Technology Plan Template - Onondaga County Public Library

Onondaga County Public Library 

Library System Technology Plan 

July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2016 

Prepared by: 

Deborah J. Lewis 

Administrator for System and Member Services 

Onondaga County Public Library 

Syracuse, New York 

http://www.onlib.org/ 

December 6, 2012

Table of Contents 

I. Background Information 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

Current State of OCPL's Technology 

Library’s Technology Goals and Strategies/ Assessment of Library's Technology Needs 

Technical Professional Development Goals and Strategies 

V. Evaluation 

VI. 

Attachments 

1. Technology Inventory 

2. Network Diagram 

“The SLD states that the technology plan required for the E-Rate discount should guide planning and 

investment--both for E-Rate funds and for the other resources needed to take advantage of technology. 

The plan must contain the following four components: 

1. Clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology 

to improve education or library services. 

2. A professional development strategy to ensure that members of staff know how to use these 

new technologies to improve education or library services. 

3. A needs assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other 

services that will be needed to improve education or library services. 

4. An evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward the 

specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and 

opportunities as they arise. 

It is important to note that the SLD expects technology plans to provide a sufficient level of detail to 

support all the services requested in the 470 and 471 forms and confirmed in the 486 form. In the event 

of an audit, the examiners may ask for a copy of the technology plan.” 

(http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/univsvc/memo1211.htm) 

OCPL Technology Plan, 2013 - 2016 December 6, 2012 Page 2

I. Background Information 

The Onondaga County Public Library is one of 23 public library systems in New York State mandated 

by NYS Education Law. This plan covers the technology planning to support the services provided by 

the Onondaga County Public Library system to its membership, including the 11 library sites within 

the City of Syracuse, and 19) member libraries at 21 sites throughout Onondaga County. A primary 

technology service provided by the system is a shared Integrated library system, currently provided 

by Polaris Library Systems, and the networking to connect the libraries to it. 

This plan also covers the technology planning for OCPL's Central Library, the 8 Syracuse City branches, 

and 2 Syracuse City satellites operating as a city library with branches. OCPL functions as both a 

public library system and also the public library for the city of Syracuse, and is funded by a 

combination of state, county, and city funds. It is a department of Onondaga County government. 

This plan covers the time period July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2016, and will be revisited and modified as our 

Plan of Service, other goals and objectives, and technologies are modified. 

The plan was developed based on ongoing input from the OCPL Leadership Committee, the OCPL 

Branch Managers, OCPL Central Library managers, OCPL’s Automation Dept. staff, and the OCPL 

member libraries. The 2012-2016 OCPL Plan of Service provides the framework for the technology 

goals, as does as the overarching OCPL Path to Excellence. 

Technology Plan Team Members: Elizabeth Dailey (Exec. Dir.), Deborah J. Lewis (Administrator for 

System and Member Services), Doreen Milcarek (Central Library Administrator), and Susan Reckhow 

(Administrator for Branch Services and Initiatives). 

Community served: OCPL serves the residents of Onondaga County, population 467,026 in 2010, 

through direct service at the Central Library, by administering the Syracuse City branches and 

satellites, and by providing specific services to suburban member libraries. Some services are 

provided only to Syracuse City residents; the 2010 population number of 145,170 is used when 

purchasing services for the city residents. In addition, the county libraries have a total of around 

183,000 active card-holding patrons, with approximately 57,500 in Syracuse. 

OCPL Mission Statement: The Mission of the Onondaga County Public Library is…To make a positive 

difference in every life we touch by putting the power of ideas and information to work for all. 

Technology Vision: to support the strategy and goals of the library system and the Syracuse city 

libraries with appropriate technologies that provide the best library service at the most cost-effective 

rate. 


Influences: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

I. Our Goals 

II. 

OCPL’S GOALS AND PRIORITIES FROM THE OCPL PATH TO EXCELLENCE, 2010 - 2012 (12/09) 

http://www.onlib.org/web/about/policies_notices/Path_to_excellence_policy.pdf 

A. Demonstrate responsiveness to community needs. Provide people with services where they 

need them…in libraries, at home and work and virtually. 

B. Include our six priorities in everything we do. Continuously improve and evaluate services, 

materials and our role in the community. 

C. Be known for our partnerships and collaborations and for leveraging resources to benefit all 

Onondaga County residents. 

Our Six Priorities 

A. *Ensure that every child enters school ready to learn. 

B. *Ensure that every resident has the broadband connectivity and technology training needed 

to access the online materials and services that they need. 

C. *Provide lifelong learning opportunities to support adult literacy, continuing education, 

changing employment, good health, good consumer decisions and cultural enrichment. 

D. Ensure that every resident has needed information about community resources, including 

programs and services of governmental, educational and non-profit organizations. 

E. Provide a welcoming community destination that is home to collaborations and encourages 

individuals to become engaged with the community. 

F. Provide diverse library programs and sufficient print, media and electronic materials for the 

enjoyment and learning of all children, teen-agers, adults and seniors. 

[*These three priorities were identified by the Community Focus Groups facilitated by Margery 

Connor in May and June 2009.] 

Onondaga County (http://ongov.net) policies, procedures, goals and objectives. 

Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Service in New York State; 

Recommendations of the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries to the 

New York State Board of Regents (http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/future/index.html) 

RECOMMENDATION 27 – The provision of robust early childhood education programs and the provision of 

homework assistance as a core service; the alignment of outreach services with societal priorities, such as 

teen services and gang prevention. [This also includes supporting New York State P-12 Common Core 

Learning Standards, including with applicable technology] 

RECOMMENDATION 29 – Investment in public library facilities in order to be able to respond to the 

changing needs of communities -- rewiring of older buildings, creation of larger meeting spaces and small 

meeting rooms, flexible storage solutions so that libraries can adjust as print to e-format ratios change and 

energy efficiency improvements to keep operating costs down. 

RECOMMENDATION 36 – Library systems to be at the forefront of training, professional development, 

technological innovation, outreach, marketing and branding, and other high-value services needed by 

member libraries. 


