St. Charles City-County Library District

TELECOMMUNICATIONS and TECHNOLOGY PLAN

December, 1997

Prepared by:
Carl R. Sandstedt, Director (csandste@mail.win.org)
and
Audrey J. Bangert, MIS Coordinator (abangert@mail.win.org)

 

Technology Vision Statement

The St. Charles City-County Library District strives to be the public informational utility for St. Charles County Missouri. It will use telecommunications and computing to build a seamless connection between its physical facilities. It will seek partnerships that will allow delivering of virtual library services to points throughout the County. It will develop professional expertise of staff in its areas of subject concentration through an enhanced staff training program. It will continue to emphasize technological literacy in generalized and specialized training for St. Charles County residents in fully using the Internet and other new technologies.

Incorporation of Technology in District’s Mission Statement Goals and Strategic Plan is reflected on the following pages.

The District will incorporate increased technological awareness in the expansion and updating of its Mission Statement, Goals, and Strategic Plan to be undertaken during 1998.

 

The St. Charles City-County Library District’s Mission Statement and Goals

Adopted 1986

The mission statement and goals were adopted by the Library District in 1986 and reflected the Public Library Association’s Planning Process. In 1998, this process will be modified by PLA’s new planning statement: Planning For Results, A Library Transformation Process. This planning document is expected to be published by PLA in the early part of 1998.

SCCCLD will extend its strategic planning cycle at that time and modify its mission statement and goals to reflect this new paradigm.

The new mission statement and goals will more fully express the many technological changes that have occurred since the mid 1980’s, greater reliance on the internet, etc. This will reflect the District’s continuing commitment for cutting edge technology which will allow it to remain St. Charles County’s primary public information utility.

 

 

 

 The St. Charles City-County Library District’s Strategic Plan

Adopted 1994

The District’s Strategic Plan adopted in early 1994 listed forty strategies appropriate to carry the District through the latter part of the 1990’s. It reflected many cutting edge concepts: increased reliance on the Internet for information, changing federal and state documents into electronic format where possible, and creation of geographic information system data for use by St. Charles County residents.

The District has implemented these strategies through increasing reliance on the new technologies. As of the end of this fiscal year, the District will have well over 300 Pentium class computers connected to the Internet or the District’s intra/extranet which will be the backbone of the District’s circulation and catalog access systems.

This approach to information will necessitate a heavy investment in band width and high technology.

The District staff and Trustees appreciate the cooperation granted by MOREnet in serving as the Consortium that delivers this new technology through the District’s membership in the Westplex Information Network. Through its association with these two organizations, the District will continue to be a technological leader.

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement & Goals 1986

Commentary

 

The District’s Mission is to provide excellent and economical public library services to residents of the District. Special emphasis shall be given to three areas: providing information services to county residents, children’s services, and popular library materials.

 

This is the District’s Mission Statement, adopted in 1986 and based on the Public Library Association Planning Process. The District has been a leader in adopting the basic tenets of this plan to encompass new technology.

GOAL—Provide noncurricular-related information and education services to the residents of St. Charles County with special emphasis on services to the business and governmental communities. Provide limited support for local history and genealogical research. Work with individuals and organizations in explaining and emphasizing the special responsibilities of the public library in providing information for the public it serves.  

The District has been a technological leader in making business, governmental and local history/genealogical services available through CD-ROM and web based media. The District has incorporated such materials into its homepage since 1995. In addition, documents and GIS materials have been added to complement these basic services. Broadening band width will allow the District to make each of these specialized services available without the constraints of a fixed building.

