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Plinkit: Web Sites Designed for Small and Rural Libraries

Plinkit: Web Sites Designed for Small and Rural Libraries. Sonya Schryer Norris Library of Michigan. Highlights. Free Web site and hosting – no on-going costs. Training and support Advanced features Professional, customized look Accessibility. Where Did Plinkit Come From?.

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Plinkit: Web Sites Designed for Small and Rural Libraries

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  1. Plinkit: Web Sites Designed for Small and Rural Libraries Sonya Schryer Norris Library of Michigan

  2. Highlights • Free Web site and hosting – no on-going costs. • Training and support • Advanced features • Professional, customized look • Accessibility

  3. Where Did Plinkit Come From? • 2003 LSTA grant in Oregon to specialize Web site development software for libraries • Designed for small and rural libraries • But LSTA prefers to provide seed money… • In 2006 it opened up to other states, now 22 in all

  4. Why Would You Participate? • Does your library need a Web site but you don't have the time or resources to build one from scratch? • Or perhaps you don’t have a staff member with expertise in HTML? • Then Plinkit is for you!

  5. Already Have a Site? • Does your library have a Web site but it's difficult to maintain? • Do you have to pay someone to maintain or host it? • Do you want a more professional look? • Do you think your Web site could be doing more for you and your patrons? • Then Plinkit is for you!

  6. What’s In It for Your Community? • A 21st century library presence • The ability to search your catalog from home (where applicable) • The ability to access hours/location and other basic information about your library 24/7

  7. Plinkit Has All of This A One-Stop Solution in All of These Areas

  8. Why Did the Library of Michigan Choose Plinkit? • Plinkit is optimized for libraries • Plinkit is backed by a nation-wide collaborative of library agencies • Plinkit is customizable in Michigan

  9. Plinkit Is Easy to Use • Plinkit refers to the software that powers the Web sites. • It’s called a Content Management System

  10. What’s a Content Management System? It’s the Easy Way to Create a Web Site and Most Professional Sites Are Powered by Them and Guess Who Uses Ours?

  11. Yes that’s right, the FBI and the CIA

  12. A Content Management System… • Allows you to edit content with controls similar to Microsoft Word – you don’t need to know HTML and you don’t need special software. • Sets the look of the pages so they are consistent • Gives the site a tailored, professional appearance • Provides advanced features

  13. It’s About How It Works • A CMS controls the back-end of a Web site: how it works. • Web sites built on the same content management system can look very different

  14. Who Controls Content on the Site? • YOU do • There will be a template and state-wide information and features such as the MeL logo and selected MeL databases but you control the content.

  15. Features

  16. Optional Community Organizations Database

  17. Digital Exhibits

  18. How Will My Site Look? • To start, pick from among 16 different color schemes • Next, choose from among a selection of designs for your banner • Coming in the next years will be completely new “looks and feels” for Plinkit sites.

  19. Let’s Take a Look at the Color Schemes Currently Available

  20. What Else Can Plinkit Provide to My Library? • Plinkit will have support materials like press releases and other marketing supplies • Plinkit will have state-wide participation and a community of Michigan libraries to share the joy with • Plinkit will have the resources of a nation-wide consortium backing up our sites

  21. Where Are We in Michigan with This? I’m glad you asked!

  22. What Did the Advisory Committee Do? • The Advisory Committee met for two full days of training, Web site work and consideration of policies and procedures. • The result of their work on policies and procedures was approved by State Librarian Nancy Robertson – let’s view it at http://michlibrary.org/news/PlinkitAdvisoryCommitteeRecommendations.pdf/view

  23. What Do I Need to Supply to the Library of Michigan? • In order to set up your site we’ll need information such as: • Selecting a color scheme • Selecting a banner • Making decisions about which staff members have access to your site • Choosing a URL

  24. Question 1 • Do you have staff that will be dedicated to the Web site development process? The entire process could require as much as 30 hours over a 3-month period. Changes to site after development are on-going.

  25. Question 2 • Staff Travel for Training: Training consists one three hour training. Can you dedicate 1-2 staff members for this training? Training locations will be held throughout the state.

  26. Question 3 • Ongoing Web Site Development: Will you dedicate staff to maintain the Web site once it is up and running?

  27. Question 4 • Do you have a staff member willing to serve on the Michigan Plinkit Advisory Committee for one year? • This is NOT a screen question, we are simply trying to find people who would like to serve on the advisory committee.

  28. www.michlibrary.org

  29. Questions? Contact Sonya Schryer Norris Norriss2@michigan.gov 517-373-4457 Follow this project at www.michlibrary.org

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