AFPL Capital Improvement Projects

Presenter:  Ali Nabavi, IT Project Manager, Atlanta Fulton County Library System

Bridging the Digital Divide – Bringing eBooks & digital content to patrons through outreach & training. What we’ve done so far & what we’re thinking of doing… a conversation.

Presenters:  Julia Huprich – Digital Library Services & Communications Manager, Cobb County Library System and Burr Osoinach – Digital Services Librarian, Cobb County Library System 

Comcast Internet Essentials – learn about a program offered by Comcast where patrons can qualify to receive home Internet access for $9.95/month

Presenter:  Ken Thomas – Senior Sales Manager, Comcast

Demo Lab

Gateways & Filtering – From third party closed systems to open source DIY, we’ll cover the spectrum of filtering solutions in preparation for the influx of the new bandwidth superhighway.

• • Web Filtering Open Source – (If you have the expertise in-house but have limited resources)

  • Presenters:  Andy Witter, Information Technology Consultant & Andrew Crane – Network Engineer, GPLS

  • Sayers Overview – If you have limited expertise in-house and have some resources and would like to know how to deploy a third party system

  • Presenters:  Jay Guidry – Engineer, Sayers and David Hart – Account Executive, Sayers

Google Update

• • Cherokee Regional Chrome Update

  • Presenter:  Wendy Cobb – Library Systems Administrator & Technical Services Coordinator, Cherokee Regional Library System

  • Kyle McDonald, Google Government Solutions Manager

  • GPLS Chrome Update  

  • Presenter:  Daniel Zeiger, System Administrator, GPLS

  • Print Management Solution Preview for Chrome

  • Presenter:  Charles Ellis, LibData

GPLS Network Project Update– Overview of the numbers: How far we’ve come, what kind of bandwidth we’re getting statewide + next steps

Presenters:  Kurt Zeiger –  Network Project Manager, GPLS and Emily Almond – Director, IT, GPLS

Library Special Interest Groups – Facilitated conversations between comparable size library systems about technology services and issues

Presenters:  Keith Schuermann – Director, Troup-Harris Regional Library

Gary McNeely – Director, Kinchafoonee Regional Library

Tamika Strong – IT Program Manager, GPLS

Tech Trends – Highlights from Computers in Libraries Meeting

Presenter:  Keith Schuermann, Director, Troup-Harris Regional Library

Turning Your Meeting Room Into a Virtual Classroom – Demonstrating how you can use relatively inexpensive tech to transform a regular old meeting room into a high-tech presentation space:

• • Google Hangouts

  • Presenter:  Dave Daniels – Technology Support Director, Sara Hightower Regional Library

  • Virtual Jay’s video on turning a meeting room into a virtual classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA7TGmvnIVY

  • Presenter:  Jay Turner, Director, CE, GPLS

Untangle for Captive Portal and Public Wireless Statistics Gathering

Presenter:  Curtis Spiva – Technology Librarian, Mountain Regional Library System

• • Untangle Captive Portal Demo

  • Untangle example reports-12_31_13-Monthly

  • Untangle presentation outline

Using Tech to Teach Tech – Revitalizing staff training by engaging staff

Presenters:  Julia Huprich – Digital Library Services & Communications Manager, Cobb County Library System and  Burr Osoinach – Digital Services Librarian, Cobb County Library System

Web Hosting Agreement – Update on maintenance of library websites hosted with GPLS – Presenter:  Darin Givens – Webmaster, GPLS

Wireless – A look at different ways to set up your wireless network

• • Atlanta Fulton Public Library Wireless Network

  • Presenter:  Ali Nabavi – IT Project Manager, Atlanta Fulton County Library System

  •  Wireless Access Manager – Reports and New Wireless Guide 

  • Presenter:  Ben Dudley – System Administrator, East Central Georgia Regional Library

Won’t Get Fooled Again – Vendor Assessment & Negotiation Best Practices

Presenter:  Emily Almond – Director, IT, GPLS

2014 Tech Boot Camp Feedback

We asked and you responded.  Below are the responses received about the Tech Boot Camp.

