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Discover how Plinkit transforms the online presence of Oregon's public libraries. Addressing the critical issue of subpar websites and limited resources, Plinkit offers a user-friendly platform utilizing Plone, an open-source content management system. With pre-built websites filled with library-specific content, easy editing capabilities, and remote access to statewide databases, libraries can enhance patron engagement and meet modern expectations. Join us to explore the journey of Plinkit, from its inception to its future possibilities, and learn how this collaborative effort empowers libraries to thrive in the digital age.
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PLINKIT Putting Oregon’s Public Libraries on the Web
Overview • Introduction • What is the problem precisely? • Plinkit as a solution • Live Demo (unless I just jinxed it ;-) • What’s next for Plinkit, Oregon and beyond
Darci Hanning • 15+ years in the software development industry • MLIS, University of Washington • Technology Development Consultant, Oregon State Library: • Mix of “technology development” and project oversight in support of libraries throughout Oregon
You? • How many of you saw Eva’s presentation? • How many of you have heard of “Plinkit”? • What is one thing you really want to learn?
What is the problem? • Oregon public libraries: • With little or no web presence • With poor quality web sites • With just plain old BORING websites
How did this problem come about? • Uncooperative city or county IT departments • Lack of technical skills/resources among staff • Lack training, time, or money • Anything else?
Why do we care? • Patrons have higher expectations about their online experience • Patrons are missing out (and probably don’t even know it!) • Online library catalog (renew, holds, etc) • Research databases • Connecting with other patrons
One Answer • “Plinkit” – Public Library INterface KIT • Uses Plone, an open source software content management system • Does the heavy lifting for all the features you get with Plinkit • Content re-use, access control, and workflow
One Answer • Pre-built websites for public libraries • Pre-loaded with “library” content • Great features • Edit pages through a web browser • Content that is automatically updated • Remote access to statewide databases • FREE through the Oregon State Library (funded by LSTA)
History of Plinkit • Began as a two-year LSTA grant • Coordinated by Multnomah County Library • Development led by Eva Miller • Ten libraries initially signed up • Fully transitioned to the Oregon State Library Fall 2005
History • Redesigned content and layout • Upgraded the software • Developed a User’s Manual • Soft launch in Spring 2006 • Now Available to any Oregon public library • May 1, 2007: 20 libraries using Plinkit
Demo: Home Page • Library catalog online • Highlights “eShelf & Research” • Statewide databases & “Reader’s Advisory” • Open Directory Project • Local information & photo albums • L-net • OSLIS (K-12 website)
Demo: eShelf & Research • Statewide databases • “Good Reads” • “Selected Sites” • “Community Organizations” • “Digital Exhibits” (ideal for historic and/or current photos)
Demo: About Us • Contact Us / Web forms • Director’s Message • Additional content specific to each library
Demo: Interesting “Portlets” • Random Quotes • Location & Hours • Random Photos • Local Weather
Demo: Staff Area • Staff-Only Calendar • Online forum or Blog • Any internal documentation • Just about anything else a library may want? ;-)
Ease of Use (Edit) • Navigate • Login • Click “edit” • Use “Word”-like editor • Click “save” • DONE!
Ease of Use (New Content) • Navigate • Login • Click “add” • Fill out the “form” • Use “Word”-like editor • Click “save” • “Publish” • DONE!
What else? • Memorandum of Understanding • Free training, free manual (also online, searchable), and free support • Ongoing training for new features • “Screencasts” on how to use Plone
The Future – Possible Features • Online book discussions for patrons • Patron reading lists, sharing, tagging • Podcasting by staff • Multi-lingual sites • More “skins”
The Future – Empowering Libraries • Empower libraries to market their “information services” • to local business communities • government officials • and other constituents who make funding decisions
Beyond Oregon • Led the way in creating multi-state Collaborative • Colorado, Illinois, and Texas • Pooling resources • Updated user’s manual • Funding for new features • Helping small public libraries beyond Oregon
Questions? …And thanks!
Additional Information • Oregon Plinkit: http://oregon.plinkit.org/ • Plinkit Collaborative: http://www.plinkit.org/ • Plone: http://plone.org/ • Colorado Plinkit: http://www.colibraries.org/