Your library is likely too short on funds to hire a technology manager or consultant, but that doesn't mean you can't get the help you need. As the Yale Public Library in Yale, OK discovered, tapping into the community to find volunteers with technology expertise was a great way to help the library accomplish projects without spending big bucks.
When the Yale Public Library wanted to wire its building for Internet access in 1999, it turned to a former board member who had experience setting up computer labs.
"He did all the wiring and put in the jacks," said Yale library staff member Janice Clark. The Yale Public Library has also been able to retain the services of this volunteer for assistance with its other technology needs. ”He volunteers and donates his time to do any of our computer projects," Clark said. "He has saved us so much money."
Clark explained that another board member, the computer teacher at Yale's high school, has helped train the library's staff to use Microsoft Word and other basic pieces of software. Clark also occasionally seeks advice from the city's schoolchildren, whom she says are quite knowledgeable about technology.
Even though its budget is small, volunteers have helped the Yale Public Library stay up to date in terms of technology. “We’re excited that as a little town of 14,000, we are really moving on,” Clark said.
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