Email Responses:

“A big thank you to GPLS and staff for making this happen again this year.  Wendy, my techie couldn’t stop talking about the last few days. ”  ~Lecia

“I’d like to say a big “Thank You!” to all the GPLS staff and presenters for making this year’s Tech Boot Camp possible—I’ve learned so much from you and am SO excited over future possibilities!” ~Wendy

“Awesome time great ideas and great folks. Emily, Nicole and gang always do a great job for us and really need a pat on the back.”  ~Dave

“I, too, thoroughly enjoyed the boot camp.  Presentations were spot on and the hang outs were even better! Looking forward to the next one already.” ~Josh

“Each year gets more interesting and enjoyable. The GPLS crew does a great job of getting it all organized and going.” ~Curtis

“As usual, the Boot Camp was stupendous!  Your energy and effort are greatly appreciated!  I came away with a number of tidbits that I hope to be able to implement here at our library.  Thanks again!” ~Daniel

Evaluation Results:

Question 1. How useful was the information presented at this event?

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

Extremely useful

36.4%

12

Quite useful

57.6%

19

Moderately useful

6.1%

2

Slightly useful

0.0%

0

Not at all useful

0.0%

0

answered question

33

skipped question

5

Question 2. Rank the sessions – 1 being the most informative, 5 being the least informative.

Answer Options

1

2

3

4

5

Response Count

Comcast Essentials

2

6

12

10

6

36

Bridging the Digital Divide

8

19

6

2

0

35

Network Update

16

14

3

1

2

36

Virtual Class Room

12

16

3

3

3

37

Wireless

12

11

9

3

1

36

WiFi Click Through

12

15

2

5

2

36

Tech Trends @ AFPLS

8

16

11

3

0

38

Chrome Update

11

18

5

2

2

38

Library Special Interest Groups

8

18

8

2

1

37

Gateways and Filtering

18

11

6

2

1

38

Tech Trends

15

15

2

2

3

37

Web Hosting

10

15

7

2

1

35

Vendor Assessment

15

14

5

1

2

37

Lightning Rounds

16

11

7

2

0

36

Demo Labs

21

11

2

2

1

37

answered question

38

skipped question

0

Question 3: What activity/session did you enjoy the most? Why?

• Lightning Rounds

• Loved the Makey Makey demo. An easy, repeatable program for only $50? Sold!

• Gateways and Filtering – Because with the network platform changes we are at the point that must determine best possible solutions for web site management (filtering) for patrons per regulations

• My top 3–Demo Lab–3-D printer was awesome!

• Jay’s session on reusing/re-purposing old tech.

• Why not? Ideas/Lightning Round–fun and informative!

• Talking about the virtual classroom because that is the wave of the future.

• Makey Makey Presentation

• Gateways and Filtering – as someone who only knows a bit about a lot of Tech subjects, I enjoyed hearing about ways to cobble together open source software to end up with a robust filter and gateway at my library.

• 3D printing. Can attract more kids to library.

• Demo labs, because hearing the information is good, but being able to see and interact is so much better.

• I enjoyed the talks and presentations that pertained more to the small regions like mine without huge budgets. Meeting techs from other systems putting faces to names. The networking.

• The overall package was impressive…the sum was greater than any individual section.

• I liked the lightning rounds because there was a lot of information that we can possibly use with VRC. Enjoyed being able to brainstorm for the future without any money limitations (perhaps some of our suggestions could be shared with the legislature?)

• Tech Trends as it was great to hear the various trends taking place across the country

• Library Special Interest Groups

• I enjoyed the Chrome update and Keith and Gabriel’s presentations the most.

• Keith Schuermann’s. It gave me the most ideas. I wish it had been presented earlier… I didn’t catch on onto how useful 3D printing was until his presentation and I wish I had spent more time with it.

• Finding out that GPLS Tech Services were housed in a QTS Data Center was really great news and solidified my decision to move our web/email to GPLS

• Very much enjoyed the discussion of open source options presented in Gateways and Filtering and the practical how-to information in the Vendor Assessment presentation.

• Endless bacon..Seriously, everything was beneficial. Take home ideas that we can impliment. See what’s on the horizon for libraries.

• Loved the Special Interest Groups! I thought that this was one of the most beneficial parts of Boot Camp. It was very helpful to hear what the other systems were working on and how they were addressing some of the same problems that our system had.

• Enjoy might not be the right word, but I really appreciated the Vendor Assessment program. It balanced “good practice” with general encouragement. Too often I think that my needs are too “small potatoes” to demand services from the vendor.

• Tech trends. While not all the info was of practical use immediately, the stuff presented in the presentation helped me re-energize my enthusiasm for technology and library service in general.

• Keith Schuermann’s presentation skills were very impressive, and I thought he did a great job of giving a broad overview of some extremely interesting “things” going on in library technology right now.

• Tech trends and demo labs as it was great to see so many new and improved items and get hands on.

• Emily’s Vendor talk was great!

