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Boxford Town Library Technology Plan
2006-2011
Introduction
The Boxford Town Library system has long recognized that
technology can improve services to our patrons by allowing the staff to perform
tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy. Technology as a service itself has
also been recognized as being important, and the Boxford Town Library has
offered technology to patrons in the form of computers and online databases for
many years. When the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) first began in
this area in 1985, Boxford recognized the value in a consortium and became one
of the first of the small libraries to join.
The Library is a full member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, and as
such shares integrated library system (ILS) software providing shared
cataloging, circulation, email and Internet access, and related services.
Membership in MVLC also affords the library easy access to anti-virus
protection, some PC software security, and access to online databases provided
by MVLC. The Library’s annual membership fee supports the work of the
consortium and a modicum of continuing technology education training, but the
Library is responsible for services beyond those provided by MVLC. High-speed
Internet access, wireless access, technical support of individual PCs and our
server, keeping staff technologically up-to-date and other services similar to
these are the responsibility of the Library and the Town. The library and its
contents are protected during off hours by building security and fire alarm
systems. There currently is no facility fire suppression system and individual
computers are not physically secured to desktops to prevent theft. Improved
security for PC’s should be investigated and implemented.
The Library attempts to provide up-to-date and equipment and relevant services
for its residents and staff to use. Using this five year Technology Plan, the
Boxford Town Library system will continue to improve its customer service and to
offer the best technological services within fiscal constraints to residents.
The Technology Plan dovetails with the Library’s Long Range Plan (2005-2010)
that was developed to serve the community.
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