MSP provider AVC Technology isn ’ t new to libraries , and it certainly isn ’ t new to the Greensburg Decatur County Public Library . “ We actually started partnering with AVC Technology in 1996 ,” Vanessa explains . Back then , the library board wanted to start automating things . Way ahead of the curve in the ’ 90s , the previous library director brought AVC in to help bring the library into the early stages of the digital age .
First , the library implemented AVC Technology ’ s proprietary accounting software , and in the years since , it has brought in multiple AVC systems including payroll and time clock solutions . Together , AVC Technology and the Greensburg Decatur County Public Library have collaborated on how to get technology into the hands of the county ’ s 26,000 residents for decades . These days , the duo is focused on finalizing library renovations , ensuring rural communities get the same access to tools as more urbancentric dwellers , and keeping cybersecurity top of mind .
TECHNOLOGY IN RURAL AMERICA
“ If we can ’ t keep up with technology ourselves , how are we supposed to provide it to our community members ?” wonders Vanessa . “ We ’ re in a rural area . It ’ s not like everyone can afford to put Wi-Fi in their homes , and some people live in places where internet service just isn ’ t available . Providing hotspots and Wi-Fi is essential to our community .” During the COVID-19 pandemic , this notion was put to the test .
The library has always had open doors , but with people isolated and in need of digital connection , internet access became even more critical . “ We had people sitting in our parking lot just to use Wi-Fi for homework ,” Vanessa says . Accessible internet and a comfortable place to use it are key components of good libraries today , but with these digital resources , cybersecurity has to evolve as well .
When community members are able to surf the web , access their personal emails , and go on social media platforms through the library ’ s network , bolstering network security to prevent phishing attacks is a must . “ We ’ ve always been in good hands with that kind of thing ,” states Vanessa . “ They ’ ll highlight areas we need to work on , even color-coding things by priority . I think we ’ re almost all green , which gives me so much peace of mind .”
OUT : PORTA POTTIES
COVID-19 wasn ’ t the only thing to challenge the library ’ s 23 staff members in recent history . After hearing from members that more accessibility features were wanted in the space , Vanessa and her team started a long renovation project to redo the community spaces at the library , make the bathrooms more accessible , and turn the outdoor space into a more functional area . “ Since November ,” Vanessa says , “ we have not had public restrooms for our patrons , but those renovations have recently been completed , and in the end , it will all be worth it .”
Although AVC Tech hasn ’ t been involved in reconstructing the library ’ s entryway or making its restrooms accessible , Vanessa is sure she ’ s going to have to call on Brian and Lisa to help with the new computer lab . “ We ’ re actually redoing our computer lab , too ,” notes Vanessa . “ It used to be a very closed-off area , and we ’ re making it more open , kind of like a café . So of course , I ’ ll be looping AVC Technology in to make sure that all the machines get reconnected properly and whatnot .”
“ IT ’ S GOING TO BE DIFFERENT TOMORROW ”
For centuries , libraries have been community havens that have learned how to do more with less . Often underfunded , these integral community pillars have to get scrappy with their resources . One of the biggest roadblocks to “ getting scrappy ” when it comes to technology is the pace at which it changes . “ It ’ s hard to stay knowledgeable in the tech field , especially in libraries . Even if you keep up with a new technology or security measure today , it ’ s going to be different tomorrow ,” Vanessa shares .
Only with support from the industry experts at AVC Technology does it become manageable for libraries to toe the line of proactive implementations and budgetsaving approaches . “ AVC isn ’ t going to push you to spend a bunch of money on things you don ’ t need ,” assures Vanessa . “ They understand that library budgets can be very tight , and at every turn , they ’ re willing to work with that .” AVC Technology is an expert at working with libraries in the region . They ’ ve been providing IT support and beyond to libraries for 30 + years .
While no other managed IT service provider knows libraries like AVC , to Vanessa , there ’ s something special about working with Lisa and Brian that goes beyond their industry knowledge . “ The big thing for me is making sure that you ’ re not just relying on one internal IT person , because if they leave , all that knowledge goes with them ,” notes Vanessa . “ AVC Technology provides an array of experts , but they all work together as a cohesive unit . They keep close track of all our tickets and issues , so if you ’ re working with one specific person , it ’ s easy for another tech to get pulled in and help you . That continuation of service is something I ’ ll never give up .”
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