• Lightning Rounds. Entertaining. Informative.

• The Vendor Assessment was very very very very informative and timely. Emily did a great job breaking everything down and explaining vendor negotiation and just giving some insight into good business practices.

• Vendor assessment. Much needed info on how to deal with these criminals (jk 

• Vendor Assessment was wonderfully useful!

• Learning about what the state is doing to help the libraries with their networks and hardware purchases; learning about the work that is happening to try to get time & print management working with Chrome; seeing how libraries are making use of their existing tools in practical ways. Most of all – getting to talk to so many of the people in person that I’ve only corresponded with online.

• The Demo Labs – it was great to play around with some of the toys and see some of the prices.

• Demo labs. WiFi. Practical information to help make life easier and also able to do the stuff in house.

• Lab time – Was able to do things I don’t have time to do in the office. Got help with questions/issues FTF with the folks who have the answers.

Question 4: Did the Boot Camp meet your expectations?

• Yes very much so

• Yes

• Yes for sure, each year gets better and better….

• It exceeded it!

• Yes. It did I always learn some new things I can take back to my library and share with my co-workers.

• Yes

• Yes – a bit more on the “how to” on vendors would have been great along with more future tech discussions

• Yes

• Overall I would say that it met my expectations. I would have liked to have seen more Cloud information though.

• Yes, Very informative.

• Exceeded

• Yes – as always. Last Monday I was asking myself why I had registered -so far away, so much other work to do. By Tuesday evening, I remembered how useful the programs and the networking with other tech. staff at other libraries really is and was very glad I came.

• Exceeded my expectations

• Yes.

• Yes. It’s always a plus to able to hear what the other libraries around the state are doing.

• Absolutely!

• Exceeded. I filled up my notebook and half of another one with new ideas.

• Yes

• Yes. the entire conference was very informative

• Yes

• Yes! Always love this event. Great job!

• Yes. I thought this year’s program really did have something for everyone. I enjoyed the presentations. Even the ones that didn’t relate very well to our current services gave me something to think about. And with a University population that comes from all over Georgia, the presentations gave me insight to our patrons’ expectations.

• Yes, it was fun, informative and enjoyable as always.

• Yes, it was really terrific this year (it always is, but this year we all seemed to have more interaction, and that’s the key for me)! The breakout special interest groups session was another of my favorites.

• Above and beyond.

• Mostly. Comcast and other vendors rather useless. Wish we’d hear more about free/low-cost solutions like WordPress, Google Apps, Avast, etc

• Yes

• Yes, and no. I have never been and am not a Tech, so I did not really know what to expect.

• Yes and then some

• It’s now large enough to have breakout sessions for special interest discussions. Vendor talks were not helpful.

• Yes, it was much better than I expected!

• Definitely!

• Very much so. In some ways better than last year.

• Yes!!! Big Time!! I had a list of things I wanted to get done and I got them all done!!! Yeah!

Question 5: What would you like to see at the next Tech Boot Camp?

• Some of the same things, latest tech at that time

• Dancing elephants. 

• Cloud Storage and costs

• Anything and everything!

• I would like to see more of the demo of the different product that venders that attend trying to offer

• More updates from Google on the the PC Reservation.

• More “how to” sessions like the filtering/gateway, the future of technology in libraries – making technology work for us and not against us sorts of topics – more about kids/technology/library. Less opportunity to be negative about libraries – we all have similar problems but being negative about them doesn’t help

• Class on setting up Deep Freeze

• Cloud tech info.

• More retrovation, do more with less type stuff.

• More on assistive technology

• Will have to think more on this….

• Breakout sessions for special interests such as teaching computers to the public

• More breakout sessions

• Maybe some type of statewide guidance (planning committee) that moves around the state to assist with planning and implementation of some of the ideas presented at boot camp. For instance, I would love to implement some type of help desk features to assist patron with mobile devices.

• You guys do a terrific job of mixing it up. I can’t think of anything I was left wanting for. Just keep up the good work.

• Beautiful women and drinking games

• Better Internet Connection!!! Certainly there’s a vendor/provider that would be willing to pipe in some broadband for the occasion

• more of the same types of presentations

• More time to for the Special Interest Groups, more structured non-related activities (guided hikes, canoe trips, trips to Helen) – so much fun to hang out with everyone!

• I would like to see something on security for the facilities. The “black belt librarian” states that we should at least have eyes on our entrances and exits. Now that the libraries will have more bandwidth, I want to learn about scaleable, wireless security systems for all our branches.

