Website Partnership Expands Resources for Small and Rural Libraries
Contact:
Martin Ackley, Director of Communications (517) 241-4395
Agency:
Education
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March 15, 2010
The Library of Michigan has announced a Website infrastructure improvement for small and rural libraries in Michigan. Participating libraries and their patrons will have a powerful, modern Website with quick access to locations, hours, news feeds as well as library news, events, and their catalogs.
"It's important that residents and library patrons can access information and services around the clock," said State Librarian Nancy Robertson. "Our small and rural libraries now have the opportunity to move into the 21st century. Even better, there is no cost to the library."
Individual libraries now are able to partner with other community organizations to host their information, she added. The sites have the capability to become a one-stop shop for smaller communities.
"What's more, it's easy for staff to add content and updates. It allows libraries with no ‘tech staff' or Web development software to concentrate on what they want to say to their patrons," said Robertson. "And it's even easier for the public to use these sites."
Michigan's pilot phase, which spanned September through December 2009, completed its work a month ahead of schedule. The pilot phase consisted of five libraries, with each establishing a Website and participating on the Advisory Committee. The committee created statewide policies and procedures that were approved by the State Librarian. The input of the pilot libraries/Advisory Committee contributed to a strong foundation for the program in Michigan.
The pilot libraries were:
http://www.constantine.michlibrary.org
http://www.newbuffalo.michlibrary.org
http://www.homerpl.michlibrary.org
http://www.vernon.michlibrary.org
http://www.belding.michlibrary.org
Support for the enhancement to the Website was provided through a program called "Plinkit," a Website creation toolkit. The Library of Michigan covers the "heavy lifting" of the technology work and uses federal and state dollars to support the program.
Following on the heels of four Info Stops around the state to promote Plinkit, more than 40 Michigan libraries have applied to have a Plinkit site. The Library of Michigan plans to begin adding new libraries this spring.
Plinkit is funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Ongoing information about Michigan's progress with the Plinkit project can be found at: http://michlibrary.org/
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