 and 755 Ultra Small Form Factor Operating System: Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2,with Media,DellOptiPlex,English,Factory Install Mouse: Dell USB 2-Button Optical Mouse with Scroll,Black, OptiPlex TBU: ASF Basic Hardware Enabled Systems Management,Dell OptiPlex CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive: 8X DVD-ROM,with Cyberlink Power DVD,OptiPlex 755 Ultra Small Form Factor Speakers: Internal Chassis Speaker Option,Dell OptiPlex 745 and and GX620 Ultra Small Form Factor Documentation Diskette: Resource CD contains Diagnostics and Drivers for Dell OptiPlex 755 Factory Installed Software: Energy Smart,Energy Star,EIST for OptiPlex (if applicable) Service: Contract -Next BusinessDay Parts and Labor On-Site Response, 2YR Extended Service: Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Onsite Service, Extended Year Service: Contract -Next BusinessDay Parts and Labor On-Site Response, Initial Year Service: Dell Hardware Warranty Plus Onsite Service, inital Year Installation: Standard On-Site Installation Declined 24 Public networked computers 2 Non-networked Gaming Terminal computers for preschool games in the Childrens room. (Purchased with designated Gates Grant funds) 1 Adult reference laptop 5 Staff networked computers 1 Supervisor network computer 2 PAC terminals for catalogue 3 Adult self-check ITG Product 1 Childrens self-check ITG Product 1 Unblock DVD machine 1 Public printer 1 Staff printer 1 Cash card machine for printer ITG Product 1 Public Toshiba copier 1 Sanyo XGA Digital Projector

3-5 Year Technology Plan Priorities: Priority 1: Purchase of JAWS (Job Access With Speech) Software. Greensboro, N.C. is home to a division of Industries for the Blind, a private not-for-profit corporation which employs people who are blind or visually impaired. According to News and Record (2009), Industries for the Blind employs 238 people in Greensboro.viii The most centrally located of two Greensboro facilities, the Lee Street Industries for the Blind offices and manufacturing center is approximately four miles from Benjamin Branch Library. Onsite Assistive Technology in the Greensboro N.C public library system is lacking for people with visual impairment. While the GPL Central location, that closest to the Industries for the Blind work site on Lee Street, does have JAWS software available on one computer, it is very outdated. In keeping with the GPL systems Mission Statement of commitment to free and equal access to information. . . this plan proposes the purchase of a district license for the Professional Version of JAWS 12 software. Action Steps: 1) Purchase: JAWS 64-bit Professional Version Software with a District License, allowing up to 5 users in different locations. JAWS (Job Access With Speech) for Windows is screen reading software for Microsoft applications. JAWS assists people with vision impairment in using various Microsoft based applications including word processing, presentation design, and spreadsheets. Additionally, its text to speech capability is designed to assist Internet navigation via various search engines. While the JAWS system offers the option of Braille output in addition to or instead of speech, Braille displays are prohibitively expensive, beginning at close to $4,000.each. For this purposes of this proposal, an alternative Braille keyboard is suggested, with the acknowledgement that it may prove an inadequate substitution. One PC at the Benjamin Branch Library should be assigned for JAWS software and use. A new PC could be purchased meeting the same requirements as those listed above as Newer Public Computers Upgraded Within the Last Year, or one of the 28 newer computers could be designated to run the Jaws program at Benjamin Branch Library. Identical keyboards and headphones, as well as PC computers with similar functionality, need to be either purchased or designated at the other branches sharing the JAWS district license. Minimum requirements specified for operating the JAWS software include: A display adapter capable of at least 800 x 600 screen resolution with 16-bit color (1024 x 768 screen resolution with 32-bit color is recommended), and A sound card compatible with the version of Windows you are running. Cost: Ballpark figure for Multi-User System Pricing: District System -$4,0000. (Single user license is $1,095) ix