• Best practices and tips for managing a firewall and firewall rules. More demos and information from library tech personnel

• Internet connectivity; 2. a couple of lapel mics for the presenters

• More hands on new items and upcoming goals and more great demos from us all.

• Small, tailored sessions instead of one big session

• Yes. Even if it is a one day event and not held in a state park

• Any presentations that deal with how smaller library systems, or systems with a low budget can address tech issues.

• Showcase of sites such as Scratch, etc. that we can use for programming. More Arduino stuff too.

• More information about good and free resources such as Drupal, WordPress, and Google Apps.

• More hands-on instead of just demos for things like installing Linux on an old XP machine, hosting online meetings, etc.

• Information about bringing Gaming into libraries. WordPress Plugin exchange (what works best for what purpose).

• More demo labs. Standardized WiFi stats recommendations: either times used and/or time used.

• More lab time! Bring is what’s not working and get help to do it. Most helpful!!!

Question 6. Overall, how satisfied were you with this event?

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

Very satisfied

91.9%

34

Somewhat satisfied

8.1%

3

Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied

0.0%

0

Somewhat dissatisfied

0.0%

0

Very dissatisfied

0.0%

0

answered question

37

skipped question

1

Question 7: Additional Comments?

• Let’s meet in Unicoi again next year!

• Emily, Nicol and rest of the GPLS crew have done a wonderful job….

• Can’t wait until next year! This was a great event!

• I thank the boot camp for the tech of the library is one of the best events for the tech to be able to put a face with the name that we see on techtalk and able to know who you is talking with when you call.

• I enjoy being with such a wonderful group of people who, despite living and working in diverse communities across the state, share the common goal of providing quality service to our patrons. Thanks GPLS staff for putting together such a great event!

• I had a great time.

• Great job, great location, great sense of team spirit. Tons of information.

• Unicoi is beautiful but a more central location in the state would be helpful for those of us in the lower parts of the state –

• Maybe some type of fun after hours activity such as Trivia for the people who have a hard time meeting new people.

• I always leave the Boot Camp more confident about IT and the professionals that run IT throughout the state than when I get there. Good job.

• Always a great time.

• Thank you very much for the opportunity to attend the conference and to present.

• Wonderful! Loved the sessions, the swag bags, the venue, everything. This is my favorite event for the year, hands down. You all do such a great job! Thank you!

• I think that some of the Boot Camp topics could be restated and reinforced in programs for the directors. For example – the director’s meeting would include talk from Marti Minor about the privacy and policy issues behind video security at libraries. Boot Camp would be about putting the equipment in the facilities and managing the data.

• Then when the techies come home with some of these great ideas, their directors are already on the path to “yes”.

• 1. The demo lab would’ve been better with some internet! 2. 3D printing was NEAT!!!

• Everyone went over the top to produce the best classes and demos they could.

• I think GPLS did a superb job of making sure the program was effective and explaining the plethora of support services they are able to provide to library systems and staff.

• Simply fantastic! !

• I’m already looking forward to next year.

• The days are very, very long. It’s hard to sit still for that long, even with the breaks.

• I love the boot camp and want it to continue!

• Cold drinks at breaks.

Library Special Interest Groups

At the 2014 Tech Boot Camp, the attendees were divided into three groups based on the population their system served.  The conversations were moderated by Keith Schuermann,  Director of Troup-Harris Regional Library, Gary McNeely, Director of Kinchafoonee Regional Library and Tamika Strong, IT Program Manager at GPLS.

The goal of the session was to gather together to IT representatives of comparable size libraries to allow them an opportunity to talk about some of the technological concerns they have.  Each group was asked to answer three questions:

What was one successful initiative that your library launched within the last year?

What keeps you up at night?

If money was no object, what types of technology/technological services would you like to offer your staff and/or patrons?

Question 1: What was one successful initiative that your library launched within the last year?

• Attached to Fiber

• Automated Materials Handling at 2 Locations

• AVAST antivirus installation

• AWE Computers

• Bi-monthly updates of PACs

• Bookmyne online sharing app

• Children Tablets

• Chrome OPACs, Teen, and Child

• Cost savings with cheaper antivirus

• Created Regional tech kits to share between branches, for staff and public training

• Deep Freeze, Deep Freese Enterprise, PC Res

• Early learning centers in all branches

• GADD

• Gadget Overload Day

• GED testing onine and in the library

• Google Chrome

• Hired New IT staff

• Hotspot Gateway

• Increase Bandwidth

• Info Kiosk – Computer with specific links

• IT Questions now being tallied

• Laptops for public use

• Laptops out into the community for public

• Launched e-materials

• Launched Freegal (didn’t offer music and DVDs)

