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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 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? • 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
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!
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!
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
Plinkit Has All of This A One-Stop Solution in All of These Areas
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
Plinkit Is Easy to Use • Plinkit refers to the software that powers the Web sites. • It’s called a Content Management System
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?
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
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
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.
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.
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
Where Are We in Michigan with This? I’m glad you asked!
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
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
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.
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.
Question 3 • Ongoing Web Site Development: Will you dedicate staff to maintain the Web site once it is up and running?
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.
Questions? Contact Sonya Schryer Norris Norriss2@michigan.gov 517-373-4457 Follow this project at www.michlibrary.org