Technology Program Administration

FRIT 7739
Executive Summary
This report reflects Georgia Southern Universitys 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.
Observations
During 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 Goals
Zach 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 Activities
There really arent any activities for this center, but the staff and directors conduct informative
workshops for staff and students when they feel it is needed.
Evaluation
After 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 wasnt able to afford a tablet or digital camera,
but I had assignments that required to take pictures of some sort so its 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 students
Interview 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 available
3. Smooth operation of center
4. Evidence of protocol for checking devices in and out of center
5. Evidence of operational technology