Montana State Library

Update: By aligning information systems to our programs and services, we ensure that we maximize our investment in information technology.

Continue to evaluate information system resources currently
maintained by MSL against MSL program and service needs to find
opportunities for greater efficiency;

Update: To build a useful information infrastructure is one of three key strategies of MSL. Our focus on this strategy means that we must regularly evaluate our information systems to ensure that our systems meet users' information needs and expectations.
Encourage staff from all library programs to effectively collaborate
across programs in order to use all library information system
resources to meet the goals of MSL.

Update: Prior to COVID-19, it was challenging for those MSL staff who regularly work remotely to access and make use of information systems available to employees on the state network. With all MSL staff forced to work remotely, a benefit of the pandemic, and the rapid deployment and adoption of mobile and remote focused information systems, is increased equity and adoption of similar systems which has improved the overall efficiency and collaborative nature of our work.

Update: It is incumbent upon MSL to continue to adopt and enhance online information services to meet users' information needs.

Rewrite Montana Cadastral Application

Update: A beta version of a new cadastral application, built on Esri's Web App Builder, is available online for public testing (http://svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral/beta). Staff continue to implement application change requests and will continue to support the current Cadastral application at least through the remainder of 2020.
Digitize Montana Talking Book Library Montana collection

Update: The Montana collection is fully digitized. Staff are in the process of adding the digital titles to the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) system operated by the National Library Service (NLS). Metrics for this program are available online through the Montana State Library statistics dashboard: https://dataportal.mt.gov/t/MSL/views/Stats_TBL/RecordingProgram?:showAppBanner=false&:display_count=n&:showVizHome=n&:origin=viz_share_link&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:embed=y.
Plan for a roll out of download on demand services for Montana Talking Book Library patrons

Update: The NLS, a program of the Library of Congress which creates the standards under which the Talking Book Library operates, is evaluating a change in strategy from the download on demand service model to direct patron online access through BARD. If the NLS moves fully to direct patron online access, TBL may only offer limited download on demand services.

Update: MSL continues to evaluate opportunities maximize IT efficiency in all our work.

Roll out a virtual desktop environment for all staff

Update: MSL staff continue to work closely with SITSD staff to implement UDW. Most staff require custom applications, including desktop geographic information systems software and/or integrated library system clients not available in the basic application stack. Current 25 employees or 56% of MSL staff make use of the Unified Digital Workspace. Additionally all MSL staff make use of OneDrive and other Office 365 products. By November 1, 2020 MSL intends to move all staff to Exchange Online.

Goals