RECOMMENDATION 39 – Library systems – as with all libraries -- to anticipate and develop innovative and 

entrepreneurial services; and to discontinue out-of-date services when they no longer provide benefit to 

their members or the end-users. 


II. 

Current State of Technology 

OCPL System and System Services 

Integrated Library System (ILS) 

OCPL system provides a shared integrated library system (ILS) among the Central, city branch, 

and member libraries. The software currently used is from Polaris Library Systems. 

The catalog currently includes over 677,000 bibliographic records/titles representing over 1.62 

million items held in the 32 library buildings in the county. Total annual circulation for 2011 

for the system was approximately 5 million. 

At the system level, the records in the ILS catalog are linked to several of Bowker’s Syndetic 

Solutions enrichment elements such as cover images, summaries, reviews, video contents. 

Some member libraries have separately added links to Novelist elements and other 

enrichment data. 

OCPL city libraries are currently using the Polaris Acquisitions Module in conjunction with 

Baker and Taylor’s TitleSource3, Midwest Tape and Bowker to automate materials purchases. 

Liverpool Public Library, the Northern Onondaga Public Libraries (NOPL), Salina Library, and 

LaFayette Public Library also use Polaris Acquisitions. 

The Central Library continues to use the Polaris Serials. This module enables staff to check 

received issues in online and automatically generate item records in the catalog so all libraries 

in the system and their patrons can immediately determine Central’s magazine holdings. They 

can also use this for automated claiming for missing magazine issues. Staff at Central have 

been training some branch libraries in this module. 

Polaris provides inventory management software, making it easier for staff to compare 

expected shelf contents with actual inventory. The system owns 3 copies of the software; one 

used at Central, one loaned to member libraries in rotation, and one loaned to city branches 

in rotation. At least one member library also owns its own copy of the Polaris Inventory 

Manager. 

Polaris provides extensive predesigned reports as well as an interface to the underlying SQL 

databases for ad hoc reporting. All libraries in the system have access to both, as well as 

access to the OCPL Technical Services staff who provide ad hoc reports on request, plus also 

create statistics for annual reports. 

PC Hardware for Polaris 

OCPL Automation staff support over 240 PCs designated for Polaris access in the 32 library 

buildings in the County, with attendant barcode scanners and receipt printers. These PCs are 

NexLink machines, installed in early Fall 2007, and having 3 yr. warranties. The scanners and 

receipt printers have a 1 yr. warranty. Primary failures to date are in power supplies, RAM 

and hard drives, and their fans. Short term plan for maintaining these is to replace their hard 

drives, RAM, fans and capacitors on power supplies as they fail. As of November 2012, the 


system is deploying 56 Dell ultra-small form factor model 790 computers as replacements for 

critical NexLinks, i.e., at the circulation desks – mostly 2 per building. As of 2014 each library 

will be responsible for replacing “dead” NexLink PCs in their library. OCPL will continue to 

replace existing receipt printers and barcode scanners. 

Polaris Connectivity 

18 of the libraries within OCPL, including 9 member libraries, are connected via Verizon fiber 

through the Syracuse MetroNet to OCPL’s ILS, a Polaris Library System. 13 of the libraries are 

connected to the Polaris ILS via Time Warner Road Runner Business Class connected to 

MetroNet; some of these libraries also use this connection for staff Internet. The latest 

member library, Skaneateles, is using its existing Verizon FiOS connection to access the ILS. In 

all libraries one or a few workstations have the Polaris client application installed; the rest of 

the staff use Remote Desktop Connection to access OCPL’s 3 terminal servers to access 

Polaris. OCPL requests E-rate reimbursement for the Verizon circuits. 

In each of the libraries OCPL has a Cisco switch connecting the libraries to MetroNet’s Library 

VLAN plus a UPS. OCPL’s server room is in the basement of the Central Library and contains 

the termination of the MetroNet Library VLAN. All networking equipment is Cisco; most 

servers are from Dell. 

Bandwidth for the Polaris traffic for the 18 libraries accessing Polaris via fiber is supplied by tw 

telecom; this 10 Mb/s VPN is also used by the city library staff for Internet access. The 3-yr 

contract for both tw telecom feeds (50 and 10 Mb/s) is being renewed in 2012, with increases 

to 50 and 20 Mb/s. OCPL requests E-rate reimbursement for this service. 

OCPL’s Time Warner Road Runner Business Class accounts are part of an umbrella national 

account paid for by OCPL to support Polaris activity, and in the case of some smaller libraries, 

staff Internet access. OCPL requests E-rate reimbursement for this service. 

OCPL uses the Servantix Network Monitor software to monitor the status of the network 

connections in libraries. 

Centralized Catalog Maintenance 

OCPL Technical Services (TS) provides centralized cataloging (i.e., material descriptions) for all 

libraries in the system except Liverpool Public Library, and is responsible for the quality of the 

shared catalog underlying the ILS. To do this they acquire bibliographic records from OCLC 

Online Computer Library Center and also from materials vendors, then in some cases enhance 

the quality of the records received. TS staff use Cataloger's Desktop on the Web and 

Classification Web from the Library of Congress for cataloging and classifying materials. 

Patron Self-service initiatives: 

All of these initiatives rely on the Polaris patron databases to authorize patron use: 

 

OCPL has implemented self checkout stations at 3 branch libraries, and 3 member libraries also 

have at least one self checkout station. 


Liverpool Public Library has procured two Media Banks, self-service physical media dispenser 

similar to the familiar Redbox red boxes seen at grocery stores, although requiring only a 

library card instead of a credit card for borrowing materials. 

The Central Library has implemented a Media Bank (called “Media Box) media dispenser. 

There are now 3 allCirc dispensers at branches: Mundy, White, and Beauchamp. These work 

similarly to double-shelving, where the empty media case sits on a shelf for browsing, and the 

patron takes it to the allCirc dispenser to retrieve the disc. These dispensers also allow patrons 

to check out any other materials. They do not accept returns, unlike the Media Bank. 

