Maintaining Public Access Computers Learn from the Experience of Others
Stephanie GerdingIndependent Consultanthttp://stephaniegerding.com
The MaintainIT Project
http://www.maintainitproject.org
The MaintainIT Project
MaintainIT gathers stories and creates resources related to:
PUBLIC ACCESS COMPUTING
The MaintainIT Project
Donated and discounted technology products for nonprofits and public libraries.
Choose from over 340 products from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec.
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Successes and Challenges
Have a discussionabout publicaccess computing
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Greatest Challenges?
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Successes in public access computing
•What are the successes you have experienced?
•What is most popular?
•What REALLY works?
The MaintainIT Project
Technology guides called “Cookbooks”
Download at www.maintainitproject.org
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Cookbook 1: A Cookbook for Small and Rural Libraries
• Technology Planning • Computer Maintenance• Volunteer recruitment• Technology Training tips• Library technology in the
future
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Cookbook 2: Recipes for a 5-Star Library
• Wireless Networks• PC Reservation/Time
Management Software
• Print Management • Laptop Checkout
Programs
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Cookbook 3: Planning for Success
• Competencies and Planning Tools• Web 2.0 and Innovation• Writing a Tech Budget• Measuring the True Costs and Benefits
of Technology• Buying and Deploying Technology• Networking and Security• Troubleshooting Tips
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And there’s a toolkit, too!
1. Planning and Decision Making
2. Communication and Partnerships
3. Buying and Deploying Technology
4. Maintaining and Sustaining Technology
5. Networking and Security
6. InnovationPractical, action-oriented content like checklists, comparison matrixes, inventory worksheets and more!
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Stories from libraries:
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Charts:
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Diagrams:
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Checklists:
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On the Web Site: Webinars, Articles, Blog
Now with audio!
http://www.maintainitproject.org/events
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Effectively Collaborating with Libraries and Partners
Why is It Important to Collaborate?
•Better serve your community and make your services more visible and valued.
•Opens up possibilities and enables you to share and conserve resources, reach new audiences, and expand services and programs.
•Collaborative behavior is the only way to connect to the many customers using new social technologies.
The MaintainIT Project
• Share tech skills and tech costs with neighboring libraries or community groups through consortiums or committees • Share program development and promotion (computer classes, consumer information or new immigrant resources)• Share the expense of a computer trainer, web designer or support• Online through blogs or discussions to connect local experts• Share the expense of purchasing and maintaining equipment• Training and funding partnerships • Partner to build and share audiences • Foster political alliances • Cross-promote services and events though flyers or online
Examples of Partnering
Thank you for attending today’s session!Contact:
Stephanie Gerding [email protected]
Visit the MaintainIT website: www.maintainitproject.orgThe Accidental Technology
Trainer: A Guide for Libraries
(ISBN 978-1-57387-269-0) Information Today, Inc.