Perhaps equipment configurations and replacement cycles are also a factor in library use. Why, for example, would students come to the library to retrieve electronic resources using obsolete equipment when their own computers are faster, better equipped to handle multimedia and loaded with all of the software they need to complete their assignments? Libraries typically restrict their public workstations to information retrieval tasks only, preferring students to go elsewhere to do email, word processing, programming, etc.
New technologies have always been of interest for libraries, both for the potential of increasing the quality of service and for improving efficiency of operations. The only barrier in the journey is high cost, but, “every new technology comes at a cost” (Ayre, 2006)
Key Factors in Technology implementation planning
There are five factors critical to effective library technology planning and implementation.
1) Support of library staff, including its management No planning effort will succeed without the full support and commitment of all library staff and management. This commitment should be made before starting a technology planning process.
2) Direct involvement by other parties The development of a technology plan should be undertaken not by library staff alone but with active participation by the libraries trustees and the involvement of other parties such as the local schools, the municipal/county IT department and the library system.
3) Service-based technology goals and initiatives A key factor in the use of any library technology is a realization that technology is not an end in itself but a means to an end. Technology must be viewed as a vehicle to offer more efficient and effective delivery of current services and to add new services to help carry out the mission of the library.
4) Staff development Too often, emphasis is placed on the hardware and software aspects of technology at the expense of staff training and in-servicing needed to help ensure proper and effective use of technology. Without a firm commitment to initial and continued staff development, the benefits of technology will not be fully realized.
5) Identification of funding and development of a budget Any technology plan must address the need for funds to implement the plan. Funds must be budgeted annually to maintain existing technology, to update or replace obsolete technology on a regularly scheduled basis, and to provide necessary staff support.
Objectives of technology implemented in libraries:
To improve student learning by providing students with seamless access to all learning resources
To improve student learning by enabling students to access the network(s) of information resources electronically on campus or at remote locations.
To improve student learning by making accessible to students a variety of shared databases to support the information needs of transfer, vocational, and professional programs.
To improve student learning by having a core and digital collection in each library this supports its instructional mission.
Impacts and Outcomes
Expanded access: remote and on site.
Supported by efficient library network infrastructure and systems at each college, students and faculty will be able to seamlessly access library resources that are available locally, through the world-wide web, or through interface with other college libraries at multiple locations on campus and at home.
Remote access of information resources also is critical for the success of distance learning programs.
Diversity of core resources and services, each college library will strive to provide a core level of diverse information resources and services to support instructional programs.
Enhancement of information competency effort, students' competency in accessing, evaluating and applying information from a variety of sources is one of the identified assessment outcomes of all the colleges.
The addition of new technology, systems and information resources in libraries will greatly improve the librarians teaching of information competency to students through formal and informal instruction. Improvement of connectivity and operational efficiency,
Upgraded library infrastructure and systems which are connected to the campus network and the K-20 network will not only make the library resources accessible from other locations on campus, but will also allow other college systems (e.g. student information) to be available in the library.
The new technologies will provide more efficient services to students as well as improve operational efficiency for the library (e.g., better response time and more accurate information).
Value-added quality services to students and faculty. A library outfitted with new technology and current resources is a necessity for any college because it is vital for the teaching and learning process.
A quality library will attract students, strengthen their success in learning, increase their satisfaction with the college learning environment, enhance the teaching-learning effort, and generally increase student retention rate.
As conclusion, there is a lot of issue’s in technology implemented but still there is solution of all. Librarian co-operation is highly needed in technology implementation even thou there is impacts. Librarian role is needed to improve student learning by providing students with seamless access to all learning resources. To improve student learning by enabling students to access the network(s) of information resources electronically on campus or at remote locations. To improve student learning by making accessible to students a variety of shared databases to support the information needs of transfer, vocational, and professional programs and to improve student learning by having a core and digital collection in each library this supports its instructional mission.
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