GOAL—Provide quality library services to children, as a gateway to learning and development of lifelong reading habits for young people of all ages. Emphasize preschool children’s activities, promoting reading readiness and acceptance of reading. Work closely with parents of preschoolers and other children as well as with other agencies serving children, laying a strong foundation for literacy. Serve as a facilitator in assisting schools to meet the library needs of their students through networking. The District has added a great many web and CD-ROM based materials for children since adoption of its Mission Statement. Of special merit is the District’s "Uncle Sam for Kids" web page, and the active YA programs "Surf’s Up and Cybernauts". In addition, each of the larger branches has special dedicated children’s CD-ROM work stations. Increasing band width will allow more effective mounting of children’s materials and increase response time for web based materials.
GOAL—Provide library materials most needed and used by the Citizens of St. Charles County. Specialized collections shall be developed only in regional branches, and shall emphasize service to business and government as well as local history and generalized genealogical support. The District shall emphasize purchase of popular materials in its general selection policies. The District shall provide support for adult literacy by providing materials in a wide variety of formats and reading levels. Through networking, the District shall cooperate in making its materials and services available to other libraries, and shall avoid in-depth duplication of materials readily available from other area libraries. The Library District was constructed to be a single entity with inter-networked branches and no reliance on a large main library. The Internet and increased telecommunications based networking mean that areas of emphasis can be "delivered" effectively throughout the County. In addition, the District has supplemented its secondary role in supplying adult literacy with a leadership role in the teaching of the new literacy. All major branches have active, on-going training programs in using the Internet for informational needs.

 

 

Strategic Planning Document-- 1994

Commentary
Documents are more than paper:

The Documents coordinator at the new Highway K Corridor branch should be the leader in coordinating Federal and State Documents, Geographic Information Systems, and access to the Internet. Although the documents coordinator will take a lead in developing these collections, individual paper documents as well as GIS and Internet services which enhance local history and genealogy or business services should also be available at the appropriate regional branches. The primary Internet physical connection may be at Spencer Road or the General Administrative offices, if that location proves superior because of telecommunications access to both phone companies or technical support.

 

  

The District has been a leader in developing both electronic access to documents and GIS data delivery through the Internet. GIS data is especially heavy on bandwidth requirements. Higher bandwidth between branches will allow delivery of specialized materials to various locations both within the branch system and throughout the Internet.

Reference encompasses more than books:

In some cases a CD-ROM product is superior to a book. A CD-ROM encyclopedia can show a bird, and record its song as well. Granger's Index to Poetry in CD-ROM can index not only the first line in a poem, but that elusive middle rhyme as well. The District should make a multi-year attempt to expand its CD-ROM collection and build networks to increase accessibility. In addition to CD-ROM products, the District should mount certain databases in magnetic format on its computers and invest in Internet connectivity. Reference staff should also increase their attempt at hooking into non-book collections and expertise around the county, i.e. church libraries, the Historical Society, and clubs or organizations. A limited CD-ROM circulating collection should also be developed as CD-ROM based home computers become more widespread.

 

  

Since the Strategic plan was adopted in 1994, more and more information is available through the Internet, not just CD-ROM products. However, because of licensing restraints, Internet downtime, etc., the District still relies on CD-ROM for many materials. For example, The District purchases CD-ROM versions of the St. Louis Post Dispatch even though that periodical is available through PostNet. Other materials are available only in CD-ROM. Higher speed connectivity shall free up CD-ROM drives which are mounted locally, allowing more esoteric materials to be mounted only at one location.

 

 

Strategic Planning Document-- 1994

Commentary
CD Rom technology for children as well as adults:The District's present acquisition of CD-ROM materials has been almost exclusively adult materials. More and more new products are being produced for children and this market needs to be served as well. CD-ROM networked products belong in the children's areas of our regional and general purpose branches. A limited CD-ROM circulating collection should serve children as well as adult users. Children's services staff should be trained in this technology Specialized, multimedia CD-ROM stations were installed at all major branches in response to the 1994 Strategic Plan. Increased band width should make sharing of CD-ROM towers available, minimizing the amount of switching for more esoteric children’s and adult materials. On-going training of adult and children’s staff has taken place throughout the District.
The District should take the lead in forming a consortium of governmental and private sector agencies to deliver Internet services:

If public libraries are the local street grid for the information highway, the public freeway is the Internet. The District has explored the option of taking the lead in setting up a county wide consortium to deliver Internet services for the last three years. While we've explored, public libraries in Springfield, Columbia, and Lebanon have taken the lead in setting up Internet access and making it available to the public. The District should do the same. Internet services should be made available in all libraries.

The District was a founding member of the Westplex Information Network that became operational in 1994. Much of this has been made possible by the leadership of MOREnet in providing consortium services within Missouri through establishment of community information networks. Although the District understands the value of this consortium in delivering basic Internet service to the citizens of St. Charles County, it is understood that because of the nature of the consortium that no direct funds through this program shall be used for WIN.

