Technology for Results: Developing Service‐Based Plans

Citation

Fourie, I. (2006), "Technology for Results: Developing Service‐Based Plans", Online Information Review, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 83-84. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520610650372

Technology for Results: Developing Service‐Based Plans is one of those publications that make me wish that I were not an academic, but rather a practitioner – it would be a joy to put the excellent advice and support to use!

The publication is part of the Public Library Association's Results series. The intention of the series is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public librarians and public library services. An underlying principle of the book is the fact that librarians (managers and staff) as well as board members will have to become used to the idea of continuously evaluating their services and programmes, as well as the technologies supporting these.

There are six chapters offering step‐by‐step guidelines to planning for the use of technology in public libraries. The point of departure for the planning process should be the library's service priorities and patron needs. The chapters cover the planning process (i.e. the identification of expected results and choosing a committee); identification and evaluation of services; assessment of the current technology environment, including determining the requirements of new or expanded services; the selection of services and how to inform the rest of the staff and public about these; the implementation of the projects; sustaining the planning process.

Fourteen work forms are provided that librarians can use to customise the planning process to sustain effective technology programmes, and at the same time expand and add to existing programmes. The work forms cover aspects such as the audience and planning results, services inventory, strategic planning links, administrative tools, infrastructure assessment, project time estimates and technical inventory. The book is well bound and includes an excellent index.

Diane Mayo must be congratulated on an excellent, well‐structured and logically presented publication, which is a “must‐read” for all public librarians who need to take decisions on fast‐changing technology issues. Although Technology for Results is aimed at public librarians, the planning process should also be relevant to any other library types. Therefore, it can be highly recommend to all librarians looking for practical advice on making decisions with regard to technology – and who prefer a brief, to‐the‐point discussion.