Most technology plans submitted to the Kansas State Library are approved as written. Of the few plans libraries are asked to resubmit, many are returned for one or more of the following reasons. Reviewing these pitfalls before you submit your plan will improve your chances of timely approval.
If your plan includes introduction of new services, programs, or installations (integrated library system, web server, videoconferencing, etc.) be detailed and specific, but don't forget to talk about existing services!
Even if you aren't planning to upgrade internet connections, phone service or internal connections (network, wireless access, etc.) be sure to include maintenance and upkeep in your narrative and budget statements.
All of the activities to be carried out during the life of the plan should be related to each other chronologically. It should be clear what happens first, last, or at the same time. Since technology plan approval can be in effect for no more than three years, and because plans covering shorter periods are not really effective, technology plans and timelines covering three years are strongly recommended.
Your plan should be specific about the years covered, and whether you are referring to calendar years or E-rate funding years. (Remember that Funding Years begin on July 1 of the year named: FY 2007 begins July 1, 2007). "Year 1: FY 2007" is much better than "Year 1".
BE AWARE!! If your plan covers calendar years, it will expire in the middle of a funding year.
It is critical that technology planning not be viewed or treated as a separate exercise dealing primarily with hardware and telecommunications infrastructure. There must be strong connections between the proposed physical infrastructure of the information technology and the plan for professional development, curriculum reform, and library service improvements.In other words, your plan should make it clear that you know how you are going to use technology to serve the public and train your staff. It may reflect changes you will make to collection development, library policies, staffing requirements, etc. You don't have to describe all of this in your technology plan, but try to include language that indicates it is part of a larger picture.
In order to be approved, technology plans, according to the fund administrators, must meet the standards and criteria of the SLD checklist:
Although no changes to these criteria are apparently contemplated by the SLD, plan responses to criteria numbers 1, 2, and 5 are not always thoroughly addressed.A list of Technology Planning: Questions to Consider has been developed and provided by SLD as Appendix B to the Technology Planning Policies and Procedures at the E-rate Website .
Need more help?
See our E-rate information and resources page