Preparing for technology: systems planning and implementation in Lied Library
| Published date | 01 March 2002 |
| Pages | 33-46 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830210420672 |
| Date | 01 March 2002 |
| Author | Jason Vaughan |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Preparing for
technology: systems
planning and
implementation in Lied
Library
Jason Vaughan
Introduction
This paper focuses on the planning,
implementation, and some of the subsequent
issues that arose related to technology within
Lied Library. Obviously, it is impossible to
cover fully all of these aspects with any justice in
a journal article. Thus, this paper takes several
illustrative slices that will help share our
experience and offer advice about what we
learned along the way. As an introduction, a
sampling of the new technologies we had to
implement are enumerated, some of which are
detailed in greater depth in other articles within
this issue. As technology is the centerpiece of
any modern library, the article continues by
describing the importance of collaboration in
bringing our technology vision to reality. One of
our most important overall technology
implementation goals was to create an efficient,
easily-managed system. This article focuses on
some of the details related to network
infrastructure planning, and continues with
some general observations on equipment
planning and procurement. One particular
example, that of personal computer planning
and procurement, is examined in detail. Finally,
a more general discussion of some of the larger
issues that arose with our technology
implementation is provided to illustrate the fact
that despite any amount of prior planning,
surprises will, without exception, occur.
New technologies
Lied Library offers a tremendous variety of new
capabilities which, more than just ``improving
on'' what we previously offered, elevates it into
an eÂlite group of the most state-of-the-art
research institutions in the world. Several items
are new and innovative, either in our local
experience, or to the library world in general.
The library currently supports over 600 PCs, of
which over half are dedicated for patron use; in
addition, the library supports nearly three
dozen network printers. The systems computer
room houses over 20 servers to support almost
all library network-related functions. One of our
cornerstone technologies is the automated
storage and retrieval system (ASRS), which we
later named ``Lied automated storage and
The author
Jason Vaughan is Head of the Library Systems Department
at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
E-mail: jvaughan@ccmail.nevada.edu
Keywords
Planning, Technology, Libraries
Abstract
There are numerous considerations when constructing a
state-of-the-art twenty-first century library. Major tasks
include detailed network planning, system specifications,
and equipment procurement. Collaborative teamwork and
constant monitoring of the construction process are essential
to ensure a successful outcome. Hardware and software that
promote efficient management of various library systems
will help ease the tremendous task of managing and
troubleshooting the ``beast'' that has been created.
Regardless of the amount of planning and vigilance,
challenges and problems will occur during various phases of
building construction and subsequent occupancy.
Electronic access
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The current issue and full text archive of this journal is
available at
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Theme articles
33
Library Hi Tech
Volume 20 .Number 1 .2002 .pp. 33±46
#MCB UP Limited .ISSN 0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830210420672
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