2) Purchase Additional Equipment: A) Braille USB Computer keyboard by Hooleon (http://www.hooleon.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KBH&Prod uct_Code=KB-0164-U) Description: Built with Ergo technology, this keyboard provides raised Braille equivalents for the legends of all 101 keys, yet the alpha-numeric legends are visible for sighted users; it requires no special software and works with all IBM computers. It is cable equipped with an IBM PS2 connector to connect directly to IBM computer. It provides an enhanced 104 J-Enter key layout, a high quality membrane switch, and three Windows keys. The keys withstand over 30 million keystrokes, and the product is ADA standards compliant and comes with a one year warranty. Cost: $64.00 plus shipping and tax.x B) Headphones: Set of Four-Pack Titanium Series Headphones (HP-1000) by Califone International (http://www.califone.com/products/hpk1024.php) To be shared with Music Listening Station described in Priority Three. Description: Washable headphone for easy cleaning; detachable 6 cord (not washable), comfortable ear cushions and comfort strap, weight: 1lb.,high passive ambient noise rejection; in-line volume control; USB 2.0 connectivity; protective slotted baffles to guard against perforation of the speakers. The product is warranted for one year for use in school, business, church, and government facilities. Cost: $302.00 plus shipping and tax.xi 2) Staff Training: Staff at Greensboro Public Library Central are have experience with the versions of JAWS which are several editions old. The new software comes with basic training materials, and more are available via The Freedom Scientific Website (http://www.freedomscientific.com/training.asp) in the form of down-loadable manuals, both print and audio. Freedom Scientific is currently offering an ongoing series of training Webinars, some free and some at a cost. Registration is required. The fact that training materials are readily available, while helpful, does not ensure staff will have the work time to devote to learning this new software. Those with prior JAWS experience from GPL Central should be placed in charge of learning the new software and given release time from other duties as possible. They, in turn, can acquaint other staff members with the technology until there is one expert at each participating branch and until all GPL staff system wide have a basic working familiarity with the software. Priority 2: Assistive Technology -- Install MyStudyBar Open Source software on GPL networks. People with disabilities potentially comprise a significant portion of Greensboros public library patrons. The US Census 2009 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates are that Greensboros metro area population of people with disabilities is 24,526 (persons under 18 years: 1,423, persons 18 to 64 years: 12,826, persons 65 years and older: 10,277). xiiWriting

about library accessibility and The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Michael Germano (2010) states that: with the advent of the internet and libraries subsequent reliance upon it, the need to ensure full accessibility by the disabled to computers, email and online catalogs, for example, has increased exponentially under the ADA. xiii One solution to the challenge of keeping technology accessible is the set of open source software compiled by the Regional Support Centre in Scotland (http://www.rsc-nescotland.ac.uk/eduapps/accessapps.php). Specifically, their development of My Study Bar provides open source assistive technology and software support for reading, writing, and planning, as well as support for vision needs and Windows speech recognition. The bundled programs can operate from a USB drive, or can be installed on a computer desktop. It can also be installed within institutional networks for system wide access. Details: MyStudyBar provides applications to accommodate a variety of learning differences and disabilities. Selections available from MyStudyBar include Xmind, a tool for planning and organization, T-Bar for customizing font and color, Lingoes, a talking dictionary, LetMeType for assistance with text input, and Balabolka for converting text to audio. Additionally, the Study Bar includes a speech-to-text application allowing users to talk to the computer. Regional Support Centre offers A version of MyStudyBar for each of the common Windows operating systems.xiv Cost: Time will be required for technical staff to investigate and install the software and for staff to learn the software. Savings: (based on estimates provided by Regional Support Centre in Scotland) is $152.00 per license.xv Staff Training: The system-wide distribution of MyStudyBar should facilitate staff becoming familiar with its features. Additionally, each assistive module installs with a learning tutorial, extended help is available online, and the Regional Support Centre is extremely prompt in returning answers to questions and corresponding by email. Given the small number of staff at Benjamin Branch Library, finding work time to learn these new applications will be difficult. System wide, attention to this goal should be given priority, and to the extent possible, staff schedules should be adjusted to allow time to learn these new skills. If possible, one or two staff members should be appointed in charge of learning and sharing this software at each branch. As appointed staff members become adept with the software, schedules should be adjusted, as possible, to allow instruction to others via workshop. A collaborative, electronic message board or blog devoted to the topic would be helpful. Priority 3: Develop A Music Listening Station To develop a dedicated area of the library, either a corner or an entire soundproofed room, where music options in different formats can be previewed and sampled. MP3s can be downloaded, cds can be played, and vinyl records can be played. Music is available in individual songs now through technology, so if a patron only wants to hear one song, it can be accessed, or if a full cd or album is requested, this area would house a varied music collection and provide different devices for listening and experiencing music. Action Steps:

Provide at least five iPods for mp3 storage and patron use. Provide headphones: Set of Four-Pack Titanium Series Headphones (HP-1000) by Califone International (http://www.califone.com/products/hpk1024.php) To be shared with JAWS system described in Priority One. Expand music library by acquiring additional cds and vinyl records Provide at least five but no more than ten media players with a cassette player/audio recorder and cd, dvd, and mp3 compatibility. These devices usually come ready to connect to a tv or computer Search location and soundproofing potential Advertise cd, dvd, and mp3 song selections on the Benjamin Branch Library website: http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/

