On Site Library Visit

  

 back entrance of the library

  For my on site library project, in which I am required to write a proposal for a an automation system or networking technologies, I picked the Gardiner Public Library. I called the director and gave a short description of what I needed; I could have emailed my questions to her in advance, but didn't. The director, Anne Davis, was more than happy to speak with me and to answer my question, which took about an hour, barring interruptions. The first part of the conversation was about the systems used. Currently, there are old Dell PC's being used, that are wired and need to be upgraded. There are 5 of these PC's, or towers that are used by patrons. Yes they are wired but the library has WIFI for patrons who wish to bring in their own devices. The whole library is a "hotspot" so to speak. The library uses the Siarra automation system, formerly know as Minerva, and is web-based. Their data resides in Orono, Maine. When mentioning patron generated book reviews, I gathered it meant on the library's webpage itself, which there weren't any.

http://www.gpl.lib.me.us/index.html

    When asked about specifications for the server, cloud storage, and computers, it seems like Sierra is both a server and cloud storage. They have the MSLN network with 50mb of speed. Everyone seems to be happy with it. 

    The director said that they were in the process or ordering ten Kindle Paper Whites for patrons that would circulate like a book, or any other item from the library. They will be loaned out with downloaded books already installed on them. 

      As far as the library Web portal is concerned, content cannot be downloaded from it. The library has a blog, a Facebook page, and Twitter, but no wiki or Second Life. The technology librarian maintains these accounts. She also is responsible for computer maintenance and repairs when possible. When not possible, they call an outside vendor. Besides the aforementioned PC towers, the staff have 5 laptops and there and an Ipad for the public. 

    Policies and budgets are drawn up by the library trustees. The yearly budget is $25,000. The policies include computer usage, along with any other technology usage. There is enough furniture and space for these technologies that are already in the library, along with adequate furniture. When it come to computer instruction, the director prefers one-on-one as opposed to a class because there is such varying levels of computer literacy people can have.

Thank you Anne Davis, director of the Gardiner Public Library  http://www.gpl.lib.me.us/ phone: (207)582-6893.

The exterior of the Hazard Room

P.S. I realized I forgot to list the questions, so here goes:

What kind of systems do you use?
How many computers are in the library?
What are the specifications for the server, cloud storage, and network?
What kind of automation system do you use and does it suit the patrons?

Can content be downloaded from their webportal?
What kind of social networks do you use. Do you use any virtual worlds like Second Life?
Who draws up the policies and do these policies include existing technology?
What is the yearly budget?