[OPLINTECH] Library Closing? Tech Item Checklist!

[Laura Solomon]

*Thanks to the Galecia Group out of California, which gave us permission to
share this post and is also maintaining the website mentioned at the end!*

If your library is closing completely, just to the public, or moving to an
emergency operations status, there are several tech-related items that
would be helpful to check before shutting off the lights:

   - * Backup Strategy:* hopefully you already have a full data backup plan
   in place, but now is a good time to test it. If your backup solution
   involves rotating physical media, like backup tapes, develop a staff plan
   for safely accessing the backup media.  Remember, a backup solution doesn't
   work until you test and CONFIRM that it works!
   -  *Security Updates:* don't leave public servers unattended for the
   duration of the crisis -- ensure that you have a plan to continue updating
   and patching servers and services in your network, remotely if necessary.
   If you'll be leaving staff or public workstations on, ensure they are set
   to automatic update with unattended reboot if necessary.
   -  *Domain and Certificate Registrations*: now would be a horrible time
   for your library's website to go offline!  Check your domain registration
   expiration dates and renew if necessary.  Also check the dates on your SSL
   certificates and begin the renewal process, especially if you'll need a
   purchase order to buy updated certificates.
   - * Password and Remote Access Policies and Training*: Many library
   workers haven't traditionally been able to work from home on a regular
   basis -- does your Help Desk have secure and effective password and remote
   access policies to support library workers?  Have your library workers been
   trained on safe, secure, and effective remote work solutions?
   -  *Online/cloud services and associated payment methods:* Using online
   or cloud services for critical functionality?  Make sure your accounts are
   pre-paid for at least three months, or confirm that the credit card used
   for payment won't expire while your entire accounting department is
   unreachable!
   - * Keep an eye on everything: *If you haven't already, consider
   implementing a network monitoring and alerting tool to help keep an eye on
   potential problems before they interfere with operations.  Alerts should go
   to multiple staff members and/or managers to ensure that a single sick
   colleague isn't a bottleneck for restoring service after an outage.
   -  Updated contact info: Make sure that your staff contact lists - and
   vendor contacts - are up-to-date.  You'll want to be able to file support
   tickets or reach out to any vendor experiencing service interruptions, even
   if you don't have access to the Post-It notes hanging on your cubicle wall!


Do you have any other tips or advice?  How is your library preparing for
the technical aspects of closure?  We're compiling resources for our
library partners here and we'd love to add your ideas and suggestions:

https://quarantinelibrarianship.org/

-- 
*Laura Solomon,  MCIW, MLS*
*Library Services Manager,* Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
(614) 752-0792 (voice) | (614) 728-5256 (fax)
laura at oplin.ohio.gov | https://oplin.ohio.gov
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