Implementing new technologies can be exciting, but oftentimes it is more than a ‘plug-and-play’ situation. Considerable preparation is required to implement and then maintain any technology. The first step in that preparation is performing a resource assessment.  A library must consider “how the equipment, infrastructure and other resources available to libraries match with the sort of services or uses it would like to offer.” (IFLA, pp. 1)

What is a Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA)?

To determine its Readiness, an institution of any kind needs to evaluate both: 

Together, these make up the institution’s Technology or Digital Readiness. 

Tech Inventory 

Beyond having an Internet-connected computer, libraries need the technology to support a wide range of technological activities. Here are some things to consider:

As part of their best practices document, Alberta Public Libraries developed a scale for information communication technology (ICT) equipment and services from essential to enhanced to excellent with examples of those offerings. This could be a beneficial approach to prioritizing technology needs during the assessment process.

Also, please check out Internet2’s freely accessible Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit for a very thorough resource on the subject.  (Link below)

Human Capacity

Humans are at the center of a library’s technology use, whether that means the public who uses technology in the library or library staff who help them (as well as use the technology themselves). Staff competency and development are key to any technology development or rollout. 

“The Government of South Australia’s Digital Maturity Assessment tool[‘s] indicators are clustered around the following areas: governance and leadership, people and culture, capacity and capability, innovation, and technology”; many of those areas that determine ‘digital maturity’ are focused on the people of the library, so they should remain a primary focus (IFLA, pp. 4). 

While training is the focus for another section, there are tools that combine training and planning. The Digital Culture Compass is a resource “for those at any level in a cultural organisation looking to improve digital activities” (About – Digital Culture Compass). Additionally, a publication from New South Wales (Australia) provides some potentially useful guidelines for information technology as well as potential performance indicators for planned evaluation.  

Conclusion

Implementing new technologies can be exciting, and it may be within the capabilities of an institution. Nevertheless, libraries are in service to their communities (whose needs were assessed in 2.1), and so “adoption and development of technological resources should fulfill specific needs and service principles, as opposed to implementing new technology tools for progress’ sake alone” (Best Practices for Alberta Public Libraries). 

Resources