TitleIntroduction to TechAtlas

in Illinois Fall, 2008

TechAtlas is a resource for…

• Technology Planning• Technology Inventory Management• Technology Inventory Tracking• Technology Assessment

http://webjunction.techatlas.org

Step 0 – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN

• Do NOT Sign-Upfor TechAtlas

• TechAtlas accountswere created forall Illinois librariesin Summer ’07based on ELIdata, at that time

Getting your account/password

• TechAtlas account login is based on an email address

• Contact your Illinois regional library system rep if you need help accessing your account

ALSLee Logan

DLSJane Plass

LCLSKevin Becker

LTLSJoe Sciacca

MLSWesley Smith

NSLSRob Zschernitz

PALSPaul Mills

RPLSDoris McKay

SHLSTroy Brown

TechAtlas in Illinois

FY 2010 Illinois Public Library Per Capita & Equalization Aid Grant Requirement

• Complete a technology inventory using TechAtlas on WebJunction Illinois. Attach a copy to the library's application and describe what was learned about the library's technology needs from this inventory.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Opportunity Online Grant

July 15, 2008 SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced today $8.1 million in grants to help public libraries in 11 states improve and sustain free, quality access to computers. These Opportunity Online grants specifically will help upgrade computer hardware in public libraries serving communities with high concentrations of poverty that are at risk of having outdated technology.

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/press-releases/Pages/libraries-opportunities-online-grants-080715.aspx

Dates & Deadlines

• However, between November 1, 2008 and January 5, 2009, the library must review the "Date Acquired" field for each computer and that all public access computers are properly marked in the TechAtlas inventory. Please verify and update this information prior to marking the "Inventory Complete" check box. The review must reflect the update was conducted between November 1 and January 5 to qualify for Opportunity Online.

• January 5, 2009 is the deadline date to finish your inventory for Opportunity Online grant consideration. 

 • To be eligible for Per Capita FY 2010 funding, the library

must complete the inventory between October 16, 2008 - October 15, 2009. 

OO Grant Information – Forthcoming

• Details are forthcoming in the next few weeks• Check the following sources for information

– ISL e-news– WebJunction Illinois– What’s New at WJIL blog– TechAtlas in Illinois, WJIL web page– Direct communication from library systems and ISL

• Wait until notification of eligibility to begin TechAtlas inventory process

Step 1 – Get Familiar with Resources

• Take note of communications from your library system, ISL and WJIL

• TechAtlas in Illinois page on WJIL serves as document repository – http://il.webjunction.org/il-techatlas

Resources Available

Note your system representative

Illinois Specific Documents

• Click on Documents Tab• Click Document Title for link to article

• Downloadvia link

Other TechAtlas Documents

• Follow TechAtlashierarchy in topictree to preview all available documents

• Click on Documents tab for full list of downloadable files (generally PDF, PPT)

Illinois TechAtlas Discussion

• Participate in discussions for Illinois users• Monitor and participate in global discussions

http://il.webjunction.org/techatlas/resources/discussion

Step 2 – Experiment

• To experiment, use the Illinois test account• http://webjunction.techatlas.org

Email: techatlas@webjunction-il.orgPass: techat

• This account is for testing only and data will be periodically deleted

• If you want to experiment before entering data into your library’s TechAtlas account, this is our sandbox

Step 3 - Access your TechAtlas Account

• Determine who will be the primary person responsible for TechAtlas in your library

• Request TechAtlas access information from your system representative

• Do NOT create a new TechAtlas account – all libraries in Illinois should already have an account established for their use

• If you are unable to reach your regional library system contact person, fill out the form for assistance on the Illinois TechAtlas page on WJILhttp://il.webjunction.org/il-techatlas

Step 4 – Take Advantage of Workshops

• Check Library Learning (L2) for workshops on TechAtlas (these are provided online)

• Events starting with “WJ” are conductedby WebJunction TechAtlas staff

• WJIL staff, regionallibrary systems andISL will also be conducting workshops

Archived Workshops

• Several TechAtlas Webinars arearchived in the topic area:TechAtlas ->Webinars (documents)

• Illinois sponsoredTechAtlas webinarswill be archived in IL Wimba archiveshttp://il.webjunction.org/il-wimba-archives

Step 5 – Complete your Inventory

• Update locations (branch, bookmobile)NOTE: do NOT remove NCES data

• Enter computer inventory• Update contact

information for support regarding inventory and network

• Integrate TechAtlas inventory management into operational procedures

Inventory Management Cycle

Inventory New Hardware

Update Inventory onhardware when

upgraded/serviced

Remove hardwarefrom inventory

when no longer in use

Expand inventorysoftware/licenses

Manage inventorywith Event Tracker

Review reports

Next Steps – Survey/Assessments

• Surveys can be used to assess staff development needs related to technology

• Assessments are at the organization level - may generate working objectives for your plan

Next Steps – Planning with TechAtlas

• Review the TechAtlas for Libraries Technology Planning Guide

• E-rate Applicant Tips are placed throughout the Planning section of TechAtlas in the upper right corner of the page

Next Steps – Computer Event Tracking

• Track inventory issues, such as problems, request for upgrades and other hardware/software event using Event Tracker

One Size Does NOT Fit All!

• How you use TechAtlas will depend on existing tools, inventory size and staff

• If you have inventory in another tool, import your existing inventory – don’t make additional work

TechAtlas Demo – Application Sharing

• Being Planning process• Complete an assessment (see how planning

objectives may be affected)• Upload a policy• Download the technology plan• Add a computer to inventory• Check inventory complete, reset for next

inventory cycle• Track hardware problem