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2008-2011 MCFLS Technology Plan

Introduction

The Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) is a consortium of public libraries representing all 19 Milwaukee County municipalities (15 autonomous library boards) and serves a population of approximately 950,000 from 28 physical locations. On behalf of all its members, MCFLS administers a shared automation system (CountyCat), featuring Innovative Interfaces Inc. library application software (Millennium).

The MCFLS data communications network is a wide-area network (WAN) of 15 locations (14 suburban libraries and the MCFLS offices).  The central site (MCFLS Main Office) hosts a SUN server, delivering Innovative Interfaces, Inc. library application software to each of 14 suburban library local-area networks (LANs) via 20Mbps (3/1/08) WAN Service.  The Innovative Interfaces, Inc. library application software is also delivered to the Milwaukee Public Library WAN via a fibre optic connection running from the MCFLS office to the MPL computer room. From there the feed is forwarded to all Central Library departments and the 12 MPL Neighborhood facilities.  Suburban locations receive Internet services from a MCFLS-contracted ISP (Norlight) via 20Mbps (3/1/08) Internet service.  Email and Website hosting services are also provided by MCFLS Microsoft Windows Servers.  The Whitefish Bay Public Library network is outside the MCFLS WAN – following the MPL model, but still receives CountyCat via 1.5Mbps WAN service.

This Plan was developed by the MCFLS Technology Unit and Administrative staff, with additional input and critique of provided by the Library Directors Advisory Council (LDAC), the MCFLS Board, and other relevant parties.

The 2008-2011  MCFLS Technology Plan includes nine goals :

1) To insure that the wide area network (WAN) infrastructure of MCFLS and the network structure of its member libraries meet future growth demands in light of changing technological advancements.

2) To expand and improve the integrated library system (ILS) functionality to meet the needs of users and staff.

 
3) To facilitate and expand resource sharing among all libraries inside and outside of Milwaukee County.

4) To enhance the MCFLS website as well as host member library websites. 

5) To help purchase and/or broker purchases of online databases. 

6) To assist  member library staff  in becoming more technologically knowledgeable and proficient.

7) To maintain and enhance MCFLS technology staff professional competencies.

8) To organize and maintain all appropriate automation product licensing and technical documentation.

9) To insure adequate funding for the Technology Plan.

GOAL I

To insure that the wide area network (WAN) infrastructure of MCFLS and the network structure of its member libraries meet future growth demands in light of changing technological advancements.

Objective 1.1. Improve the current central site server environment.

Activities

a.  Maintain and/or upgrade Windows servers (hardware and software) to the latest essential technology, , i.e. identifying and implementing any required  hardware, service packs, hot fixes, and new software releases. (2008-2011)

b.  Maintain essential software to prevent virus, worm, and hacking attacks. (2008-2011)

c. Identify and implement essential hardware and software to provide an efficient methodology in controlling (remotely) central site Windows servers and network equipment. (2008)

Objective 1.2. Improve the MCFLS network connection and provide administrative

oversight of the MCFLS network.

Activities

a.       Explore and implement essential solutions to improve network performance

 on the  MCFLS wide area network (WAN) and the Internet, e.g. expanding bandwidth and prioritizing network data packets. (2008-2011)

b.      Serve as the point-of-contact for TEACH lines and coordinate problem

 resolution with the State BadgerNet Converged Network (BCN). (2008-2011)

c.  Monitor new data communications technology and, in consultation with the LDAC, implement desired changes. (2008-2011)

Objective 1.3. Update central site disaster avoidance and preparedness plan,

 insuring the continuation of essential services in case of an emergency.

Activities

a. Research and select efficient disaster recovery solutions. (2008-first quarter)

b. Implement and test selected disaster recovery solutions. (2008-second quarter)

c. Provide documentation and training to maintain and execute the disaster recovery plan. (2008-third and fouth quarters)

Objective 1.4.  Maintain, upgrade, or replace SUN server hardware and software, i.e. identify and implement any required service packs, hot fixes, and new software releases required by Innovative Interfaces Inc.

 
Activities

a   Maintain  SUN  server hardware and software via service contract with SUN.  (2009-2010)

b. Replace SUN server with a new server appropriate for the integrated library system software (Innovative Interfaces, Inc.)(2010-2011)

Objective 1.5.  Work with member libraries to improve the remote site network structure in order to maximize network functionality.

Activities

a.  As specified in the MCFLS Member Agreement, maintain current MCFLS data communications hardware and software (e.g. routers and switches) located at local member library sites. (2008-2011)

b.  Implement MCFLS Board fiscal policy concerning locally funded data communications upgrade initiatives. (2008-2011)

c.  Provide consultation and technical assistance to any member library who initiates a request  to move outside the MCFLS WAN. (2008-2011)

Objective 1.6.  As specified in the MCFLS Member Agreement, assist members with necessary technical assistance in order to maintain remote site hardware and software owned by local member libraries.

