Electronic Technology Information

Introduction

Libraries are vital links to resources on the global information network, providing convenient public access to information without regard to geographic location or socioeconomic status. With the advent of the Maine School and Library Network (MSLN) in 1995. Maine libraries were able to move en masse into the technology age. The MSLN was developed in response to the recognition that access to electronic information through advanced telecommunications technologies has become a fundamental requirement of informed citizenship, and that libraries and schools are the most effective institutions through which to make such access available. Even with the increase in home access, there remains a large population with no electronic information access other than through a library, and an even larger group that could benefit from the informed assistance in using electronic resources that is available in a library.

Because of MSLN, Maine libraries can provide essential electronic resources to Maine residents. Over 95 % of Maine libraries are connected to this network which offers free Internet access and e-mail capacity, to each participating library or school.

The Maine Educational Technology Access Fund (METAF), commonly referred to as the state e-rate, took effect in July 2001. Along with federal e-rate funds, the MTEAF funds the Maine School and Library Network. Maine InfoNet, a project to create new information services and servers, was approved at bond referendum in June 1996. As InfoNet use has increased throughout Maine libraries with the use of Minerva and Solar, electronic card catalogs are becoming the nerve center of the modern library. Consortia like Minerva are becoming essential in expanding patron services such as ILL.

Along with the opportunities for new and improved services, electronic information technologies offer challenges as well. The following is a partial list of new responsibilities faced by libraries:

  • Learning the language and uses of electronic information and communications technology;
  • Developing technology plans;
  • Converting card catalogs and circulation systems to electronic format;
  • Proficient use of computers generally, and of specific software packages;
  • Evaluation and implementation of new hardware, software and networks in the library;
  • Evaluation and selection of free-based electronic information resources available at no cost on the Internet, and those that are fee-based;
  • Obtaining professional development to acquire computer skills including the requisite skills of selecting and accessing appropriate information electronically;
  • Providing computer training for patrons;
  • Identifying and effectively utilizing the specialized technical support needed for computer equipment and networks.

Once these challenges are accepted, the smallest library in the most geographically remote section of Maine can deliver many of the same powerful electronic information resources and communication tools as the largest libraries in the country. The Maine State Library and the University of Maine System purchase state-wide database licenses and offer these to all schools, libraries, businesses, and homes in Maine that are connected to the Internet. Under the name "MARVEL!" these databases provide 1000’s of newspaper and magazine articles as well as reference materials.

It is the hope of the Standards Revision Committee that future updates will place electronic information technology standards in the areas to which they directly relate, rather than placing them in a separate section of the standards document. We recognize that electronic information technology in and of itself is not a goal. In looking at administration, collections, programs, access to resources and all other facets of a public library’s work, the following must constantly be asked: How does adding such technology fit the mission of the library?

Checklist - Accessibility
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library supports training for all patrons in the use of electronic resources, including training for persons with disabilities in the use of adaptive equipment and software.      
2. The library provides assistive hardware and software technology to ensure equal access to online resources for specialized populations including those with disabilities.      

 

Checklist - Budget
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library establishes and meets a service target for materials and electronic resources expenditure per capita.  Regardless of population served, total expenditures for materials including electronic resources are no less than 15-20% of operating budget.      

 

Checklist - Public Access Catalog
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. Libraries that are not automated are working toward getting records of their collections into machine-readable format (full MARC) and entered into Maine InfoNet’s SOLAR.      
2. The Library provides an online catalog (based on machine-readable format using the MARC standard) either as a stand-alone system or as part of a shared system that indicates holdings, location and availability of materials.      
3. All bibliographic and holdings information and retrospective conversion records are based on high quality bibliographic data sources      
4. The catalog is available via the Internet with the use of a web browser and is accessible 24 hours per day, seven days per week via a web page.      

 

Checklist - Electronic Database
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library provides and promotes public online access to MARVEL! databases and other resources.      
2. The library staff assists patrons in selecting and using online services.      
3. The library provides downloading of information from online databases both on-site and to remote locations.      

