webjunction webinar on techatlas

I just viewed the archived WebJunction webinar from last week on TechAtlas for the Rural Library

I thought I'd snag a few of the comments from the chat feature:

Why do a hardware/software inventory?

"Disasters!!!"
"To count the number of headaches I have per day."
"Replacement schedule"
"Documentation for volunteers who come and go"
"Know what you need to upgrade"
"New staff"
"Budget concerns, adding computers"
"Know what you have"
"Deal with theft"
"1. Grant writing 2. Ready reference for upgrades, etc."
"Keep track of how old machines are and when they need to be replaced."
"Insurance inventory; replacements & updates"
"Planned replacements"
"Budget allowances"
"Know what you have to determine what you need."
"To be eligible for the Gates grant"
"Insurance purposes"
"To comply with Gates grant requirments"
"Documentation,budgeting, just to keep track!"
"A snapshot of where we are"
"Insurance and let patrons know what's available"
"Easier replacement scheduling."
"Keep track of updates"
"Already done for E-rate and audits."
"Local government requirements"

Why are technology plans useful?

"Keeps lots of information in one place!"
"We hope to have a new media room, so we are doing tech planning to make sure we do it right"
"To control IT !!!! (as part of our long range planning process."
"To know where we are, and where we're going."
"Setting goals and objectives and service plans."
"It helped us apply for erate and plan for operating capital and CIP projects plus increased collaboration with IT"
"Budgeting, long range plans, e-rate"
"Create a wish list and know what you need funding for."
"Make sure we budget $ and space"
"To sell the importance of technology to the trustees!""
"Promotional tool when talking with administration when asking for funding"
"Gives direction to yearly tech activities. Keeps track of many tasks to accomplish."
"Much easier to present your case in asking for funding if you are organized and knowledgeable about your needs"
"We don't have one, but I believe it is a great idea. It gives a plan, a goal, a way to keep track of upgrades, especially when staff changes."
"It definitely helps when asking for more money from city administration."

Feel free to add your own reasons to the comments...