Projected Costs: iPods and media player equipment $1,000 Headphones $302.00 + shipping and tax Additional cds and vinyl records, plus purchase of mp3 formatted songs: $400 Staff Training: In-house training on specifics of program features

Priority 4: Investigate Promotion and Expansion of Digital Book Collection While the North Carolina Digital Library is available to Greensboro Public Library card holders (http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/booknews/audio.htm), this is not a well publicized or promoted feature. The Kathleen Clay Edwards Branch, the Central Library, and the Hemphill Branch offer playaways, cellphone sized devices that contain an entire audiobook. Benjamin Branch would benefit from providing this format of audiobook. Also, an increase in the number of Tumblebooks, which are e-books for kids, would provide additional options for patrons to access materials. Action Steps: Acquire an annual Tumblebooks subscription Purchase twenty-five playaways, or enough to be comparable to those offered at the other GPL branches Feature categories of books and materials offered in digital format on the Benjamin Branch website to increase awareness of the collection Investigate possibility of digitizing in-house Advertise the link to the North Carolina Digital Library prominently on the Benjamin Branch website: http://www.greensboronc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/ Projected Costs: TumbleBookLibrary subscription $99/year Twenty-five Playaways at approximately $31 each per item or $775 (http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/netserv/pricing/playaway.html) Staff Training:

No foreseeable staff training is necessary Priority 5: Acquire a contemporary video game collection. As a way to attract a new demographic of users to the Benjamin Branch Library, it would be beneficial to acquire a collection of the latest video games. A collection of video games available for circulation could potentially attract a large demographic of users that might not normally visit their local public library. With General Greene Elementary (enrollment of 475) across the street, Kiser Middle School, Grimsley and Page High Schools (combined enrollment of 4200) within 3 miles, and a family friendly neighborhood, Guilford Hills, surrounding the Benjamin Branch Library there is a large population of potential patrons that could be attracted by a video game collection. Plus, not only are video games fun and entertaining for children to play, it has been shown through studies that video games can improve cognitive and perceptual skills. Action Steps The Benjamin Branch Library will Acquire video games for contemporary video game consoles Make the video games available for circulation Advertise the new video game collection in-house to current patrons and on the Benjamin Branch Library website (http://www.greensboronc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/) Projected Costs: Video Game Discs: $1,500 to purchase 30 video game discs RFID Tagging for Video Game Discs (30 at $0.15/disc): $4.50 Priority 6: Acquire a variety of current video game consoles and HD televisions for console use A diverse demographic of people play video games recreationally and competitively throughout the world. This demography could be attracted to the Benjamin Branch Library by acquiring the most current video game consoles. These consoles would be available for patrons to test video games before checking them out, and they would also be available for use by the video game club (Priority 3). A high definition television would be necessary to utilize the capabilities of the video game consoles. Headphones would be necessary to keep the noise level in the library down. Action Steps The Benjamin Branch Library will Acquire contemporary video game consoles Acquire three 42 Vizio, HD televisions Acquire entertainment centers for housing of consoles and televisions Acquire headphones for the gaming areas Make the gaming consoles available to users Advertise the new video game collection in-house to current patrons and on the Benjamin Branch Library website (http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/)

Projected Costs Video Game Consoles: $900 minimum High Definition Televisions: $1500 minimum Headphones: $50 minimum Furniture: $500 minimum Priority 7: Investigate developing a video game club. Depending on the popularity of and the frequency at which the video games are circulated, a video game club may help attract new patrons. This club would be implemented with the acquisition of contemporary video games and consoles. Action Steps (upon completion of acquiring video games and consoles) Advertise to patrons (specifically patrons who check out video games) in-house and on the Benjamin Branch Library website (http://www.greensboronc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/) Projected Costs No foreseeable costs Priority 8: Investigate Installation of Photoshop or other graphics software for public use Benjamin Branch Library can serve as a pilot program for Photoshop or another design software program. Two networked computers will be installed with the program and a staff member who is familiar with the program can be earmarked for assistance. Action Steps: - Purchase Adobe Photoshop program for installation onto a networked computer - Advertise to patrons who are interested in graphics design on the Benjamin Branch Library website (http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/) Projected Costs: - Adobe Photoshop Acrobat X Pro can be downloaded free for a trial period - Adobe Acrobat X Pro edition for $159 - Cost of time taken for staff training on the product Staff Training: In-house training on specifics of program features Evaluation The Benjamin Branch Public Library 20102014 Technology Plan will be reviewed annually based upon the following criteria: The degree to which the priority has been met The degree to which the successfully implemented priorities are used Input from patron, staff, and Library Board Statistics gathered from Internet, web page, and computer use New technological developments or advancement

