Technology Committee Minutes

February 3, 2021 1 p.m.
Remotely via Bluejeans

Action Item:  Approved to amend the network/wireless services policy regarding desktop PC’s

Present: E. Foley (1), Joan Foster (2), L. Schmiedicke (3), C. Danner (4), S. Kucher (5), J. Holmes (7), L. Stippich (8), T. Herold (9-10), M. Gartler, M. Spellman (11-13), M. Van Pelt, W. Allington, A. Hoks
Excused: J. Schmitt
Absent:  B. Kopetsky (6)

Chair: V. Teal Lovely; Notetaker: H. Moe; Facilitator: M. Van Pelt

Call to Order at 1:04 pm

    1. Introduction of guests/visitors: New Cluster Representative, Erin Foley, was introduced.
    2. Changes/Additions to the Agenda:  Add discussion topic with possible approval “Change to network/wireless services policy regarding desktop PC’s”
    3. Requests to Address the Committee: None

 

Approval of previous meeting minutes: December 2, 2020

a. Motion: M. Spellman moved approval of the December 2, 2020 minutes.  L. Schmiedicke seconded.

b. Discussion: None

c. Vote: Motion carried.

 

 

Action Items: Approved to amend the network/wireless services policy regarding desktop PC’s (see below)


Reports

a. Technology Report - you may view the report online. 

 

Discussion: 

a.      Review 2021 Calendar

a.       Will Allington, SCLS Network Administrator, shared a wireless desktop FAQ handout which you may view online. In summary, SCLS still recommends wired connections for mission critical workstations since they are generally more reliable. In some cases, it may be difficult or impossible to run a network cable to the desired location of a PC. The recent Meraki wireless installations have increased the reliability of the wireless at most libraries by improving the coverage area and capacity. SCLS can now accommodate requests for wireless desktops with some limitations as described in the FAQ.

E. Foley inquired if the wireless adapters will be installed internally or externally?  When new PCs are ordered, the library will need to communicate their plan to have the PC connect to the network as a wireless device.  SCLS will order and install an internal wireless adapter and bill the library for the cost of the adapter.  
J. Holmes noted Sun Prairie tried to purchase PCs with wireless capability a couple of years ago, but it was considered a security risk to the network.  We are not aware of any added security risk in comparison to a laptop.  Wireless coverage and capacity were the main factors preventing SCLS from allowing wireless desktops in the past. 

A new bullet point will be added to the website here: https://www.scls.info/wireless-services, indicating desktop PCs can be wireless with some limitations.

 

Motion:  M. Gartler moved approval to amend the network/wireless services policy regarding desktop PC’s.  S. Kucher seconded. 
Vote:  Motion Carried.

 

Items from Clusters: None

Requests for New Services: None

Annual Cluster Representative Training & Refresher:

    1.  M. Van Pelt reviewed the cluster representative job description and meeting protocols.

Plan for next Meeting:  April 7, 20201

a.      Discussion: Review service priorities for May All Directors

b.      Discussion: Preliminary 2022 Technology budget proposal

SCLS staff is available to attend cluster meetings to share information and answer questions pertaining to this committee meeting and other departmental projects.

 

Adjourned at 1:25 pm.

 

TC Minutes 2-3-2021