Activities

a.  (At the request of a member library),  assist in coordinating purchases of PC and peripheral devices. (2008-2011)

b.  (At the request of a member library),  provide remote Help Desk services via telephone and email to help troubleshoot basic equipment problems for member libraries. (2008-2011)

c.  (At the request of a member library) and on a cost-recovery basis,  provide direct onsite hardware and software maintenance and support services for those member libraries that elect MCFLS as their vendor. (2008-2011)

Objective 1.7.  On a cost-recovery basis provide a range of expert “special project” automation consultation services to member libraries.

Activities

a.  (At the request of a member library) for new building construction, expansion, or large-scale upgrades,  provide consultation services relating to Local-Area-Network design and configuration, equipment selection, connectivity to local municipal network resources, and/or movement outside the MCFLS network. (2008-2011)

b.  (At the request of a member library), serve as the library’s representative and coordinator in the planning and implementation of services involving third party automation vendors and providers. (2008-2011)

c.  (At the request of a member library) broker large-scale local automation equipment purchases. (2008-2011)

d.  (At the request of a member library),  implement and/or coordinate the installation of large-scale local automation purchases. (2008-2011)

e.  (At the request of a member library),  implement equipment warranty provisions and provide necessary follow-up during the warranty period. (2008-2011)

f.  (At the request of a member library), assist in implementing “wireless technology” projects. (2008) Note: All member libraries will be “wireless” by end of 2008.

GOAL II

To expand and improve the integrated library system (ILS) functionality to meet the needs of users and staff.

Objective 2.1.  Provide support assistance to member libraries regarding all aspects of Millennium.

Activities

a.  As point of first-contact,  provide Help Desk services via telephone and email. (2008-2011)

b.  As needed beyond first-contact, provide staff expertise to analyze software issues and, as appropriate, open trouble calls with Innovative Interfaces.  Follow-up as necessary to ensure prompt problem resolution. (2008-2011) 

c.  With LDAC input, maintain software tables, options selections, and codes.  Identify and implement appropriate adaptations and modifications of the application software to fulfill member library requests. (2008-2011)

d.  Identify and implement strategies and shortcuts to improve member library knowledge and efficiency. (2008-2011)

-- Review the use of Web Management Reports. (2008-2011)

-- Train member library staff on important Millennium functionality using Online Programming for All Libraries (OPAL) software at regularly scheduled intervals. (2008-2011)

-- Assist member library staff in using Millennium exclusively in preparation for the eventual removal of the telnet staff interface.
(2008-2011)

Objective 2.2.  Provide administrative leadership and support for software upgrades and enhancements to Millennium, identify possible new purchasable products, and implement purchased products.

 
Activities

a.  Relative to all standard (non-fee-based) Millennium upgrades and enhancements (i.e. “new releases”), brief LDAC and other key member library staff in advance of implementing associated functionality changes, facilitate LDAC input and relevant decision-making, implement the software load of the new release during library closed hours, and provide all necessary post-implementation problem troubleshooting and follow-up training. (2008-2011)

b. Implement existing enhancements and already purchased products from Innovative Interfaces. (2008-2011)

-- Add an additional 80 review files to the Create Lists product, bringing the total number of review files to 360.  Resize the review files according to member library needs. (2008)

-- Enhance the Ecommerce product (purchased in 2007) to allow donations to be assigned to individual libraries. (2009)

-- Utilizing usability studies and other tools, redesign the interface to the  online public access catalog (CountyCat) with the most current available technology and features.  (2008-2011).

c. Identify products offered by Innovative Interfaces that might add value to the  integrated library system. Research applicability to member library needs and provide recommendations for purchase to the LDAC and MCFLS Board. (2008-2011)

d.  Provide all relevant assistance to member libraries for system-purchased Innovative Interfaces products. (2008-2011)

e.  Provide all relevant assistance to member libraries that choose to independently purchase Innovative Interfaces products. (2008-2011)

Objective 2.3. Expand knowledge of Millennium and its capabilities. Contribute to the Innovative Interfaces enhancement process.    

a.  Participate in national, regional, and local Innovative User Group conferences and forums. (2008-2011)

b.  Participate in the Innovative Interfaces enhancement suggestion process in order to ensure that MCFLS concerns receive adequate attention. (2008-2011)

GOAL III

To facilitate and expand resource sharing among all libraries inside and outside of Milwaukee County.

Objective 3.1.  Offer access to the collections of all MCFLS member libraries to all  Milwaukee County residents.

Activities

a.  Maintain an  online catalog of holdings of all MCFLS member public libraries within an integrated and seamless online catalog. (2008-2011)

b.  Provide a 5-day per week delivery system to member public libraries to facilitate the efficient movement of items to end users. (2008-2011)

Objective 3.2.  For Milwaukee County residents, offer access to materials not owned by MCFLS member libraries.

