The group met 0 times this reporting period.
Recent Activities
First Activity
Members of the committee presented at ALA Annual on patron digital privacy practices. This is a critical topic for public libraries to address as more patron data are shared with vendors and used by libraries to enhance services.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Transformation
What will your group be working on for the next six months?
We will put together proposals to present at conferences and discuss topics relevant to technology in public libraries, including broadband, recruiting, and funding.
Does the group have any policy recommendations, ideas with financial impact, or other items to bring to the PLA Board for discussion or action
Developing a relationship between the PLA Board, PLA Technology Committee and SHLB (Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition) could benefit libraries all across the country as everyone seeks funding for broadband. I'm not sure if it fits in this category but it is something that might cause smaller libraries to consider applying for the Emergency Connectivity Funds and other federal funding in the future.
Do you have any suggestions for future products or resources (excluding conference programs) to be developed based on your group’s work?
It would be worth investing in helping libraries recruit and retain technology professionals in public libraries. I am not sure what form that could take but recruiting talent is incredibly difficult for all technology areas of focus in public libraries.
Are there other PLA/ALA committees your group might collaborate with to benefit the work of all?
CORE is a natural partner and many committees would be a good fit. As an example, facilitating a relationship between the PLA Board, PLA Technology Committee and the CORE/OCLC Spectrum Scholars in Library and Information Technology could benefit all. Perhaps PLA Technology Committee members could serve as mentors?
Have there been any issues related to meeting participation/attendance for any of the group’s members?
No
Is there anything PLA could have provided during this time that would have helped your group with its work?
It would help to better understand how the committee can support the PLA Board and its strategic direction.
Submitted by Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz on 09/13/2021