The District has a huge investment in Internet delivery to its branches, however. It is estimated that at the end of FY98, over 300 client machines within the District will be connected to the Internet. This will necessitate a large increase in bandwidth and server technology.

A separate department handling ready reference might be indicated (1999 or later)…

St. Charles County under utilizes telephone reference. However, use is increasing as the County draws residents from other parts of the country who are used to sophisticated reference services. If reference and information service continues to increase, especially with technology changes, a separate department can be established to take pressure off walk-in service. The existing regional branches can function as departments in a traditional central library, taking in-depth information services from the centralized telephone reference point. Although the District should not commit as yet to this service it does provide a way to increase reference and information services without increasing the size of an existing regional branch

This was identified as a potential service option in the District’s 1994 Strategic Plan. Some sites have been upgraded to PBX systems. Hopefully, a seamless phone system will allow instantaneous transfer between physical locations, allowing establishment of a separate ready reference area.

As an option, a "smart" system could also apportion reference calls among the three established regional branches.

Increased investment in a modern telecommunications system will make these service upgrades possible.

 

 

Strategic Planning Document-- 1994

Commentary
Children's services staff should expand their role in the community:

The Library District should not be functioning as a school library, but it should be interested in the broadest levels of support including schools. Children's staff currently cooperates with school librarians through the LINK program. Parochial school support has been limited to bookmobile stops at selected schools in rural areas where the school is the center of the community. School libraries are far superior to bookmobile stops, and children's staff should work proactively with parochial schools in the county to help the schools establish adequate libraries. Bookmobile stops at parochial schools should be phased out. This could be an extension of the LINK program. In addition, the staff should work proactively with home schoolers.

In addition, District children's staff should be more proactive about working with other professions which work with children as well as parents. They should cross train professional and non professional staff from the District, and should concentrate collection development on parenting as well as children's' subject areas.

 

 The Library District has done a great deal to increase school-public library cooperation since adoption of its 1994 Strategic Plan. Increased telecommunications availability on the part of both library and schools should further this cooperation.

In addition, the District has utilized the net in working effectively with home schoolers throughout the County. This can be expanded with more bandwidth and telecommunications availability.

Adult Programming should stick with the basics:

In general, adult programming should be tightly focused on areas like business services. Some expansion of the existing programmatic activity with SCORE's Business Connection should occur. There is probably also a market for programs directed at local history and genealogy.

Successful librarians teach the customer how to use the library. Programs on effective use of library tools directed at our public are something that cannot easily be duplicated by other agencies. This should be expanded. Some of these subjects can be video taped for use within the library or on the county's municipal government channels.

 

 Internet training and training in other electronic media has become the dominant area of adult programming since adoption of the 1994 Strategic Plan. The District has focused on these training experiences as the new literacy.

The District has given preliminary consideration to development of a separate training facility. Unlike use of our meeting rooms, this would allow more hands-on training for our customers, since set-up for each training session wouldn’t be necessary.

Even though client computers wouldn’t be reimbursable, increased band width would be almost necessary for such training.

 

Background Statement

    1. Cooperative Programs
      1. WIN – The Westplex Information Network was established in 1995. Full members include the Library District, St. Charles County Community College, St. Charles County, the City of St. Peters and the City of O'Fallon. WIN is the County’s community information system and is a member of MOREnet.
      2. MOREnet—WIN is a member of the Missouri Research and Education Network. The primary mission of MOREnet is to provide collaborative networked information services to its members and customers in support of education, research, public service, economic development and government.
      3. SCORE—The Library District has a cooperative program with the local SCORE Chapter and points to it from its web page. The District conducts regular starting your own business workshops with SCORE. Increased telecommunications capability would allow distance learning with guest speakers from around the country and expansion of the District’s programming to include new subjects. The District already held a specialized program on business on the net. This will be expanded with new telecommunications capacity.
      4. ITNA—The Library is a founding member of SC-ITNA, the St. Charles County Integrated Telecommunications Networking Association, a consortium of organizations within the County attempting to increase telecommunications awareness and capacity.

       

    2. Internet/Intranet Technology
      1. Frame relay, connections, lines—Please refer to appendix for District’s present configuration.
      2. Home Pages—District staff maintains pointers to relevant home pages, including it’s areas of emphasis: business, local history and genealogy, government information and geographic information systems.