 

Checklist - Equipment
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library’s network connection where applicable (including WiFi) supports simultaneous use by multiple library workstations.      
2. * The library has at least one public access computer workstation connected to the Internet through the MSLN or other Internet service provider and available for public use during all the hours the library is open. This public access computer is connected to a good quality printer.      
3. The Internet-connected, public access computer workstation is connected at minimum through a T-1 or DSL 3.0 or 7.0 service link.      
4. The library provides a sufficient number of workstations to accommodate patron demand with minimal wait times.      
5. Both the general public and library staff can simultaneously make connections to remote resources.      
6. Staff can connect to the Internet and other electronic resources without interrupting public Internet access.      
7. The library has a dedicated connection to the Internet that is available to multiple library workstations.      
8. The library has the following equipment:
  • Digital projector
  • Telephone
  • Facsimile machine
  • Equipment to inform callers of library hours when the library is closed (e.g. voice mail or web site)
      

*Minimum Standard

E-rate (federal)

E-rate is an outgrowth of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which deregulated parts of the telecommunications industry. In the Act, Congress authorized the FCC to establish a program to provide subsidies to telecommunications carriers serving schools and libraries. The E-rate subsidy allows schools and libraries to receive discounts of 20-90% of the costs of telecommunications services. The subsidies appear as a discount on the carriers’ bills to the schools and libraries. For E-rate information see http://www.maine.gov/msl/erate/ or contact the E-rate consultants at the Maine State Library. 

Checklist - E-rate
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library takes advantage of the Federal E-rate to deliver the most comprehensive and effective telecommunications capabilities possible to library users and library staff      

 

Checklist - Facilities
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. Any construction projects employ the services of a technology consultant or technology knowledgeable person.      
2. A suitably located and wired telecommunications room/closet is provided to manage incoming cabling and house routers, hubs, and other telecommunications equipment for the distribution of electronic communication throughout the library.      
3. Sufficient space is provided to accommodate the multiplicity of public electronic workstations and associated services (e.g. laptops). Computer workstations require 50 sq. feet each.      
4. High-quality video and audio connections are provided for distance learning and video conferencing using ATM or new Internet protocols.      
5. The library collaborates with educational institutions in support of distance learning.      

 

Checklist - Technology – InfoNet
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library participates in the Maine InfoNet project at a level appropriate to its needs and capacities.      
2. If the library has electronic records for items in its collection, the library contributes those records to the Maine Info Net statewide library catalog, and contributes updates at least four times per year, or utilizes other methods of updating holdings information.      
3. The library utilizes the electronic requesting capability of Maine Info Net to improve interlibrary loan service, in accordance with statewide ILL policies.      
4. The library provides and promotes public access to the Maine InfoNet statewide database from within the library.      

 

Checklist - Acceptable Use Policy
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. * The library has a written acceptable use policy that addresses access by minors.      

*Minimum Standard

Checklist - MSLN
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. The library takes full advantage of MSLN services and resources in providing high quality electronic information access services to the library’s patrons.      

 

Checklist - Staff
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. * At least one library staff member subscribes to a statewide listserv, MELIBS-L and/or MEINFO-L and other professional listservs.      
2. A staff member is trained to troubleshoot network and equipment problems and communicate with computer support technicians      
3. A staff member periodically evaluates costs and benefits of implementation of high-quality video and audio connections for distance learning and video conferencing using ATM or new Internet protocols.      
4. The library collections and reports statistics related to the availability and use of electronic resources.      
5. A trained staff member or consultant is available to assist in hardware installation and maintenance.      
6. MSLN circuit riders are called upon when appropriate. (see http://circrider.msln.net/).      

*Minimum Standard

Checklist - Technology Plans
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. * The library has a technology plan that is reviewed annually and submitted to the Maine State Library as required by federal E-rate rules or other state/national regulations.      

