Library of Michigan

Sonya Schryer NorrisLibrary of Michigan

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Provides Web Sites That Are Free

for Michigan Libraries

Paid for by the Library of Michigan via LSTA Dollars

Library of Michigan

Highlights

Free Web site and hosting – no on-going costs!Training and supportAdvanced featuresProfessional, customized look for each library

Library of Michigan

Where Did Plinkit Come From?

Initially, it was a 2003 LSTA grant in Oregon to specialize Web site development software for librariesDesigned for small and rural librariesIn 2006 it opened up to other states

Library of Michigan

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!

Library of Michigan

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!

Library of Michigan

What’s in it for your community?

A 21st century library presenceThe ability to include links to community organizations such as Rotary and the Lions ClubThe ability to search your catalog from home (where applicable)The ability to access hours/location and other basic information about your library 24/7

Library of Michigan

Consider Plinkit

A One-Stop Solution in All of These Areas – We Even

Provide Free Training and On-Going Support!

Library of Michigan

Who Participates?

OregonColoradoIllinoisTexasMichigan

Library of VirginiaNEBASE (Nebraska)PALINET (for DE, MD, NJ, PA & WV)

Plinkit is a nation-wide collaborative with many

hundreds of sites

Library of Michigan

Why Did the Library of Michigan Choose Plinkit?

Plinkit is optimized for librariesPlinkit is backed-up by a nation-wide collaborative of library agenciesPlinkit is customizable in MichiganPlinkit has what we need!

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Is Easy to Use

Plinkit refers to the the software that powers the Web sites.It’s called a Content Management System

Library of Michigan

What’s a Content Management System

(CMS)?It’s the Easy Way to Create a

Web Site and Most Professional Sites Are

Powered by Them

Library of Michigan

A Content Management System…

Allows you to edit content with controls similar to Microsoft Word – you don’t need to know HTML!Sets the look of the pages so they are consistentGives the site a tailored, professional appearanceProvides advanced features

Library of Michigan

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

Library of Michigan

Who Controls Content on the Site?

YOU doThere will be a template and some state-wide information and features such as the MeL logo and some MeL databases but you control the content.

Library of Michigan

Features

Library of Michigan

Homepage

Library of Michigan

Kids and Teens

Library of Michigan

Kids and Teens: Logged In

Library of Michigan

E-shelf and Research

Library of Michigan

Optional Community Organizations Database

Library of Michigan

Digital Exhibits

Library of Michigan

News and Events

Library of Michigan

Calendar

Library of Michigan

Patrons Can Add Library Events to Their Personal Calendars, Such as Outlook

Library of Michigan

About Us

Library of Michigan

Staff Area Including Calendar

Library of Michigan

MeL Databases and Other Local E-Resources

Some of the MeL databases will automatically appear on your E-resources site with a link to MeL.Enjoy space for a digital collections. You could use this for photographs of your library and library events.

Library of Michigan

How Will My Site Look?

To start, pick from among 16 different color schemesThen work with a professional graphic designer hired and paid for by the Library of Michigan for a customized, coordinating banner to distinguish your site

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Example 1

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Example 2

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Example 3

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Example 4

Library of Michigan

Plinkit Example 5

Library of Michigan

What Else Can Plinkit Provide?

Plinkit has support materials like press releases and other marketing suppliesPlinkit will have state-wide participation and a community of Michigan libraries to share the joy withPlinkit will have the resources of a nation-wide consortium backing up our sites

Library of Michigan

Where Are We in Michigan with This?

I’m glad you asked…

Library of Michigan

Call for Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee will be a standing body with rolling terms of member participationWe’re looking for energetic library staff who are keyed into their staff and community needsWeb site administration skills are NOT requiredSee Michlib-l for the call

Library of Michigan

Call for Pilot LibrariesThe Library of Michigan will be looking for five small and/or rural libraries to participate as pilots. What a great time to get involved!Please contact Sonya Schryer Norris at norriss2@michigan.gov or 517-373-4457 if you would like to volunteer to be a pilot siteSee the call on Michlib-l this summer

Library of Michigan

How Can I Become a Plinkit Library?

After the pilot phase – approximately Spring of 2010 – libraries will be added on a rolling basis. There will be a place on the Michigan Plinkit Web site to sign up for a Plinkit site.

Library of Michigan

Questions?

Want to Become a Plinkit Library?

Contact Sonya Schryer NorrisNorriss2@michigan.gov

517-373-4457