       

    3. Internal Technology, Intranet
      1. Currently, there is a minimum of one Adult standalone CDROM workstation and one Children's standalone CDROM workstation installed at each of the individual branches. Also, there are CDROM 28 drive towers connected to the Local Area Network at each branch, excluding the three mini-branches.
      2. Materials
        1. GIS Databases—The District in cooperation with ESRI has been a national leader in the establishment of geographical information systems technology for public libraries. GIS data is by nature very bandwidth intensive. Improvements in the District’s infrastructure will assist development of these materials
        2. WAN mounted materials—The District has licensed a number of locally mounted databases including PhoneDisc, the Post Dispatch, Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry, SIRS, Biology Digest, the World’s Best Poetry, College Source, American Business Disc, Scribner’s Writer’s Series, Physician’s General Rx, and What Do I Read Next? (See appendix for complete list of titles)
      3. Locally Mounted Materials, not available on Internet or WAN
        1. Locally mounted materials presently available only on individual work stations. See appendix for "Full Listing of Electronic Resources".

       

    4. Internal Support
      1. LISTEN—The District’s automation software, LISTEN, will be fully configured to use intranet/extranet technology, using Microsoft Visual Interdev to query a SQL database. Full MARC records are available. Listen plans on making an exportable database that is fully Z39.50 compliant.
      2. Libris 2020—Baker and Taylor’s materials ordering system.
      3. OCLC Interlibrary Loan package available through MODEM and Net access.

       

       

    5. Telephony
      1. Telephone systems--- The District is converting from key service units to PBX systems. The District hopes to link PBX’s in order to provide seamless local calling for residents of the three phone companies which serve the County.
      2. Local phone service—Presently SBC or GTE dependent on area, The District will rebid as competition becomes available.
      3. Long Distance Services—Presently AT&T through cooperative bid of PTI, a broker who bids long distance services for governmental entities.

       

    6. Training
      1. Present specialized training opportunities for staff—The District has made Internet/intranet based training central to its in-service training, including its paraprofessional training sequence.
      2. Present specialized training opportunities for the public—The District has been the leader within St. Charles County in offering Internet training for its customers. Many of these classes are taught in conjunction with WIN, the Westplex Information Network. Others are offered directly by the District.
      3. Specialized youth training opportunities through the District’s Cybernauts and Surf’s Up program.

       

      Technology Goals and Action Steps

       

    7. Cooperative Programs
      1. Further alliances with cultural, community and educational institutions:
        1. Action Step In accordance with its strategic plan, the District will continue to cooperate with other organizations within St. Charles County both laterally and through community information organizations such as the Westplex Information Network.
      2. Establish virtual libraries with training facilities in centers with high tech employment. The District will explore special partnering arrangements that will allow the District to play a more proactive role in providing information to high tech industries locating within St. Charles County.
        1. Action Step: Study during FY98-99. Make alliances with other community players for joint development of these centers.
    8. Internet/Intranet Technology
      1. Provide sufficient bandwidth and server capacity to place locally mounted materials on the District’s wide area network when copyright and technology make it in the District’s best interest to do so.
        1. Action Step: Internet mounting of materials now mounted locally when it is in the District’s best interest to do so. (FY98)
        2. Action Step: Upgrade Frame Relay (FY98)
        3. Action Step: Upgrade mini-branches to ISDN or other faster throughput technology (FY99-00)
        4. Action Step: Replace Frame Relay with greater throughput, i.e. ATM service, or gigabit Ethernet (FY00)
      2. Additional value added materials—provide specialized value added materials and services which will enhance the competitiveness of St. Charles County businesses. Especially within areas which the District has traditionally supported.
        1. Action Step: Tighten internet page responsibilities, start concerted program to keep web links up to date
      3. Digitize local history materials and make available locally and on Internet
        1. Action Step: The District will explore establishing a digitization program as part of its strategic planning extension scheduled for FY98. Such materials will be mounted on the Internet for general use (if allowed by copyright).
      4. Fully develop GIS capability and make it available to county residents.
        1. Action Step: A separate server for GIS Technology is Budgeted in FY98.