Table 1: Computer Inventory Computer Location PUBLIC INTERNET #1 PUBLIC INTERNET #2 PUBLIC INTERNET #3 PUBLIC INTERNET #4 PUBLIC INTERNET #5 PUBLIC INTERNET #6 PUBLIC INTERNET #7 PUBLIC INTERNET #8 PUBLIC INTERNET #9 PUBLIC INTERNET #10 PUBLIC INTERNET #11 PUBLIC INTERNET #12 PUBLIC INTERNET #13 PUBLIC INTERNET #14 PUBLIC INTERNET #15 PUBLIC INTERNET #16 PUBLIC INTERNET #17 PUBLIC INTERNET #18 PUBLIC INTERNET #19 PUBLIC INTERNET #20 PUBLIC INTERNET #21 PUBLIC INTERNET #22 PUBLIC INTERNET #23 Type DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 755 DELL OPTIPLEX 755 DELL OPTIPLEX 755 DELL OPTIPLEX 755 DELL OPTIPLEX 755 Size 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB

PUBLIC INTERNET #24 - CHILDREN'S CIRCULATION CHILDREN'S JUV GAMES 1 JUV GAMES 2 ADULT REFERENCE CIRCULATION DESK 1 CIRCULATION DESK 2 CIRCULATION DESK 3 CIRCULATION DESK PUBLIC PRINTER PUBLIC COPIER PUBLIC CASH CARD MACHINE DVD UNLOCKER CIRCULATION WORKROOM #1 CIRCULATION WORKROOM #2 CIRCULATION WORKROOM #3 CIRCULATION WORKROOM #4 CIRCULATION WORKROOM #5 CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR CATALOGUER CATALOGUER CIRCULATION WORKROOM PRINTER

DELL OPTIPLEX 760 ITG SELF-CHECK DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760

2 GB

2 GB 2 GB

DELL E5500 LATITUDE 2 GB ITG SELF-CHECK ITG SELF-CHECK ITG SELF-CHECK ITG DVD UNLOCKER OKI TOSHIBA ITG ITG DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIOPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 DELL OPTIPLEX 760 PAC TERMINAL PAC TERMINAL HP 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB

MEETING ROOM DIGITAL PROJECTOR SANYO XGA

Notes:Footnote #: Quote for district license provided by Freedom Scientific: 1-800-444-4443 on 12-10-2010. Warranty information for District Licence not provided.

Appendix A: Staff and Patron Interview Questions Regarding Technology at Benjamin Branch Library 1) What would you say are the top 5 technology applications used by staff? (Examples: email, internet searching, web page design/ development, etc.) Staff Response One: Horizon (check in/out, card catalog, registration)/Outlook email/Internet searching/City of Greensboro internal website/GPL external website Staff Response Two: Horizon circulating system, self check- out machines, HIP-circulation system installed on laptop, book return system, Outlook. Staff Response Three: Horizon staff library circulation system, Integrated Technologies (selfcheck-out), HIP-public catalog system, Internet searching, E-mail (Outlook).

2) What would you say are the top 5 technology applications used by patrons? Does this vary significantly by age group? (Examples: email, internet searching, face book, word processing, gaming, etc.) Staff Response One: Email/Internet, particularly for job searching/job applications/resumes/Social networking, chatting/Microsoft Word/Entertainment (games, music) Staff Response Two: We respect patron privacy, so knowledge of this is limited, but from what I have been asked to assist with or observed: e-mail, job application forms, resumes, Word, internet searching and gaming. Staff Response Three: I would most likely say email would be at the top of the list and that it probably varies based on age group. However, for privacy reasons, we only assist patrons and monitor to prevent unauthorized use; we usually assist patrons with printing problems, some technical problems, Word Program problems, basic computer skills, etc.

3) What do you consider to be the strengths of the technology system(s) at Benjamin Branch Library? Do these seem to be the same for patrons and staff? Staff Response One: The RFID system works when used correctly. Staff Response Two: Moves large numbers of hold books between branches fairly efficiently. Notification of patron holds. Staff Response Three: The Horizon Program which seems to process and circulate materials efficiently and effectively.

4) What do you consider to be the weaknesses? Staff Response One: Vocera (portable telecommunications device: staff only)very rarely used/Lots of problems with security sensors/ Lots of problems with DVD/CD opener Staff Response Two: Addition of email notification as a back up only works if patron has a computer. Staff Response Three: Not having the same check- out system for patrons; it seems to be confusing to patrons.

