In this issue of What’s New @ WJIL we’re talking about setup, maintenance, management, and troubleshooting of your computer network. Use the Technology Systems & IT section of the Competencies to find learning resources related to Networking, find out more about bandwidth management, join a “car talk fashion” online discussion about Library computing and learn how to monitor the performance of your network.
Contents: Resources | Courses and Learning | Community | What could I do with…? | What’s New RSS Feed 
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Resources
Guide to Networking Resources on WJIL
- Use this Overview to help you mine the wealth of networking resources on WJIL, including illustrations and diagrams of client-server and peer-to-peer networks.
- Path: [Technology » Networking ]
- This all-in-one article compiles a series of networking articles including basic networking, peer-to-peer, and client-server networks in order to give you a full overview of networking generally.
- Path: [Technology » Networking]
- Every afternoon after 3 P.M., it takes 40 seconds to pull up Google or CNN. Your staff has to wait until the next morning to send cataloging records to a remote branch. Video or audio downloads are out of the question. Your first response might be, “Buy more bandwidth!” and that’s not a bad idea at all, but you might not have enough money to buy more bandwidth. Moreover, some libraries are finding that patrons will fill up everything they’re given. Double your bandwidth, and a month later it’s slow again after 3 P.M. Patrons can use file-sharing applications, such as BearShare, LimeWire and UTorrent, to download several large files simultaneously. Online games, streaming video and streaming audio can also take up large amounts of bandwidth.
- Path: [Technology » Public Access Computing » MaintainIT Cookbooks » MaintainIT Cookbook Chapters]
Monitoring the Performance of Your Network
- The why and how of network monitoring software from from the Planning for Success MantainIT Cookbook
- Path: [Technology » Networking]
Courses and Learning
The Network Troubleshooting course covers methodology and tools and utilities that can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot network problems. Learn to:
- Recognize the types of documentation and technical support options available for troubleshooting networks.
- Recognize the features and functionality of common network troubleshooting tools.
- Recognize how log files and network diagnostics utilities are used in network troubleshooting.
- Determine the most appropriate network troubleshooting tool to use in a given scenario.
- Sequence the steps in a network troubleshooting methodology.
- Troubleshoot Internet connectivity and name resolution problems on a network.
- Troubleshoot LAN communication issues and problems with local hosts.
- Use a systematic troubleshooting methodology to resolve a network problem
The Fundamentals of Networking
- See course description by linking on the course title above
For additional courses on Computer Networking visit the IL Course Catalog and browse the Networking & Security headings. All courses are free of charge for registered WJIL users.
Community
- WebJunction and TechSoup for Libraries are teaming up to bring you a panel of library technology experts to field your questions in a “Car Talk” fashion that’s sure to be informative and fun! The expert panel includes: Robert Williams, Technology Consultant at the South Texas Library System, Chris Jowaisas, Library Systems Grants Administrator of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Monica M. Schultz, IT Director at the Peninsula Library System, and moderated by TechSoup’s Stephanie Gerding.
What Could I do with…Technology Systems & IT section of the Competencies ?
- Beyond the core technology competencies, there is an increasing variety and complexity of technology systems that drive library operations. Depending on the size and type of library, there may be strict divisions between the responsibilities of IT staff and other library staff, or the line may be more indistinct as it is for “accidental” systems librarians in small libraries. Find the right combination of competencies from this compilation to meet the needs of your library. —Many aspects of Systems and IT involve management skills. See the Library Management Competencies set for project management, budgeting, and organizational leadership skills.