       

    9. Internal Technology, Intranet
      1. Reduce standalone CDROM workstations.
        1. Action Step: The District will make as many products available as possible using intranet/internet technology dependent on bandwidth and vendor licensing.
    10. Internal Support
      1. Full deployment of District’s Listen web-based automation system
        1. Action Step: Budgeted for FY98 including system server and servers at each location --- Listen and other Internet/intranet products.
      2. Create universal database for ILL operations to speed up interlibrary loan function with area entities such as St. Louis County Library and Lewis and Clark Library System.
        1. Action Step: Planned for FY99
      3. Create linkages to Z39.50 database perhaps using
        1. Action Step: OCLC is currently evaluating an NT server for its First Search Z39.50 product, investigate incorporation of this technology into the District’s automation system. Planned for FY99.
      4. Use Internet/intranet technology for staff support services
        1. Action Step: Web enable policy manual (FY98)
        2. Action Step: Mount calendar/scheduling software on web server (FY99)
        3. Action Step: Increased financial and human resources reporting using web enabled technology (FY99-00)

       

       

    11. Telephony
      1. District has PBX systems located at 5 out of 8 locations (not including mini-branches)
        1. Action Step: Link PBX systems to allow seamless local telephone service to each of the District’s Branches. Planned for FY99.
        2. Action Step: Purchase compatible PBX systems for remaining three locations. Partially budgeted in FY98, completion planned for FY99
        3. Action Step: Explore utilizing system to seamlessly route telephone reference questions to reference desks at three regional branches dependent on workload. Planned for FY99-00.
    12. Training
      1. See "Training" section for current staff training offerings
        1. Action Step: Further develop intranet based list functions for internal discussion groups (FY98)
        2. Action Step: Investigate Microsoft NetMeeting and video conferencing software (FY99)

 

HARDWARE INVENTORY

December, 1997

File Servers:
Pentium II, Dual Processor 266 MHZ processor,
   256MB RAM, 9 GB Hard drive, tape drive [MY] 		1
Pentium 200, Dual Processor 200 MHZ processor, 256MB RAM,
   8 GB Hard drive, tape drive [Dev.]		 1
Pentium 90, 32MB RAM, 2 GB drive [MIS]
   (scheduled to be replaced FY98)		 1
Pentium 133, 64MB, Windows NT Server [MIS PDC] 1
486 66 MHZ, 16MB RAM, 1 GB Hard Drive, Tape Drive [Tech.Oper] 1
486 DX4 100 MHZ, 16MB RAM, 1 GB Hard drive [SP,KL,MK,DR,KR,CP]
   (scheduled to be replaced FY98) 		6
File Server Operating System:
Windows NT Server v4.0 with 10 client licenses 2
Windows NT Server v4.0 with 50 client licenses (MY) 1
Netware 4.0 with 25 licenses ( SP, KL, MY, DR, KR, CP) 6
Netware 4.0 with 50 licenses (MIS) 1
Netware 3.12 with 10 licenses (TO) 1
Routers:
Cisco 2514 Router 1
Cisco 2501 Router 6
Switches & Concentrators & Miscellaneous:
Baystack 303 Switch (24 10 Base T, 1 10/100 Base-TX) 13
Synoptics Concentrators 8
3COM Concentrator 2
NPS 560 AXIS Print Server 2
AUI to RJ45 Transceiver 6
CSU
CSU Motorola F100s v.35 8
UPS
APC Smart UPS 2200 Net 1
APC Smart UPS 2000 7
Frame Relay
T-1 Frame Relay line (through MOREnet) 1
512K Frame Relay (KL, KR, MY) 3
56K Frame Relay (DR, CP, MK)
   (scheduled for upgrade FY98)
 3

[Refer to Appendix "Current PC/LAN Configuration"]

Telephone Lines
Voice lines - District wide 36
Modem/fax lines - District wide 42

[Refer to Appendix "Voice and Data Lines"]

PCs
Pentium 200, MMX, 64MB RAM, 1GB or 2GB Hard Drive 86
Pentium 200, MMX, 32MB RAM, 1GB or 2GB Hard Drive 3
Pentium 166, MMX, 32MB RAM 17
Pentium 133, 32MB RAM 37
486 Class PCs, 8MB RAM 105
Laptop Pentium 90 16MB RAM 2
Laptop (Government Documents) 1
Laptop (Business Services) 1
Laptop (Branch Manager, SP) 1
(The majority of the "486 Class PCs, 8MB RAM" are currently not in use but will be upgraded to Pentium 200s, 32MB RAM to be used as OPAC stations.)