• Launched Overdrive

• Launched Zinio

• Loaned laptops to community centers (outreach)

• Makerbot up and running

• Mobile computer lab – bringing tech to the community

• New A[ccess] P[oint]

• New Computer Lab

• New Computers

• New Wireless Setup

• New WordPress Website

• Offering public computer classes (email, basic skills, office)

• OS Ticket

• Partnered with Parks to open an adult services special needs satellite branch

• Redesigned Website

• Reimaged with Clonezilla

• RFID in 2 branches

• Roving/Mobile Ref and Circ

• Sharepoint for Staff

• SRD Database

• Study Rooms with online reservation

• Tech & Maker Programs – willing to improve; mobile space

• Touch Screens Info/Form Kiosk

• Tumble Books 0 Games, Read alonga for kida

• Untangled for captive portal wireless (free & awesome)

• Upgraded from XP to Windows 7

• Went from T1s/Fiber MetroE

Question 2:  What keeps you up at night?

• 0 Tech Staff

• 17 libraries to keep up with

• Adobe Flash Player

• Back Ups

• Bad Attitudes

• Balance (cloud & local)

• Bandwidth

• Classes and Updates

• Contractor (IT) with grandiose ideas

• Deploying Software and Operating systems

• Digital Divide between Windows and Mac – people still stuck on Windows

• Documentation

• Dwindling Funds

• E-Rate – missing deadline/form/not receiving funding

• Funding for personnel, FT & PT

• Funding, specifically for IT Support

• Grants

• Growth of wireless users – demand

• Internet Upgrade / Network Changeover

• IP nightmares (literal)

• Knowledge Management

• Library Budget Cuts

• Money (lack of)

• More people tech savvy

• MRR Purchasing decisions/approval

• Multitasking – on the desk and dealing with glitchy tech)

• Need to be nimble; keep up with tech trends

• New things that I don’t understand

• No follow through

• Not my conscience

• Old hardware

• Old tech not working

• Pines/Evergreen – “holds” response time

• Printer

• Programming

• Staff that can’t/don’t want to learn new tech

• Staff Training / Turnover

• Subcontractors (IT) don’t understand library environment

• Threat of bad weather

• Unstable, unexplainable network issues, “telnet and wireless”

• Weekend Print Release Support

• Windows 8

• Writing and Implementing Policy and Procedures

• Windows XP

Question 3: If money was no object, what types of technology/technological services would you like to offer your staff and/or patrons?

• 3D scanner printer/printing

• Apps for PINES/Evergreen

• Auto Doors

• Better 3rd Party Vendors

• Better salaries

• better WiFi

• Business innovation/printing center

• Check out laptops/devices

• Check out wireless hotspots

• Color Copier

• Consulting services

• Database for Accelerated Readers list integrate/included/marked in the Evergreen

• Dedicated Geek Squad

• Dedicated teen computer lab

• Department of the future -have the funding services, and staff to meet ongoing needs

• Digital signboard

• Drone for deliveries

• E-devices to loan/circ

• Enough Computers

• Enough full time staff (trained)

• Every staff has smart phone and tablets

• Everything digital and audio

• Extended tech training for the community

• Full blown digital production lab/facility

• Full-blown makerspace

• Fully staffed IT department

• Functional wireless

• Giga switch

• Have In house IT with library background

• Helicopter

• Increase Digital Resources

• Indepth Tech Training

• Kiosk (red box) off site

• Labels for cables

• Laptops & Tablets – New

• Marketing department

• Mobile devices

• More AWE computers

• More databases such as legal forms

• More downloadable materials (freegal, hoopla, etc.)

• More IT marketing

• More Library Hours

• More physical space

• More Staff

• More time for training

• More travel & conference attendance/funding fo

• Network infrastructure

• New Phone system – VOIP possibly

• New Website

• Off desk time for staff development

• Paid Support

• Pines App (& ACQ module)

• Playtime with New Tech

• Replace all XP systems

• RFID

• Scanning for public

• Security System

• Self Check

• Small mobile computer lab

• Smart Board

• Staff Raises

• Streaming video

• Take credit cards

• Tech Petting Zoo – II

• Tech spa?

• Teleporter

• Training Department

• Unlimited Bandwidth

• Unlimited usage models on all electronic content

• Up to date software

• Virtual Classroom

• VLOB Studio

• We would clone ourselves to be like FPL