OCPL is in the process of procuring 2 mk Sorting Systems, Inc. LibDispenser combined book 

and media dispensers, one for the Syracuse near Westside at the new WCNY building, and one 

for the Northern area of the county, probably going into the Great Northern Mall. These are 

closed systems where the materials are checked out and returned to the dispensers, and 

require RFID tagging of the materials to work. 

OCPL is poised to implement fines and fees payment through the online Polaris catalog. This 

required acquiring an SSL certificate for the Polaris web server, a web gateway account 

(PayPal’s PayFlow Pro), and a merchant account. 

OCPL Web site (http://www.onlib.org) 

OCPL maintains a website containing information of use to all Onondaga County residents, 

including access to the online catalog, links to the member library websites, useful Internet 

reference links, policy information, etc. This website is currently maintained as static pages 

created using Dreamweaver. 

Downloadable materials - OCPL contracts with OverDrive to allow branch and member 

libraries to purchase downloadable materials, e.g., audiobooks, some music, and some e- 

books (downloadable text). Participation in this agreement by a library gives access to all 

OCPL OverDrive materials to their patrons. All OverDrive materials are represented in the 

OCPL shared catalog. A few member libraries have subscribed to the OverDrive Advantage 

program, which gives libraries that are members of a shared collection the ability to offer 

popular titles--exclusively for their patrons. OverDrive Advantage libraries can purchase 

additional copies of popular titles that are already in the shared collection, as well as titles 

that are not yet available. In addition, at the consortial level OCPL has turned on the 

OverDrive WIN feature, which allows patrons to access and buy materials for their personal e- 

materials collections from the full OverDrive catalog. 

Research Databases 

Various member libraries subscribe to various research databases. OCPL subscribes to some 

databases on behalf of the full membership, and subscribes to others on behalf of the city 

libraries. NY State provides many databases via the New York Online Virtual Electronic 

Library (NOVEL) – available to any resident of NYS. 

In general, patrons can access all databases to which their library subscribes plus the NOVEL 

databases, plus the cross-OCPL databases without authentication challenge when on-site in 

their library. For remote access to research databases, OCPL provides EZproxy remote 

database authentication, which validates users by library by using the SIP2 protocol to query 


the Polaris patron database, thus allowing them remotely into the databases available 

through their library. Several member libraries use OCPL’s EZproxy to permit remote access 

to their databases. 

Ask A Librarian Remote Reference 

OCPL provides four methods of remote reference services: telephone, e-mail, and virtual 

reference (chat) using the Ask Us 24/7 chat reference service based on an OCLC service 

called QuestionPoint 24/7 reference service. OCPL also provides remote reference services 

through text messaging using Mosio. 

InterLibrary Loan 

OCPL provides centralized interlibrary loan services for materials not available within the OCPL 

system to all libraries (and therefore patrons) within the system, generally using OCLC’s 

Resource Sharing system. At this time ILL requests are made via email or written form by 

patrons and by staff generally after consulting WorldCat via FirstSearch. 

Intranet 

OCPL provides an intranet for city and member library staff using SharePoint 2007, made 

available in March 2009. Use of this tool has exploded, as staff have found creative ways to 

share information and collaborate online. 

Staff Email 

Exchange 2010 

Barracuda email spam filter 

Provided to all OCPL staff, and also member library staff as requested. 

Local History & Genealogy 

The Local History & Genealogy Department at the Central Library is a respected research 

center with extensive collections on genealogy and local and state history. There is a separate 

area of the OCPL web site devoted to the LHG collections and services. 

In addition, LH&G provides access to unique historical and genealogical data via searchable 

online and in-library-only databases, and is embarking on a project to create online finding 

aids (in EAD format) to its extensive collection of archival material. LH&G uses Inmagic 

software for at least some of its unique databases. 

System-wide event calendar 

OCPL uses and makes available to its members an online calendar based on EventKeeper by 

Plymouth Rocket. This is available through the OCPL website. 

OCPL City Libraries 

The Syracuse city libraries (Central and city branches) have approximately 120 employees, 400 PCs 

split 50%/50% between staff and public use, a collection of approximately 734,000 items, and annual 

circulation of 1,318,910. The Central Library contains the communications and technology hub for 

the system services and for the 8 city branches and 2 city satellite locations. 


Telephony 

The telephone service for the city library buildings is currently POTS provided by Verizon. VoIP 

is anticipated in 2013 for the Central Library; branches will be implemented in Phase 2 of the 

County’s rollout, possibly by end of 2013. 

Primary Software in Use on City Library Workstations – November 2012 

MS Windows XP and 7 

MS OfficePro Plus 2007 

SharePoint 2007 

Symantec EndPoint 

Public Web Browser - public access catalog PCs 

TechSmith’s SnagIt 

TechSmith’s Camtasia 

Dreamweaver for Website 

Academic XML Editor – LH/G 

Inmagic database software – LH/G 

Exchange 2010, paired with Outlook 2007 clients and Outlook Web App 

PDF Converter Pro v7.0 – on various desktops, mainly Administration and Graphics 

Vector Magic – Graphics 

Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 6 v13 for Windows – Graphics 

Various CD-ROM literacy software packages in the literacy labs at Central and White 

Branch. 

Note that when possible, OCPL purchases low cost academic licenses for its software, as 

allowed for public libraries. In addition, OCPL has taken advantage of the TechSoup donated 

software program. 

Business software: as a County Department, OCPL uses County-provided software packages 

to management financials and personnel systems. Starting in September 2012, the County 

started migrating these processes to PeopleSoft, starting with the procurement process. 

Other modules are scheduled to be added over the next 2 years. 

Online subscription-based collection development tool: in 2012 OCPL city libraries plus 6 

member libraries subscribed to CollectionHQ, which enables deep analysis of usage of 

materials and better decision-making regarding weeding and purchasing. 