(Refer to Appendix " PC Locations/Primary Designated Use")

Miscellaneous
Digital camera (CRB) 1
Scanner. Relisys Reli 9624 (CRB) 1
LCD Projectors 3
LCD/Video Projectors 3
VCR 8
Television 8
Fax Machines 11
Modems (various speeds) 25
Phone System
InterTel Access Digital telephone system with voice mail and autoattendant (ADM/SP) 1
InterTel Access Digital Telephone system (MY) 1
Cortelco Millinium Digital telephone system (DR and MK) 2
*Comdial Analog Telephone System (KL and KR) 2
*Tie Analog Telephone System (CP) 1
(*These phone systems are scheduled to be replaced with digital telephone system in FY98/FY99 as funds permit.)
Printers
Brother HL 645 19
Brother HL 730DX 11
Brother HL 960 1
EPSON DFX 5000 3
EPSON FX 1050 1
EPSON FX 1170 2
EPSON FX 870 19
EPSON LQ-2550 2
HP Desk Jet 1600 CM 1
HP Desk Jet 500 C 1
HP Desk Jet 560 C 2
HP Desk Jet 694 C 1
HP Laser Jet 4 1
HP Laser Jet 5p 1
HP Laser Jet 6Lxi 4
HP Laser Jet Series II 1
Lexmark Optra S 1250n, 8mb memory, 500 sheet input drawer 14
Panasonic KX-4410 1
Panasonic KX-4450i 1
Panasonic KX-P1123 1
Panasonic KX-P1124 1
Panasonic KX-P1180 5
Panasonic KX-P2123 2
Panasonic KX-P2124 2
Panasonic KX-P2130 1
Panasonic KX-P3123 1
Panasonic KX-P4410 2
Panasonic KX-P4430 2
Panasonic KX-P4450i 1
CD Towers
CD 28 Drive Tower with 21 Drives each connected to each file server at six branches 6
CD 7 Drive Tower connected to file server 3
CD 7 Drive Tower connected to individual PCs 6
CD 4 Drive Tower connected to individual PCs 3

 

FY98 TECHNOLOGY BUDGET

 

Frame Relay

The Library District's FY98 Budget reflects frame relay upgrades for all locations. As of December, 1997, three of the District's buildings have been upgraded: (1) The main frame relay circuit at the Adminstration Building (available through MOREnet) had been upgraded from a 384K to a full T-1 frame relay circuit; (2) The K. Linnemann Branch's frame relay has been upgraded from a 56K line to a 512K line; and (3) The Kisker Road Branch's frame relay has been upgraded from a 56K line to a 512K line. The McClay Branch, scheduled to open in January, 1998, has had a 512K line installed. All upgrades to date have been for facilities located within the Southwestern Bell area.

Other upgrades included in the FY98 Budget are for the three facilities located in the GTE area and include the Deer Run Branch (56K upgraded to minimum of 384K), Corporate Parkway Branch (56K upgraded to minimum of 384K), and the Middendorf-Kredell Branch (56K upgraded to a minimum of 384K). These upgrades are scheduled for the latter half of FY98.

These line upgrades were budgeted in FY98 to support the increase in the traffic expected locally from the newly developed library automation system as well as the addition of 135 PCs to the existing LANs/WAN. When fully operational, the District will monitor the usage of these lines and budget for future increases accordingly.

The budgeted amount includes the yearly costs for all upgrades for all facilities.
Budgeted FY98: $28,683
Souce: Local Funds

 

File Servers

These file servers will run Windows NT Version 4.0, budgeted under "File Server Software".
Budgeted FY98: $42,000
Source: Local Funds

This file server will run Windows NT Version 4.0, budgeted under "File Server Software".
Budgeted FY98: $50,000
Source: Local Funds

This file server will run Windows NT Version 4.0, budgeted under "File Server Software".
Budgeted FY98: $10,000
Source: Local Funds

 

Router

The FY98 Budget reflects $12,000 for a router, router management software, router operating system, and router memory upgrades. At this time, it is not yet known if the existing router(s), operating systems, and memory are adequate.
Budgeted FY98: $12,000
Source: Local Funds

 