Activities

a.  Fund a portion of the costs associated with the Milwaukee Public Library’s Interlibrary Loan Services, facilitating coordinated access to unique materials owned by libraries (public and non-public) outside of MCFLS,  within the State of Wisconsin and beyond, if necessary. (2008-2011)

b.  Fund an appropriate share of costs associated with the statewide delivery network.in order to facilitate delivery of requested materials for Milwaukee County public library patrons from libraries inside Milwaukee County (non-public) and  other libraries throughout the State of Wsiconsin (public and non-public) . (2008-2011)

c. In conjunction with Wisconsin Library Services (WiLS), train member libraries in  the use of Worldcat/BadgerCat, which provides an interface to search the holdings of Wisconsin, North America,  and worldwide libraries. (2008)

d. Work with member libraries in expanding use of Worldcat/BadgerCat to the general public. (2008-2011)

e.  Encourage MCFLS member libraries to promote and utilize the Library Council’s INFOPASS program for their patrons. INFOPASS is a Library Council membership benefit which allows patrons access to the holdings of other Library Council member libraries throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area. (2008-2011)

Objective 3.3.  For patrons/institutions not residing in Milwaukee County and based on DLTCL Reference and Loan Library Guidelines, facilitate appropriate interloan access to the unique holdings of MCFLS member libraries.

Activities

a.  Per  MCFLS member agreement, participate in the lending of materials to patrons/institutions not residing in Milwaukee County via Interlibrary Loan. (2008-2011)

b.  Fund an appropriate share of costs associated with the statewide delivery network in order to facilitate access to MCFLS member holdings by users outside of Milwaukee County. (2008-2011)
 

c. Participate, in meetings, conferences, and initiatives related to interloan issues. (2008-2011)

GOAL IV

To enhance the MCFLS website as well as host member library websites.

Objective 5.1. Redesign, enhance, and maintain a website for MCFLS.

Activities

a.  With the assistance of a  website design vendor, redesign the MCFLS website using current technologies available on a Windows IIS platform,  providing a website that keeps in mind the MCFLS mission of information sharing and collaboration. (2008)

b.  Annually review the content of the MCFLS website www.mcfls.org  implementing necessary improvements to the site in order to enhance the delivery of up-to-date information to MCFLS, member libraries, and the wider public. (2008-2011)

c. Regularly maintain and update the new MCFLS knowledge base created as part of the website  redesign as a replacement for the CountyCat and Admin Manual insert pages. (2008-2011)

Objective 4.2.  Host and assist member library websites.

Activities

a.  (At the request of a member library),  host  member library websites. (2008-2011)

b.  Provide reasonable assistance to those member libraries whose websites are hosted on a MCFLS server, e.g. uploading files, troubleshooting problems. (2008-2011)

c.  Facilitate integration of member library websites hosted by MCFLS with the Expression Web client (successor to FrontPage). (2008-2011)

GOAL V

To help purchase and/or broker purchases of online databases.

Objective 4.1. Purchase and/or broker purchases of online databases for MCFLS libraries.

Activities

a.  Within the constraints of the MCFLS budget for online databases, purchase and/or broker purchases of appropriate online database products for ALL member libraries. (2008-2011)

-- Seek input and recommendations from the LDAC regarding product purchases. (2008-2011)

-- Integrate products within WebOPAC and WebBridge as appropriate. (2008-2011)

 
GOAL VI

To assist  member library staff  in becoming more technologically knowledgeable and proficient.

Objective 6.1.  Provide technology-related consultation and education to member library staff at all levels.

 
Activities

a.  Per request of the LDAC, provide MCFLS staff technology workshops to member library staff.  (2008-2011)

b.  Provide MCFLS  continuing education offerings on topics related to technology. (2008-2011)

c.  Identify non-MCFLS, technology-related educational opportunities for member libraries, e.g. UW-Milwaukee SLIS, other Wisconsin Library Systems, other  websites. (2008-2011)

GOAL VII

To maintain and enhance MCFLS technology staff professional competencies.

Objective 7.1.  Identify appropriate training and membership opportunities for MCFLS  technology staff.

Activities

a.  Allocate funds for MCFLS staff training needs as a separate line item within the annual MCFLS budget. (2008-2011)

b.  Encourage and fund MCFLS staff memberships in professional organizations as a vehicle for peer exchange and networking. (2008-2011)

GOAL VIII
 

To organize and maintain all appropriate automation product licensing and technical documentation.

Objective 8.1.  Maintain all central site licenses and maintenance agreements and provide member libraries with all appropriate documentation for MCFLS controlled network equipment.

Activities

a.  Ensure that all appropriate central and remote site automation product licenses and maintenance agreements are current and up-to-date and maintain copies in a secure fireproof location. (2008-2011)

b.  As specified in MCFLS Member Agreement,  provide members annually (by   May of each year) an updated inventory list of MCFLS controlled network equipment, located at the participating library locations. (2008-2011)

GOAL IX
 

To insure adequate funding for the Technology Plan.

Objective 9.1. Budget for this plan within annual operating budget as well as capital outlays for future needs.

Activities

a. Fund all ongoing components of this plan with appropriate budgetary line items. (2008-2011)

b.  As appropriate, build up reserve funds over multiple years for anticipated capital replacement and/or upgrade expenditures. (2008-2011)

Evaluation

This plan covers a four year period.  No later than March of the fourth year (2011), an inclusive participatory process will be utilized to undertake a thorough review and revision of the Plan.  Based upon appropriate input by all relevant parties, a detailed revision of the document will be implemented.

Annually, technology staff will review the Plan to insure that additional activities are included within the plan.