PC Hardware 

 

Staff use - Current purchases for staff are Dell small or ultra small form factor energy 

saving PCs with 5-yr. warranties, 19" flat screen monitors, and Windows 7 operating 

system, based on the NYS OGS Aggregate PC Purchase Initiative. These machines are 

being purchased and are replacing older machines as funding permits. There are also 

notebook and netbook computers in each location, i.e., 1 each per branch plus 2 each 

at Central. 


Public use computers (including the Central Library’s computer lab and the two city 

literacy labs, self-reservation stations, dedicated catalog PCs, and some word 

processing/reference/database PCs) – most purchased in 2004 or 2006 with Gates 

Foundation funds. Issues with replacing the existing PCs include public’s continuing 

desire for floppy drives (no longer available from Dell), and wanting to keep all public 

use PCs in a given area the same to limit competition for better machines. The public 

also use self-reservation stations for PC reservations. A plan for extending the life of 

these machines includes replacing their hard drives as they fail. 

2 AWE Early Literacy Stations in each branch; 4 at Central. Not connected to a 

network. 

For anti-virus protection on all machines, OCPL uses Symantec Endpoint. 

To prevent the public from using the dedicated catalog PCs for Internet access, OCPL uses 

Public Web Browser. OCPL uses Deep Freeze on Pass Lab computers, and on the Central 

loaner public laptop. 

Additional PC-based hardware/software at OCPL city libraries 

 

Printers at Central and city branches: 

o Various non-networked HP desktop LaserJet models, e.g., 1200s, 1505s, 1020s, 

P1102W. Also one per member library. 

o 2 HP 2550n networked color LaserJet printers – graphics and director’s office 

o Networked HP 3005dn LaserJet printers for staff and public use, being replaced 

by HP 3015dn models. One each per city branch, plus 2 at Central Library 

o HP / Hewlett Packard Designjet 130r 24" Printer – networked, for OCPL 

graphics designer/Communications Dept. 

o Kyocera FS-4000DN 47 PPM Laser Printer w/Duplex – Central Technical 

Services, networked, used to print postcard-based patron notices 

o Dymo LabelWriter 450 Label Printers – 1 each per city branch plus 4 at Central 

Library, for printing spine labels out of the ILS as materials are processed 

Scanners for public use at Central Library: implemented during 2012: 

o Xerox BookCentre 17" Touch Screen Computer And Scanner {Package} in Local 

History/Genealogy 

o Xerox 3115 XDM31155M-WU DocuMate Desktop Scanner – in each of Central 

Level 3 and OCPL Business Office 

o Plustek A300 17” Large Book Scanner– Central Level 4 

o Opticbook 3600 Plus A4 Book Edge PDF OCR Scanner – Central Level 4 

o Kodak Picture Saver Scanning System PS450 – Central Level 4 

 

Time clocks: As a County organization, city library staff are required to “clock in” to the 

County timekeeping system, currently provided by Kronos. This has been enabled via 

2 networked time clocks at Central, plus full-time staff may use any of 40 specificallydesignated 

PCs at Central and the city branches running remote desktop to 2 load- 


alanced time servers connected to the County network (required since County’s 

current implementation of Workforce Central (the web-based time clocking system) 

requires an outdated, fixed version of Java). In 2013 County is updating its version of 

Workforce Central to the newest, compatible with current versions of Java. 

HVAC: in 2012 as part of a branches infrastructure project the HVAC systems in 4 

branch libraries were replaced with new systems. These new systems are monitored 

and controlled by maintenance and facilities staff via software running on networked 

computers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People Counters (city branches): people counters from SenSource were installed in 

the city branch libraries in 2011, with their optional Vea reporting module also 

purchased. These are networked devices with centralized data collection. However, 

the reporting module is too crude for branch staff to use, so Automation staff pull the 

stats monthly, put them into Excel files, and send them to the branch managers. 

Wireless cards – Central and Hazard 

Door card readers – Central Library loading dock and auditorium. These door card 

readers were purchase and installed in 2011 and are networked. 

E-reader devices: City branches each have a Kindle Keyboard, and are receiving iPad 

3s in 2012. Central Library has 2 iPads, a nook, a Sony Reader, and a Kindle Fire. All of 

these are for staff to use to gain familiarity with them so they can support patrons in 

using the e-books OCPL provides via OverDrive. 

Technology zoo: Using IMLS grant funds in 2011, OCPL purchased several devices to 

be used for demos/training. Devices include scanners, iPads, e-readers of various 

types, mp3 players, digital video cameras, tripods, podcasting equipment, 5 netbook 

computers. 

Webcams: OCPL city libraries now require patron photos for identification when 

checking out materials, and capture the patron photo for the ILS Patron record via a 

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 in each city library. 

Staff Internet Access 

As per above under Polaris Connectivity, OCPL city library staff share our 10 Mb/s service from 

tw telecom with the Polaris ILS traffic. 

In addition, some PCs in Administration and the Business Office are also connected to the 

County network, providing them with access to the County shared file system, shared 

calendars, and to provide easier access to other county employees. 

The two city satellite libraries currently receive all Internet service via Time Warner Road 

Runner Business Class. 


Public Internet Use 

Bandwidth 

The Central Library and the 8 city branches receive Internet service for public use via 

the MetroNet Community VLAN fiber, and as with the administrative and staff 

network, the bandwidth comes from tw telecom SM . This public-use bandwidth is split 

from the administrative use and is currently 50 Mb/s, scheduled to increase to 70 

Mb/s, shared by the 9 city non-RoadRunner sites. OCPL requests E-rate 

reimbursement for this service. 

Packetshaping 

Because the public is voracious in their use of Internet bandwidth at the expense of 

each other’s use, OCPL currently uses an Exinda 6710 100Mbps Wan Optimization 

appliance to manage public bandwidth utilization. 

Automation staff monitor the packet shaper and other tools to determine ongoing 

bandwidth utilization and need and create reports comparing use and need. 

Computer reservations 

OCPL city libraries also uses EnvisionWare’s PC Reservation® product for public PC 

access and session control, and their LPT:One product for print cost management. 

Users are required to have an OCPL library card to access, or may be granted guest 

access. EnvisionWare validates users by using the SIP2 protocol to query the Polaris 

patron database. 