Cabling

The FY98 Budget reflects a total of $13,050 for additional Category 5 cabling in four of its facilities: Administration, Spencer Road Branch, K. Linnemann Branch, Kisker Road Branch, and the Middendorf-Kredell Branch. This cabling is primarily replacement cabling necessary to support additional PCs on the Local Area Networks. Category 5 cabling has been installed at all other branch locations which have been built or remodeled in recent years

Budgeted FY98: $13,050
Source: Local Funds

 

UPS

The FY98 Budget reflects an additional UPS to support the District's main file server located at the Administration Building. At the time of budget preparation, a total of $1,000 had been budgeted for this item; however, budget discretionary funds will be necessary to complete this purchase.
Budgeted FY98: $1,000
Source: Local Funds

 

Computer Rack

The FY98 Budget reflects a computer rack to house the District's main file server located at the Administration Building.
Budgeted FY98: $1,200
Source: Local Funds

 

File Server Tape Drives

The FY98 Budget reflects seven tape drives for the file servers at seven branches (SP, MK, KL, DR, KR, CP, and the ADM offices. Since these file servers are scheduled to be replaced, actual tape drives will be purchased as part of the replacement file servers. However, the FY98 Budget reflects these as individual items.
Budgeted FY98: $8,400
Source: Local Funds

 

Communication Server or Digiboard & Modems

The FY98 Budget reflects a total of $3,300 for the purchase of a communications server or purchase of a digiboard and modems. The specific purchase will be made after an evaluation has been completed to determine which of the two will be the best for the District. These items will support the dial-in access from the District's three mini-branches.
Budgeted FY98: $3,300
Source: Local Funds

 

PCs

At the beginning of FY98 (July 1, 1997), the Library District had a total of 155 PCs located throughout the current ten facilities. Prior to December, 1997, additional purchases were made to for the new McClay Branch. As of December, 1997, there were:

Staff PCs with Internet Access 84
Public Access PCs with Internet Access 75
Public Access PCs Standalones 19
Total 178

 

Prior to December 31, 1997, the District replaced forty-seven of the public access PCs with higher end PCs (Pentium 200, MMX, 64MB RAM).

The majority of the current public access PCs which were replaced by the higher end PCs will be upgraded and used as OPAC (on-line public access catalog) stations to support the District's new in-house developed library automation system. FY98 plans also call for replacement of the current eighty (80) staff terminals used with the current library automation system with 80 PCs to support the new automated system. The new automated system will have a total of 62 OPAC stations. .

By the end of FY98, Library District plans reflect a total of 320 PCs in operation, a 106% increase from its beginning total of 155.

New PCs: As of December, 1997, a total of $135,100 remains in the budget for new PCs to support the library automation system; these PCs will be installed as staff PCs. These PCs will meet these minimum specs: Pentium 200, MMX, 64MB RAM, 2GB hard drives, Windows NT Workstation.
Budgeted FY98: $135,100
Source: Local Funds

PC Upgrades: The FY98 Budget reflects PC upgrade kits which allows older PCs to be upgraded to Pentium 200, MMX, 32MB RAM. PCs designated as OPAC stations will be upgraded as necessary.
Budgeted FY98: $17,500
Source: Local Funds

 

MOREnet Fees

The FY98 Budget reflects $9,500 to MOREnet. This fee reflects a portion of the District's T-1 line, access to online resources such as indexing and full text delivery, technical consultation for networking, planning, and technical assistance through the TECHNIC Project, online and telephone support through the MOREnet Reference Desk, hands-on basic training and advanced training, and documentation and training materials.
Budgeted FY98: $9,500
Source: Local Funds

 

File Server Software

Windows NT Server 4.0: Plans for FY98 include replacing current file servers at all branches as well as purchasing new file servers as earlier outlined under "File Servers". Each of these file servers will run Windows NT Server 4.0. There is a total of eight file servers to be purchased (ADM (2), SP, KL, MK, DR, KR, CP). Prices for Windows NT Server 4.0 are based on current prices received from Educational Resources through the Microsoft Select Program; the cost is $150.00 per server; eight file servers at $150.00 per server equals $1,200.
Budgeted FY98: $1,200
Source: Local Funds

Tape Drive Software: The FY98 Budget reflects tape drive software for seven of the file servers at $500 each for a total of $3,500.
Budgeted FY98: $3,500
Source: Local Funds