*Minimum Standard

Checklist - Websites
Standard Achieved In progress Planned
1. An up-to-date, accessible web page is maintained by the library or in conjunction with another entity (e.g. town) that includes library hours, phone numbers, services, and other basic information.      
2. The library provides web pages with organized web links pointing to useful and reliable local, regional, state, national and international Internet resources.      
3. The library contributes to a database of community information that includes basic information on local government entities, local organizations, other area libraries, museums, historical societies, public service agencies, and educational institutions.      
4. The library contributes content and/or linkages to networked electronic information sources in the community (e.g. bulletin Boards, community websites).      
5. The library encourages electronic links to the library from networked information sources in the community.      

Glossary of Technical Terms

Acceptable Use Policy:
An AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) contains guidelines for the appropriate use of computer networks.  These guidelines state the terms and conditions of Internet use including rules of online behavior and access privileges.
Bandwidth: 
The rate at which data is transmitted based on the capacity of the line.
  • 56 k line can carry 56 kilobits per sec.
  • T-1 line can carry 1.54 megabits per second
  • DS3 (or T-3) has the capacity of 45 megabits per second
  • OC3 line has the capacity to 155 megabits per second
  • DSL 3.0
  • DSL 7.0
Computer workstation:
An area with equipment for the performance of a specialized task usually by a single individual.  A computer workstation includes, as a minimum, a keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse.  It may or may not be connected to a network or various hard, floppy or CD-ROM drives.
Coaxial cable: 
A kind of cable with a solid central conductor surrounded by insulator, in turn surrounded by a cylindrical shield woven from the fine wires.  It is used to carry high frequency signals such as video or radio and transmits a digital signal at rates between T1 and dial up.
Dial up:
An Internet connection over a standard telephone line that transmits data at 56 thousand bits per second.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): 
This service allows high speed data communication over the existing telephone lines.  It transmits a digital signal at rates between T-3 and dial up. (Upload and download speeds are different).
Integrated Library Automation System (ILAS):
ILAS is a computer system designed around a database of machine readable bibliographic records for all types of library material.  The system operates through integrated data processing functions and the data serves multiple functions and multiple uses for the public and the staff.  These functions may include acquisitions, cataloging, serials control, circulation and public access catalogs.
Minerva
Minerva is a consortium of more than 85 Maine libraries, including public, academic, school, and special libraries. Creating a statewide "library without walls" that eliminates geographic and socio-economic barriers, Minerva provides access to more than six million library items. Minerva improves library services for participating libraries and their patrons through automation and collaborative projects.

Minerva was originally an initiative of the Maine Info Net Project, approved by Maine voters in the June 1996 bond referendum, to support improved library cooperation for the benefit of Maine citizens. Minerva is a key participant in the Maine InfoNet Statewide Catalog, which includes the Maine State Library, University of Maine libraries, Portland Public Library, Bangor Public Library, the SOLAR libraries, and Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby Colleges.

MTEAF:
35-A M.R.S.A. § 7104-B, directed the Public Utilities Commission to establish a Telecommunications Education Access Fund (MTEAF). The MTEAF would be used to continue the work begun by the MSLN funding. The MTEAF would be funded by 0.5% of telephone carriers’ intrastate revenues. The Commission would determine the level of the assessment. All eligible sites would apply for Federal E-Rate discounts.
OPAC: 
Online Public Access Catalog
SOLAR: 
SOLAR enables libraries to make their holdings visible online and participate in online requesting and lending through the Maine Info Net Statewide Catalog. By submitting one’s holdings electronically to SOLAR any Maine library may become an active participant in the statewide database of Maine library collections.
T-1 line:
This is a digital carrier facility used to transmit a digital signal at 1.5 million bits per second. (Has identical upload and download speeds)
T3 line:
A digital carrier facility used to transmit a digital signal at 45 million bits per second. (Has identical upload and download speeds).