Filtering 

Because OCPL requests E-rate reimbursement for all connectivity related to administrative, 

staff, and city library public Internet use, all PCs installed in the city libraries, plus any staff PCs 

in member libraries using this for staff Internet access, are filtered for malware, illegal sites, 

and content. Staff PCs are currently using a Blue Coat ProxySG appliance, and the public PCs 

are filtered using WebSense Users self-designated as over 17 are allowed to bypass the 

content filtering. 

Computer Labs 

 

The Central Library maintains two computer labs. One, the Pass Lab, is a general use 

lab often used for staff training, with 12 attendee workstations, an instructor 

workstation, networked printer, and an overhead projector. These workstations were 

purchased in 2009 and 2010. The software for the Pass Lab is the standard software 

for Central, but with Windows 7 on these PCs. 

The Central Library also maintains a Literacy Lab, containing 10 PCs purchased in 2004. 

The need for this separate lab is being analyzed as part of the Central Library 

reconfiguration. 

OCPL White Branch Library has a Literacy Lab, containing 4 PCs also purchased in 2004. 


Note: The software for the two Literacy Labs is relatively old and is generally CDROMbased, 

allowing for only limited simultaneous and specific equipment use. 

Adaptive Technologies 

The STAR (Special Technologies & Adaptive Resources) lab at the Central Library provides access 

to its catalog, the Internet, word processing, all print resources and more through special 

technologies designed for use by people with disabilities. 

These include: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZoomText computer screen magnifying software 

JAWS computer screen reading software 

DRAGON Naturally Speaking voice recognition software 

Kurzweil scanners & personal reading machine 

Braille embosser 

Aladdin closed-circuit TV magnifier 

Assortment of lighted magnifiers 

American Printing House 4-track cassette player/recorders 

Talking Book cassette and digital machines 

Pocket-Talker assistive listening device 

Security cameras, networked 

Central Library – used in publically-accessible internal areas 

o DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS REAL TIME DVR - networked 

o 21 INCH HIGH-RESOLUTION MONITORS 

o INFRARED WEATHERPROOF CAMERAS WITH HEATERS. 

o 9-CAMERA A/C POWER SUPPLY 

 

City branch libraries – used internally and externally: 

o TOTAL 11-HIGH RESOLUTION COLOR CCD CAMERAS 6-HIGH RESOLUTION DELUXE SERIES DAY/NIGHT 

COLOR SONY SUPER HAD SENSOR CAMERAS. 

o 6-EXTERNAL HEATER/BLOWER HOUSING ENCLOSURES WITH BUILT IN ELECTRONIC THERMOSTATS. 

o 6-HEAVY DUTY OUTDOOR MOUNTING BRACKETS. 

o 2-24 VAC HEATER BLOWER CAMERA SUPPLY'S FOR OUTDOOR CAMERA SYSTEM. 

o 1-INTERIOR 8 CHANNEL POWER SUPPLY FOR LED CAMERA SYSTEM. 

o 1-17" HIGH RESOLUTION LCD FLAT SCREEN VIEWING MONITOR. 

o 1-14" CRT MONITOR FOR FRONT DESK. 

o 9) 1-16 CHANNEL SANYO DVR WITH 500 GIGABYTES OF HARD DRIVE STORAGE AND BUILT IN CD/RW 

BURNER, USB PORT AND IP CAPABLE. 

Central Library reconfiguration 

The Robert L Kinchen Central Library is scheduled to undergo a reconfiguration during 

2013/2014. The goals are: 

• Increased overall efficiency and quality of operations 

o 30% reduction of space 

• Cost containment measures such as 

o Green building practices 

o Updated HVAC controls 


• Incorporation of 21 st century technology that will result in cost containment 

o Patron self service (self pick-up of holds, self checkout & return) 

o Automated sorting of hundreds of thousands of library books, media, 

magazines 

o Circulation staff will handle significantly fewer manual transactions 

Technologies being considered include: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail-like in-library communications via headsets 

Digital signage 

Meeting room reservation software 

Touchscreen tablet-like catalog access 

Skype/video booth 

Tablets for roaming reference staff 

Replace aging public PCs with new PCs or thin or zero client machines, plus laptops/tablets lent 

for in-house use via kiosk 

Additional self-service such as 

o Additional self-checkout of materials 

o Additional media dispenser 

o Digital microform reader/printer/scanner 

o Public fax 

o Public document/book scanners 

o Charging kiosk for electronic devices 

o Vendacard machine for purchase of thumb drives 

Interactive whiteboards and other surfaces 

Media wall of screens 

Assistive listening system 

TTY VoIP phone 

Digital creation center 

o Video editing software 

o Music editing software 

o Digital cameras 

o Format converters 

o iMacs 

The Central Library will be redesigned to fit on primarily 2 public floors plus 1 administration 

and appointment-only (for genealogy research) floor. This will require significant rewiring of 

electrical and Internet circuits, as for example, public computing will move from floors 2, 3 

and 4 to level 1. 


General 

Backup strategies 

Onsite: 

Polaris ILS – databases backed up via disk 

MS Data Protection Manager 

Offsite: 

County – remote: Tivoli 

Polaris – once/day digital copy of backup copy stored at branch library 

Support Plan 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tech Liaisons - staff from each library trained via LSTA grant in basic computer support 

techniques and in new technologies. First line of support within a library. 

Digital library contacts – staff from each library receiving info on e-readers and other 

applicable digital initiatives 

OCPL: Automation/Technical Services department staffed 9-5, M-S. 

County IT Help Desk all other times – forward emergency calls to primary A/TS staff 

Personal cell phones used by automation staff in the field 

The support staff use TSC2’s Help Desk to track support calls 

Automation/Technical Services Staff 

Administrator for System and Member Services - responsible for everything related to Polaris, 

plus the responsibilities listed below. 

Automation – is responsible for hardware, software, and networking in the Central 

Library and City branches, plus the network and hardware (through 2013/14 for PCS) 

through which the suburban library members access Polaris. 