 

PC Software

The Library District's FY98 Budget reflects the transition to Windows 95/Windows NT Workstation upgrades for existing PCs. A total of $14,151 was budgeted in FY98 for upgrades to 159 PCs at $89 per PC. During the first half of FY98, the District found out it was eligible for Microsoft's Select Program available through Educational Resources. The current prices available for this program has allowed the District to expand software purchased in other areas.
Budgeted: FY98: $14,151
Source: Local Funds

The Library District's FY98 Budget reflects the decision to standardize using Microsoft Office 97. A total of $6,450 has been budgeted. Again, these purchases will be made through the Microsoft Select Program available through Educational Resources.
Budgeted FY98: $6,450
Source: Local Funds

 

Voice & Modem Lines

The FY98 Budget reflects a total of seventy-eight voice and data lines district-wide. There are 36 voice lines and 42 data lines. Budgeted figures include long-distance charges.
Budgeted FY98: $92,597
Source: Local Funds

 

Telephone Systems

It is the goal of the Library District to have digital telephone systems at each of its three regional branches, four general purpose branches, and the Administrative Offices. Currently, the Offices, two regional branches, and two general purpose branches have digital telephone systems. The current analog telephone systems at the remaining regional branch and the two remaining general purpose branches will be replaced over the current fiscal year and the following fiscal year. The FY98 Budget reflects a total of $19,800 which will fund one location plus partially fund a second location.

It is the long-range plan of the District to connect all of the district facilities together, possibly using a private T-1 network with a fully integrated automated attendant and voice mail to all of the district branches from a single, centrally located voice processing platform.
Budgeted FY98: $19,500
Source: Local Funds

 

NOTE: Actual budgeted figures for FY98 were higher in some areas than reflected above.

The difference between actual budgeted figures at the beginning of FY98 and December, 1997 reflect actual purchases that had been made in the first half of FY98.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

 

All of the buildings have the installed electrical capacity to handle our current technology demands. As we continue to expand technology usage in our buildings, we may have to add new electrical circuits in some areas. The Library District has begun the practice of working closely with the electrical contractors during new construction and will continue to use the contractors as advisory sources as we continue to grow in the technology area.

 

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

 

The Library District has elected to provide its own computer system and network maintenance through its MIS Department. Thus, we do not maintain any current maintenance contracts with the exception of recent purchases of file servers where two or three year maintenance contracts have been purchased. The plans for the purchase of additional or replacement file servers include purchasing maintenance contracts.

 

 

TRAINING

 

Training information to be added soon.

 

A P P E N D I X

 

PC LOCATIONS/PRIMARY DESIGNATED USE

December, 1997

Location

Currently In Place

To Purchase FY98

PROJECTED
TOTAL PCs
by
FY98
YEAR END

Staff PCs
with Internet
Access

Public Access
PCs with
Internet Access

Public Access
PCs Standalones
(No Internet Access)

  

Total

 

OPACS

Staff:
Circulation
System

Administration/MIS

26

0

0

26

0

8

34

Spencer Road Branch

12

*15

3

30

12

11

53

K. Linnemann Branch

11

16

3

30

9

10

49

Middendorf-Kredell Branch

9

*14

5

28

11

13

52

Corporate Pky. Branch

5

6

2

13

9

10

32

Deer Run Branch

5

6

2

13

6

10

29

Kisker Road Branch

6

7

2

15

7

11

33

McClay Branch

7

8

2

17

8

7

32

North County Branch

1

1

0

2

-

-

2

South County Branch

1

1

0

2

-

-

2

Boone's Trail Branch

1

1

0

2

-

-

2

TOTAL

84

75

19

178

62

80

320

*Spencer Road Branch: 2 of these 15 waiting for installation; Middendorf-Kredell Branch: 4 of these 14 waiting for installation.

 

FULL LISTING OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

 

Electronic resources available online through the internet

All branches:

Three Regional Branches only:

 

LAN Based CD-ROMs locally mounted:

 

Standalone CD-ROMS

 

Support CD-ROMs for Technical Operations Functions:

St. Charles City-County Library District
425 Spencer Road - P.O. Box 529
St. Peters, MO 63376
Voice: 636-441-2300
Fax: 636-441-3132
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