As the sub title suggests, this is a highly practical guide to implementing new technology projects, written by a practitioner who clearly has a great deal of experience “from the trenches”.
The book takes a chronological approach from identifying needs and initial research through to post‐implementation evaluation. Karen Knox guides the reader through step‐by‐step offering detailed advice, even down to meeting agendas. The appendices provide a number of useful samples and templates, such as a sample technology plan and IT inventory template.
The text is written in a very readable style, drawing comparisons between aspects of technology implementation and more everyday activities such as purchasing a car. There is also a case study example running through the book to demonstrate how the techniques described might play out in practice at each stage. Crucially, the author is also able to draw on her own experiences to illustrate how to make a project run smoothly, and what action can be taken when things do not go to plan.
Rather than simply being a book about technology, Implementing Technology Solutions in Libraries is about how to work with people – library staff, IT staff, customers, vendors – to ensure that new technology is focussed on the needs of the library and its stakeholders. For example, one of the most useful chapters describes how libraries should train staff, prepare users and promote the new system.
This book would be a valuable guide for anyone wanting to improve their skills in project planning, working with vendors and other aspects of implementation.
