This topic comes at an interesting time for me, having just finished reviewing next year’s budgetary request and ramping up the ongoing task of updating the library’s technology inventory tracking system to determine what we have and what gaps need to be filled. The immediate goal of the latter is to create a technology replacement roadmap using the list of what we have to estimate when it will need to be replaced and how much it’s going to cost. The important but tricky answer to the “when” question can have a dramatic effect on the answer to the “how much” question. While the supply chain issues of the last few years appear to have leveled off in certain areas, it’s hard to say where the industry will be at a given time.
Focusing on the next few years, you may notice a familiar refrain: computers, computers, computers. The date on my mind is October 14, 2025, so mark that on your calendars…well maybe you don’t have to, but I certainly have, as that’s the official “end-of-life” date for the Windows 10 operating system. It’s more of a retirement, though, because Windows 10 devices will continue to work beyond that date, but they will no longer receive important security & software updates. Some of our computers (including quite a few laptops and mobile devices) in the library system don’t meet the minimum hardware requirements to upgrade and will need to be replaced. More than 2 years might sound like a long time, but spreading purchases out and providing a smooth transition make it feel a lot shorter.
Other hardware that serves a more specific purpose is also due for upgrade in the near future. The devices that run our digital signage (the slideshows you might notice behind many of the circulation desks at each branch) use a “lighter” version of Windows, and support for some of the software we use is ending soon. These displays serve the important purpose of informing visitors about the wide variety of programming and resources we offer at the library, so limited downtime is important.
The Square stands we use at circulation desks to handle payments (fines, print/copy/fax fees, donations, etc.) could also be updated to take advantage of new features and a more compact design that incorporates the chip and contactless card reader into the stand itself, rather than a separate device. This frees up desk space and removes a potential point of failure so our staff is better prepared to help patrons with financial transactions.
There are also some items that might be nice to add to increase the accessibility of the library’s e-resources. Some people come to the branches to use the public computers because internet access is not available or affordable where they live. Digital resources such as e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services can be beneficial in many ways, but owning a device to interact with these platforms can be a financial hurdle. If the library were able to loan hardware devices such as e-readers, laptops, and mobile hotspots, it would allow the library to extend these valuable services to people outside the walls of their local branch.
The ability to lend devices to patrons goes on my long-term wishlist, but in the here and now, all six branches of the library system are being steered onto the road toward the future, so our whole staff can continue to assist and support patrons across the county in opening gateways for exploration. The continued support of patrons and donors makes all of that possible.
Ryan Huffman is Computer Systems Manager for the Adams County Library System.