Jeff Tate

Jeff Tate is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing projects related to technology throughout the Library system. He also acts as the liaison with the City’s IT department and  others to ensure that Library staff and customers have the technology, software, and digital  services they need. This includes negotiation of the Library’s growing list of online products  and subscriptions. In addition, Jeff manages the Technology Training Section that offers technology training classes, individual training appointments, and other technology programs.  Jeff leads various ad hoc committees that oversee the Library’s strategic service response relating to digital literacy and access to online information and the Polaris Implementation Team that guides best practices in use of the Library’s computer systems. 

Jeff joined the Library in December 2014. He was previously a librarian for 12 years at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library working on digital projects, social media, and  technology issues. Prior to that, he worked at Emporia State University and was a digital archivist at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. He is well versed on library technologies and digital and social media trends. 

The Digital Services Division oversees and provides staff and customer support for the  numerous technology resources used to deliver Library services. Division employees have  individual responsibility for specific systems and services but work as a team to coordinate and  ensure that all electronic resources and technologies are designed to benefit customers and to  create service efficiencies and effectiveness of Library operations. The Division includes the Technology Training Section which provides customer assistance and training on use of  technology services and electronic and digital resources. Three System Analysts from the  Information Technology Department assigned to supplement the work of the Digital Services  Division by providing technical support for library systems and services. 

Some of the primary systems managed by the Division include: 

·         Polaris Integrated Library System (Library catalog and customer databases)

·         Envisionware Workstation Timing and Print Management System

·         Public Wi-Fi network

·         Library website

·         Library portal (employee access)

·         Social Media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

·         Websites for special library programs such as Big Read and Senior Wednesday programs

·         Subscription databases and services, including the Wichita E-Reads digital book collection

Class topics facilitated, include, but not limited to: 

·         Computer basics including Microsoft programs

·         Internet searching and Digital Literacy

·         Social networking

·         Digital content