WebJunction

Description:

Software companies constantly publish updates and upgrades of the applications, utilities and operating systems they make. But while in theory each new release is better than the last, there are many hidden (and not so hidden) drawbacks, pitfalls and costs to implementing these, especially on a public access computer. A decision to use your library's financial or staff resources to perform an upgrade should also be made within the context of your library's comprehensive technology plan to ensure that you are using those resources wisely.

If you are involved in maintaining your library's public access and staff computers, you need to be able to evaluate the risks and benefits based on the specific situation. The wrong choice here can inconvenience your patrons and staff, waste precious library funds, and create unnecessary work for you.

This course will teach you a straightforward method for evaluating each case based on your library's specific needs and conditions. Using this method will help you maximize the quality of your public access services without wasting time or money.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Understand and articulate the differences between an update and an upgrade
• Understand the importance of a comprehensive technology plan to guide your decision making process
• Explain the common values for keeping software up to date
• Explain common drawbacks of upgrading software
• Evaluate when it is appropriate to upgrade free applications on your library computers
• Evaluate when it is appropriate to update or upgrade paid applications on your library computers
• Evaluate when it is appropriate to update or upgrade operating systems on your library computers