Northern Waters Library Service
Technology and Resource Sharing Plan

July 1, 2004 -- June 30, 2007

---

Introduction

The Northern Waters Library Service (NWLS) Vision is: Information, Community, Equity

In support of this vision, the focus of this plan is to improve the quality of library service for our region through affordable and efficient use of information technology, and to provide training for all involved in carrying out this plan. At the core of this plan are the following needs:

• To determine the technical support needed by libraries to maintain their information technology and to identify the means for that support
  
• To improve and streamline the function and integration of resource sharing and delivery
  
• To add member libraries to the Merlin shared automation system for the sake of efficiency of resource sharing and affordability
  
• To add member libraries to the Merlin Wide-Area Network (WAN) for the sake of high speed communication and access to information
  
• To maintain technology training opportunities for NWLS staff and librarians to improve service to patrons
  
• To explore alternatives in information and telecommunications technologies for service improvement
  
• To expand web-based service delivery in order to remain competitive as information providers
  
• To continue to build cooperation between public libraries, K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, local government, and other community members for the purpose of sharing resources and information
  
• To ensure that the elements of this plan are affordable for all NWLS libraries

The Planning Process

The current planning process began in April 1997, when NWLS conducted a two-day technology-planning workshop for its member libraries. Librarians at the workshop supported the challenge of building a shared automation system.

In February 1998, the state held its first library technology planning conference. The process produced a state-level strategic plan on technology and libraries (http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/techplan.html). The goals of the state plan are:

• All residents have access to a statewide library network, which provides access to information from libraries and other locations
  
• Libraries have collections that meet the needs of their primary clientele and are available to other Wisconsin residents through a statewide library network
  
• A comprehensive materials delivery system supports the sharing of library materials throughout the state
  
• Training for library staff and patrons is incorporated at every level of a statewide library network
  
• The Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning (DLTCL) takes the lead in facilitating implementation of a statewide library network 

In 1999, the planning process was expanded to include working closely with CESA-12 in the areas of technology planning and resource sharing. This cooperative effort included joint meetings with technology personnel and librarians from NWLS, CESA, and school districts; resource sharing; continuing education; a TEACH-related planning team, and weekly informal CESA/NWLS staff consultations.  

Also in 1999, NWLS joined with numerous parties in north central Wisconsin to work on planning and implementing projects to build an information technology infrastructure and to further economic development. The stakeholders included the library and K-12 communities, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), businesses, hospitals, banks, colleges, and community groups. 

In 2000, NWLS scheduled additional meetings with library directors and their trustees to talk about NWLS services and performance. In June, NWLS and CESA-12 hosted a needs-assessment forum for NWLS member libraries. Also, library directors and trustees were surveyed to determine their needs and views relating to technology. 

Shared system planning has an additional component: the Merlin shared automation system is governed by the Merlin Consortium, made up of the libraries participating in Merlin. Members fully automated with the Merlin shared automation system have voting rights. Members participating in the WAN only may attend Consortium meetings but may not vote. The NWLS Merlin Team also attends Consortium meetings. 

In 2001, NWLS began meeting with the staff of the Indianhead Federated Library System to share expertise on the operation of our respective shared automation systems. We also discussed future planning and cooperation in the areas of automation and information technology services. We began regular communication with other library systems around the country using the same software for shared automation. 

NWLS joined the netLibrary eBook program through the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium. This venture has contributed to accomplishment of the goals of this plan. 

System-wide surveys and discussions in both group and individual settings regarding technology planning take place on a regular basis. Information gathering for planning purposes is ongoing and will continue during the course of this plan. 

Internally, NWLS uses a team-based model for planning and implementation. The current teams are:

• Management Team
• CID – Circulation, ILL and Delivery (integration of materials processing, circulation, delivery, and ILL)
• Technology Team (in house technology issues, professional development and training for librarians)
• Cataloging Team (bibliographic standards, conformity issues, code changes)
• Merlin Team 

NWLS Member Libraries

Note: All member library holdings are available for viewing in the Merlin OPAC (http://www.merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us) -- regardless of whether the library is, or is not, fully automated.