What Does a Library IT Manager Do?

Libraries play a crucial role in providing public access to information and resources. In recent years, libraries have become important hubs for technology.

Behind the scenes, Library IT Managers ensure a smooth experience for library patrons. But what exactly do Library IT Managers do?

We interviewed Brian Wilson, the Head of IT for Lincolnwood Library, to learn about the skills and mission of a Library IT Manager.

How Do Libraries Use Technology?

As places of knowledge and community, libraries have harnessed the power of technology to continue serving their patrons well.

Libraries still carry catalogs of books, magazines, and newspapers, but how are they now using technology? What technical resources do they offer? While the answers may vary from library to library, more institutions provide digital tools and resources.

4 Proactive IT Practices and Why They Matter

In problem-solving, individuals often lean towards two approaches: dealing with issues as they arise or preparing for potential challenges in advance. In simpler terms, it boils down to being either reactive or proactive.

But how does this translate to IT, and why does it hold significance?

Proactive IT involves a heightened awareness of your IT systems, recognizing associated risks, and deploying strategies to mitigate them.

Do I Still Need an IT Team After Moving to the Cloud?

More businesses seriously consider cloud solutions for data storage and flexibility. However, they may also ask themselves: "If I'm moving everything to the cloud, will I still need an IT provider or IT team?"

Actually, yes! Just because a business no longer has a physical server in its office does not mean that its other hardware, software, and cloud solutions don't need an IT expert to maintain IT efficiency.

Should My IT Provider Share My Business Values?

As a business, where do you invest your money? Is it in improving your product? Employee retention? Finding more affordable solutions?

How you spend your money not only shapes the trajectory of your company but reflects your values. What matters most to your company and its goals?

Some companies feel their values should also be reflected in the vendors they hire.

Preventing IT Downtime: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Benefits and Challenges

In the event of a power outage in your office, the fate of your mission-critical hardware – switches, firewalls, routers, and servers – hangs in the balance. Are they abruptly powered down, necessitating a reboot? What about the safety of your data?

If you've ever grappled with lost time or discovered corrupted data following a power outage, you're aware that IT complexities extend beyond the simplicity of turning a device off and on again.