5) Which technologies do you spend most of your time trouble shooting? Staff Response One: Check out stationspatrons dont know how to use, security sensor goes off, staff has to go to staff room to desensitize. Check in systemnot separating books as it should so staff has to recheck what system should have checked in. Staff Response Two: Self-check- out machines, DVD unlocker. Automated book drop. Staff Response Three: Integrated Technology System Self Check Out 6) If you could recommend one improvement to the technology at Benjamin Branch Library, what would it be? Staff Response One: This may not be possible but it would be better for staff and customers to have a system that works the same for all books as far as checking in/out. It is complicated for customers to check out one book a certain way and another book another way. Staff end up duplicating the work of technology. Staff Response Two: The public catalog system could be more user friendly. Staff Response Three: Integrated Technology System Self Check Out

Additional Thoughts and Comments Offered by Staff: I appreciate the video processing room that we have at the Wharton Branch. I am also very impressed by the overall improvements at the Benjamin Branch. There is a lot of discussion about providing specialized software such as Photoshop on our networked computers. Some feel that it would be used effectively, as those who know how to use Photoshop already have it. Another side of the argument is whether it would need to be implemented at every branch if we use it at one branch. The availability of specialized software will continue to be a debate.

Patron Interviews: 1) What do you like most about the technology available at Benjamin Branch Library? Patron One: The availability of computers to patrons is a plus, and the self checkout system is nice. Patron Two: I like the automated book drop; it is easy to use. Patron Three: I like the self check -out option. It allows me to get what I want at my own pace. I also like the option of the childrens room self check -out machine, if everything I want is in the childrens room, I usually dont have to wait Patron Four: I like the fact that there is a Wi-Fi network available, and the self check-out system is cool. Patron Five: No Answer

Patron Six: The new computers are clean and also very responsive. The work stations at some other GPL locations are very dirty. 2) What would you like to see improved? Patron One: An increase in broadband would be appreciated because if there are too many patrons surfing the web the internet can run very slowly. Patron Two: A neighboring library has a book drop which instructs you to put the book in spine first, which is helpful, but the only real thing that might improve Benjamin's book drop would be if you could actually drive up to it and deposit books without leaving the car. Patron Three: I am all for more books, fewer computers. Or, at least as many books as computers. The hard copy element seems to be disappearing here. Also, I would like more DVD options and music options Patron Four: For being a small library branch, Im pretty impressed with the technology at Benjamin. A music listening station would be a nice addition. Patron Five: The self check-out machine has constant, unnecessary and irritating verbal prompting. Patron Six: I have noticed that the staff have to run interference for the check out machines: they books dont desensitize like they are supposed to, which seems to create extra work for a small, busy staff.

i ii

Neerman, Sandy. (06-28-10). City of Greensboro Library Department Work Plan 2010-11.

iii iv v vi

City of Greensboro. Greensboro Libraries: Blanche S. Benjamin Branch Library Renovation & New Addition Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/renovation.htm
Neerman, Sandy. (06-28-10). City of Greensboro Library Department Work Plan 2010-11.

Ibid Please see appendix A for data.

Neerman, Sandy. (06-28-10). City of Greensboro Library Department Work Plan 2010-11. City of Greensboro. Greensboro Libraries: Benjamin Branch. Retrieved from http://www.greensboronc.gov/departments/Library/branches/Benjamin/

vii

viii

Rowe, Jeri. (2009/ 08/06). Making a difference for all Americans. News and Record. Retrieved from http://www.newsrecord.com/content/2009/09/05/article/making_a_difference_for_all_americans#nrcR gnPgBody ix Freedom Scientific Quote for district license provided by Freedom Scientific: 1-800-444-4443 on 12-10-2010. Warranty information for District License not provided. x Hooleon Keyboards. (ND) Braille USB Computer Keyboard. Retrieved from http://www.hooleon.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KBH&Product_Code=KB0164-U
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Califone International. (2010). Four-Pack Titanium Series Headphones. Retrieved from: http://www.califone.com/products/hpk1024.php xii U.S. Census Bureau. (ND). Greensboro city, NC; Greensboro-High Point, NC Metro Area: Selected Social Characteristics in the United States: 2009 [Data Set: 2009 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Survey: American Community Survey]. Retrieved from: http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&geo_id=31200US246603728000&-context=adp&-ds_name=ACS_2009_1YR_G00_&-tree_id=309&-_lang=en&caller=geoselect&-format=
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Germono, Michael. (2010). The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Library Work life: ALA/ APA. Retrieved from: http://ala-apa.org/newsletter/2010/08/06/the-20th-anniversary-of-the-americanswith-disabilities-act/ xiv Regional Support Centre North and East. (2008). Access Apps. Retrieved from http://www.rsc-nescotland.ac.uk/eduapps/accessapps.php xv Ibid