Technology Program AdministrationFRIT 7739

Executive SummaryThis report reflects Georgia Southern University’s Zach Henderson Library technology center. After several observations, discussions with the department heads, etc. I have been able to learn more about the technology center and how it operates. The technology center is available to students and staff and includes several technology devices that can be checked out for use. Some of the devices that are available for check out include digital cameras, pods, tablets, iPads, laptops, converter boxes, etc. The circulation desk at the front of the library is where all of the devices are located in a storage shelf. In addition to the portable devices that are available for use, students also have hundreds of computers on 4 floors of the Henderson library that they are able to use to complete classwork and any other work they need to complete. There are rooms in the library where students with disabilities are able to use the technology devices such as computers, scanners, printers, etc. for any work they have to complete. After my meeting with one of the directors of the library, I found that the Henderson staff conduct workshops for students and staff to inform them of the latest technology and programs and also about how to utilize the resources in the library. Overall, this technology center has an ample amount of technology resources both physical and informational for students and staff to use upon request. This library has great organization and is an effective center for resources.ObservationsDuring my time spent at Henderson I had a brief meeting with Mr. Bede Mitchell in the GSU library as he introduced me to the department heads over the library such as the head of Information Services Department, Systems Librarian, Head of Collection & Resource Services, and the Head of Access Services Department. During the meeting, I was able to introduce myself and explain my placement for this semester as well as the requirements I have to fulfill. Before the conclusion of the meeting, I exchanged contact information with the department heads and we discussed me shadowing them to see what they do in their department in regards to maintaining smooth operations at the library. I was then able to contact a few of the department heads where we set up meetings for me to come and observe them and see what they do in the technology center on a daily basis. I learned so much about the Henderson library and the technology resources available that I had not known when I was in my undergraduate program. I was very pleased to hear and see that they conduct workshops for students and staff to inform them of different technology resources and things that are available to everyone at the library. Center Context and GoalsZach S. Henderson Library is a part of Georgia Southern University and is supportive by providing access to information, collections, and services designed to meet the scholarly needs of the University and the general public. 1975 is when Henderson first opened and following that, in 2004 they decided it was time to expand with a budget of about $22 million dollars and was complete by 2008. One thing that really stood out to me was the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ARC) that was included in the expansion which has 5000 storage bins used to

store books. All of the staff and department heads work closely together to ensure a smooth operation of the library and technology center for students and staff to use. Center ActivitiesThere really aren’t any activities for this center, but the staff and directors conduct informative workshops for staff and students when they feel it is needed. EvaluationAfter reviewing the data I gathered from my observations and interviews with staff, I feel that the library center is running efficiently and is a place where students spend a great amount of time to complete assignments that involve some type of technology. The staff are always readily available for students if they have any questions and the technology resources are plentiful for staff and students as well. I really like the different devices that students and staff are allowed to check out because I know when I was in school I wasn’t able to afford a tablet or digital camera, but I had assignments that required to take pictures of some sort so it’s a great thing that the center has those resources available. Some suggestions for improvement are:Advertise and encourage more students to participate in the informative workshops that the center/library has for studentsInterview Questions:

1. What is your job title and job description? 2. What is the goal for the technology center? 3. What resources are available for staff and students?4. How often are the technology devices used by staff and students?

Items to be Observed:1. Evidence of technology use 2. Various types of technology available3. Smooth operation of center4. Evidence of protocol for checking devices in and out of center5. Evidence of operational technology