Karen C. Knox, Associate Director and Information Technology Manager at the Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL), has recently authored a book entitled
Implementing Technology Solutions in Libraries: Techniques, Tools, and Tips From the Trenches. “As libraries face a rising tide of new
technologies and an increasingly tech-savvy public, this book is a timely guide to creating and managing library technology projects and meeting patron needs”, said
Rob Colding, spokesperson for the publisher Information Today, Inc.
Knox describes her niche in library technology as the perfect combination of her computer science skills and her love for libraries. After growing up in Rochester Hills, attending Rochester Community Schools, Knox earned a BS in computer science from the University of Michigan and an MLIS from the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked with technology in public libraries for more than 10 years, including five years at the Novi Public Library in Novi, Michigan, prior to joining RHPL in 2005.
In this new book, Knox provides a practical, step-by-step approach to successfully implementing all kinds of technology projects in libraries and information centers. “Very few libraries can afford to purchase and implement all the latest technology whenever it becomes available … in reality, no library actually needs to,” according to Knox. “Technology is a tool to be used to meet a library’s needs. … For any initiative, the key is to find the right solution to fill a particular need and integrate it into the library environment.”
The author has implemented many technology projects over the years, some more successfully than others, as she is quick to admit. In the book, she draws on her experience to help readers identify the most critical components of any project while modifying and scaling to meet their library’s unique needs. In addition to covering such nitty gritty topics as planning, building project teams, writing requests for proposals, working with vendors, training staff and customers, and evaluating a project, Knox deconstructs a successful implementation from start to finish, carefully examining each step.
“We are very fortunate to have such a talented librarian on our staff”, said library director Christine Lind Hage. “Karen keeps the library on the right track. Thanks to her leadership we have stable, solid technology to serve our customers.” Library consultant and futurist Joan Frye Williams says Karen’s practical approach to library service matches the book which is “clear and practical from start to finish—a comprehensive roadmap for rookies as well as success insurance for more seasoned implementers.”
In addition to the book, Knox has created a companion website (www.karencknox.com/itsil) that provides links to resources mentioned in the book, copies of the appendix documents, and updates to the print content.
Next time you access the library’s website via your mobile device or through your computer, checkout a book or use a library computer you can thank Karen Knox. She and her IT team are committed to keeping all library technology up-to-date and operating!
The Rochester Hills Public Library is located at 500 Olde Towne Road in downtown Rochester. The library is open Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sundays (during the school year) from
1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
About Tom and Ann Gendich