 

 

 

 

 

Information Systems Coordinator - supervises rest of Automation staff 

Network Administrator (on County IT roster but seated at the library) 

Computer Equipment Maintenance Specialist 

Part time PC Software Support specialist (Library Assistant) 

Server Administrator (consultant – 4 hrs/week or as needed) 

Technical Services – is responsible for Polaris and the Polaris databases. Share 

responsibility for support for staff, especially regarding Polaris. Responsible for 

creating/acquiring bibliographic records for unique materials, for quality control within 

the catalog, and for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks associated with Polaris. 

 

 

Librarian II - head of cataloging 

Librarian I - Polaris support 


Library Clerk II - primarily responsible for copy cataloging and most things 

related to same. Also supports staff with Polaris, particularly regarding item 

record processes. 

Part time Library Clerk I - maintains patron file and deals with other routine 

maintenance tasks. Also is primary point person for OCPL A/TS Help Line 

Part time Library Clerk I – helps with ordering technology, maintaining Polaris 

ILS catalog, and creates statistics for branch people counters 


III. 

Library’s Technology Goals and Objectives/Assessment of Library's Technology Needs to Meet Goals 

This chart is broken into 2 sections: OCPL system technology goals and objectives, and Central Library and city branches technology goals 

and objectives, and is organized by and references OCPL’s 2012-2016 Plan of Service elements supported. The Plan is available at 

http://www.onlib.org/web/about/reports/plan_of_service/2012-2016/plan_of_service_complete.pdf. The 2013-2016 element categories 

are: 

Element 1 – Resource Sharing 

Element 2 – Special Client Groups 

Element 3 – Professional Development and 

Continuing Education 

Element 4 – no longer used 

Element 5 – Consulting and Development Services 

Element 6 – Coordinated Services 

Element 7 – Awareness and Advocacy 

Element 8 – Communications Among Member Libraries 

and/or Branch Libraries 

Element 9 – Cooperative Efforts with Other Library Systems 

Element 11 – Central Library Services 

Element 12 – Direct Access 

OCPL System Technology Goals/Objectives (grouped by POS Elements, not prioritized) 

Plan of 

Service 

Element(s) 

1, 3, 6 ,7 

OCPL System 

Technology Goals/Objectives 

Support Summer Reading program 

Strategies (Timeframe) 

Enable technologies to provide more interesting 

experience for participants, and efficiencies for staff 

Technology Needs 

Staff time 

1, 6 

Improve materials handling to 

reduce materials delivery wait time 

Investigate and possibly implement automated 

materials handling (2013-2014) 

Staff time 



Service 

Element(s) 

1, 6 

1, 6 

OCPL System 


Improve/enhance discovery of 

materials for patrons 

Maintain or improve existing 

networks and servers 


Patron-initiated materials requests (ILL) (2013) 

Integrate ILL procedures with Polaris ILS 

functionality (2013) 

Implement procedure to collect descriptions of 

unique materials created by staff (2013) 

Investigate implementing OCLC online union list of 

serials (2013) 

Upgrade ILS as feasible or desirable 

Work with ILS vendor and user group to improve 

overall system 

Continue to investigate enrichment elements for 

catalog displays, e.g., reviews, cover images, links 

to related materials 

Improve online catalog for users by studying usage 

Investigate features added by other of the vendor’s 

customers to improve access to library collections 

(Ongoing) 

Continue to investigate opportunities to meet this 

goal/objective (ongoing) 

Work with Onondaga County to keep or replace 

OCPL network infrastructure at a reasonable price 

given the expiration of the Diffusion Fund Verizon 

circuit pricing. (2013) 

 

Investigate replacing cable Internet access for up to 

13 TW Road Runner sites with reliable fiber (2013- 

2016) 


Staff time 

Contract with fiber/ 

service provider 



Service 

Element(s) 

1, 6, 9 

1, 6 

OCPL System 


Maintain or improve Polaris server 

functionality/performance for 

optimum efficiency, and to allow 

upgrading Polaris ILS as 

necessary/pertinent 

Improve IT staff efficiencies 


Determine whether to move to hosted (at Polaris or 

elsewhere) ILS service for when ILS servers reach endof-supported-life 

(2014), or replace Polaris servers 

(2014) 

Maintain infrastructure support software: SCCM, ISA, 

Intermapper, secure remote access to servers and PCs 

in the field, etc. (ongoing) 

 

 


Consultant time 

Staff time 

Staff time and some 

consultant time 

1, 6 

Implement or increase usage of 

staff efficiency features of ILS 

Serials checkin module - all libraries (2013 - 2016) 

 

 

Create more predesigned ILS reports for staff use 

(ongoing) 

Continue and increase WorldCat Cataloging 

Partners participation to lessen need for library 

staff to search for bibliographic records (ongoing) 

TS and library staff time 



Service 

Element(s) 

1, 6 

OCPL System 


Maintain or improve existing 

hardware used for Polaris. 

 

 

 


Extend life of original Polaris PCs (through 2013/14 as 

possible). 

Provide specs on when original Polaris PC cannot be 

repaired and specs for replacements (2013) – libraries 

will be responsible for procuring replacement PCs for 

unrepairable Polaris PCs starting in 2014. 

Replace barcode scanners/receipt printers as needed 

(ongoing) 

 

 

 


Purchase PC RAM, 

hard disks, 

capacitors 

Purchase spare 

barcode scanners 

and receipt printers 

. 

Repair existing 

barcode scanners 

and receipt printers 

as possible. 

Investigate replacing 

when needed with 

CCD scanners 

capable of scanning 

barcodes displayed 

on smart phones. 



Service 

Element(s) 

OCPL System 


Maintain or improve backup 

methodologies 

 


Investigate using virtual servers for 

new/replacement OCPL servers needed (2013- 

2016) 

 


Server Software 

allowing 

virtualization 

1, 6, 8 

 

Work with County to store backups on County 

systems (2013-2014) 

 

 


Library staff time 

 

County staff time 

1, 6 

1, 6, 7, 8, 

11 

1, 6 

1, 6 

Manage our technology inventory Use SCCM to collect information about hardware 

and software 

Coordinate current inventory with SCCM 

information (2013) 

Redesign OCPL website to be more 

vibrant/public library-like, and 

make more efficient to maintain 

Improve/enhance ILS for better 

public access to library collections 

and better staff efficiencies 

Improve fines/fees collection and 

enable online donations 

Convert website static pages to a website created 

and maintained through a content management 

system (2013-2014) 

Retain services of a website designer to aid internal 

staff in redesign (2013) 

Create separate System website (2013) 

Services such as Wowbrary, BookLetters (as funding 

possible) 

Implement Polaris e-commerce (2013) 

Implement online donations (2013/2014) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work with alreadypurchased 

MS 

System Center 

Configuration 

Manager software 


Drupal CMS 

Updated web server 

Staff training 

Staff time 

Subscriptions to online 

services 

Staff time 



Service 

Element(s) 

1, 2, 6 

1, 6, 7 

1, 7, 8, 11 

1, 11 

2, 6 

OCPL System 


Provide access to materials in 

populated County areas less well 

served. 

Provide technology to support 

growing online interaction with 

patrons, e.g., blogs and wikis, other 

Web 2.0 and other emerging 

technologies, online forms for ILL 

Provide services over the Internet 

keeping pace with the expectations 

of our patrons. 


Install and maintain combined book/media dispensers 

at two non-library sites in Onondaga County (2013) 


Contract by 2012 

Investigate twitter, Facebook, etc. (ongoing) Staff time 

Continue to monitor bandwidth usage so can 

recommend and implement higher bandwidth as 

needed. (ongoing) 

Investigate adding more public Internet PCs – 

space/bandwidth implications (ongoing) 

Provide continuing access to local newspaper in 

Central and city branches after it goes digital-only 

Make patrons more self-sufficient Additional self checkout machines to the Central 

Library 

Additional self checkouts to branches 

Add self-checkout of notebooks/tablets 

Enable credit card payments of fines, donations 

Purchase Coin & Bill Acceptors to make patron 

printing self service at all printing locations. 

Add vendacard machine for purchase of thumb 

drives at Central Library 

(2013-2016) 

Literacy resources to benefit ABE & Investigate equipment and online services to support 

ESOL learners & instructors. these clients (ongoing) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional PCs, 

wiring, switches 

Possibly additional 

bandwidth 

Investigate tablets 

for dedicated 

newspaper viewing 

Polaris 

ExpressChecks 

3 rd -party self 

checkout devices 

e.g., allCirc 

Coin and Bill 

Acceptors 

Vendacard machine 

for thumb drives 

Staff time 



Service 

Element(s) 

2, 3, 6, 7 

OCPL System 


Use technology to aid in marketing 

library services and collections 

Training: continue to develop 

training methodologies to support 

staff and public training 


Investigate/implement as desirable: 

Create OCPL webinars for the public on the 

databases and other online things we offer 

Online tutorials/videos 

Acquire or subscribe to above technologies on 

behalf of system 

Provide technical advice, technology and support 

for video casts and podcasts, and web-based 

presentation of library programs. 

(Online conferencing capabilities as funding available; 

training ongoing) 

Investigate available and upcoming technologies 

 

Provide access to the OCPL Technology Zoo 


Staff time 

Staff time 

3, 6 

 

Support e-reader training with sample e-readers 

and email distribution group for digital materials 

info distribution 


OCPL Central Library and Branches 


Note that significant resources will be needed to support the technology aspects of the Central Library reconfiguration during 2013/14. 


Service 

Element(s) 

1, 11 

1, 11 

OCPL 

Central Library and Branches 


Investigate new staff tools to 

increase efficiency 

Increase public service offerings as 

desirable 


Mobile access to online library tools. 

Mobile broadband via wireless USB modem, to 

enable off-site training/patron service/information 

sessions 

Large TV or projector (for Community Centers) 

Better projection equipment (e.g., ceiling-mounted) 

Digital video cameras 

MP3 players 

Music CD players 

Video editing software 

(As deemed feasible funding- and policy-wise) 

Investigate: 

Public fax machines or faxing from public access 

computers 

Color printers/copiers, scanners, e-book readers, 

downloadable videos, DVD burners 

Digital video cameras 

MP3 players 

Music CD players 

Notebook/netbook computers 

iMacs 

Tablets 

Audio and video editing software 

(As deemed feasible funding- and policy-wise) 

 

 

 


Wireless barcode 

scanners 

Various equipment 

as noted 

Bandwidth as 

needed 

TBD based on 

investigation 



Service 

Element(s) 

1, 11 

1, 11 

OCPL 



Investigate and pilot new library 

technology. 

Support public technology 

access/learning 


Identify best practices and peer benchmarks for 

library technology. 

Monitor developments in the delivery of digital 

content, i.e., e-books, MP3, streaming video, etc. 

Monitor developments in digital reference service, 

i.e., instant messaging, live chat, etc. 

Explore ways to enhance the use of wireless 

technology. 

Monitor developments with RFID (radio-frequency 

ID) and develop a cost-benefit 

(Ongoing) 

Advise on electronic resource options (2013) 

Assist in installing/implementing (2013) 

 

Ensure adequate bandwidth for online-based learning 


Staff time for 

investigation, 

technology needs TBD 

based on investigation 

 

 

 

 

Design 

Wiring 

Hardware 

Bandwidth 

1, 8, 11 

Improve staff telephony 

VoIP following County initiatives (As per County 

directives and available funding) (sometime in 2013- 

2014) 

 

 

VoIP equipment 

New network jacks 

where staff PCs 

currently share a jack 

via 5-port switches 

2, 11 

6 

Update Central Library’s general 

computer lab, and literacy labs at 

Central Library and White Branch 

Provide tools to libraries to assist in 

evaluating library services 

Replace aging PCs (ongoing) 

Investigate literacy software/web offerings (2013 

and ongoing) 

Continue to subscribe to SurveyMonkey or similar on 

behalf of the System. 

 

 

 

PCs 

Software 

Web subscriptions 



Service 

Element(s) 

11 

OCPL 



Support the Central Library’s 

reconfiguration (2013-2014) 

 

 


Advise on electronic resource needs/options 

(ongoing) 

Assist in acquiring hardware and installing it 

 

 


Staff time 



IV. 

Technical Professional Development Goals and Strategies 

Note: many new areas of the libraries are being impacted by automation, ranging from HVAC 

controls to online time clocks to online analysis of collection use, thus requiring a higher level of 

understanding of these technologies among staff. 

Goal: for staff to have 21st Century technology skills 

 

 

 

Staff sufficiently trained to help patrons 

Staff sufficiently trained to do their job 

Staff sufficiently comfortable in Web 2.0 environment to move forward with new technologies 

Strategies: 

Assess the skill level of all staff on an annual basis using a self reporting survey instrument to 

assess skills 

OCPL Training Committee responds to training needs highlighted by skill assessment and 

other feedback by planning needed training 

Design and communicate a clear procedure for staff to request training 

Promote the development of in-house trainers rather than relying strictly on the staff parttime 

trainer 

Consolidate staff training calendar via SharePoint 

Continue to offer refresher Polaris training and the Express Training Newsletter 

Identify incentives to keep learning in union environment 

V. Evaluation 

The OCPL Technology Plan will be reviewed and updated as necessary. 

The Administrator for System and Member Services will be the primary person responsible for 

seeking out feedback and evaluations of the strategies in the plan, and updating it. 

Forms of evaluation will include ongoing feedback from staff and patrons, reports from systems 

indicating values against best practices (e.g., levels of bandwidth utilization, or adoption of features 

of the staff intranet), comparison of strategies planned for the upcoming year vs. actually achieved, 

focus groups/surveys if necessary/applicable, and study of the help desk software reports. 


VI. 

Attachments 

Attachment 1: Technology Inventory 

OCPL Servers, 12/3/2012 

Polaris Train PowerEdge 860 

Polaris Term1 PowerEdge 1950 



Polaris Prod PowerEdge 2900 

Polaris Web PowerEdge 1950 

Polaris Phone PowerEdge 860 

Polaris DC 1 PowerEdge 860 

Polaris DC 2 PowerEdge 860 

OCPL Web PowerEdge 2950 

Ezproxy PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLDPM PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLSP1 PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLSQL PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLAPP PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLMail PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLFS1 PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLDC1 PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLDC2 PowerEdge 2950 

OCPLWebsense PowerEdge 2970 

4/11/2007 

4/12/2007 

4/12/2007 

2008 

6/7/2007 

6/7/2007 

6/7/2007 

4/12/2007 

4/12/2007 

10/4/2006 

10/4/2006 

12/4/2006 

7/6/2007 

1/5/2009 

12/4/2006 

10/4/2006 

10/4/2006 

10/4/2006 

2008 

2010 

Other devices, 12/3/2012: 

 

 

 

Barracuda 300 – email spam filter 

Exinda 6710 – public Internet packet shaper 

Bluecoat 510-10 - staff filtering 

The server room is kept at 70 degrees using AC, and has temperature and water monitors that 

automatically call building security and OCPL Facilities Management when out of norm. 

A significant number of OCPL’s servers will be due for replacement; OCPL needs to determine a 

strategy for maintaining a viable replacement plan. 


Summary of OCPL PCs by Ages, 12/3/2012 

Type Age Number of PCs 

Lab, Lit 8 12 

Lab, Lit 7 4 

Lab, Pass 3 13 

Total: 29 

Public 7 2 







Total: 306 

Public, ELS 2 15 

Public, ELS 1 5 

Total: 20 

Staff 8 6 

Staff 7 16 

Staff 6 5 

Staff 5 139 

Staff 4 6 

Staff 3 51 

Staff 2 29 

Staff 1 73 

Staff 0 5 

Total: 330 

Grand Total: 685 

Note: this includes the NexLink PCs placed in suburban member libraries in 2007, laptops, and PCs 

used for management consoles, reservation stations, print release stations, etc. 

This only includes actively deployed PCs, not those stored, which include new PCs waiting to be 

deployed, and acceptable replaced PCs, stored in case of backup need. 

A significant number of OCPL’s PCs are due for replacement; OCPL needs to determine a strategy for 

maintaining a viable replacement plan. 


Network Hardware for which OCPL is responsible 

The city branches have the following: 

Beauchamp - Cisco 3560-48 switch; Cisco Aironet 1100 (2) 

Betts - Cisco 3560-48; Cisco Aironet 1100 (2) 

Hazard - Cisco 3550-24; C3560-24; Cisco Aironet 1100 (2) 

Mundy - C3550-24; C3560-24; Cisco Aironet 1100 

Paine - C3550-24; C3524-XL; Cisco Aironet 1100 

Petit - C3560-24; C3550-24; Cisco Aironet 1100 

Soule - C3560-24; C3550-24; Cisco Aironet 1100 

White - C3560-24; Cisco Aironet 1100 (2) 

Members (connected via Verizon Gigabit): 

Baldwinsville - C3550-24 

Cicero - C3550-24 

Dewitt - C3550-24 

E. Syracuse - C3550-24 

Liverpool - C3550-24 

N. Syracuse - C3550-24 

Solvay - C3550-24 

Fayetteville - C3550-24 

Salina - C3550-24 

Central: 

Cisco Aironet 1100 (7) 

Cisco ASA 5520 (2) 

Cisco 4506 switch 

Cisco 3550-24 

C2960S-48LPS-L (5) 

C2960S-24PS-L (3) 

VG224 (1) 

Each Time Warner Roadrunner Business class library (13) has a Cisco C831 router and a Cisco C2950- 

24 switch. 

All sites have TrippLite UPS devices attached to the OCPL equipment. 

See also Section II – Current State of Technology. 


Attachment 2: Network Diagram – anticipated to change in 2013

Technology Plan Template - Onondaga County Public Library

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