Library of Michigan Plinkit Program Reaches 100th Library Mile Marker
June 20, 2012
LANSING - The Library of Michigan welcomed its 100th Plinkit local library.
Plinkit stands for Public Library Interface Kit. It is a national program through which six states - Oregon, Illinois, Texas, Colorado and Virginia, along with Michigan - provide Websites to libraries. Plinkit is an easy-to-learn, easy-to-update website template. It is designed for libraries without specialized technology staff, but is easily expandable for libraries that wish to add features. There is no cost to the libraries and the technology "heavy lifting" is done by the Library of Michigan.
Currently, Plinkit serves 38% of class 1-3 libraries in the state. These are libraries with a patron base below 11,999 and are generally known as Michigan's "small and rural libraries." Several larger libraries are served as well. In addition, Plinkit serves one project site - the Sharing Library Ideas site at http://sharing.michlibrary.org/.
"When we joined the Plinkit Collaborative three years ago we knew there was a need in the library community for independent, easy-to-operate Websites," said State Librarian Nancy Robertson. "What we didn't know was just how popular the program was going to be. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're thrilled to be looking at adding an additional 20+ sites this year."
Plinkit sites are available to any Michigan library. They include a prominent homepage with display of library name; contact and hours; a news section with a calendar for library events; local, national and international news feeds; integrated MeL databases; a staff area; a Return On Investment calculator; and an optional Spanish language section among its many built-in features. Plinkit sites are delivered to their libraries ADA-compliant and are built to encourage continuous compliance.
See all of Michigan's Plinkit sites at: http://www.michlibrary.org. Here are a few that demonstrate Plinkit's flexibility:
http://www.boynelibrary.org
http://www.library.lapeer.org
http://www.dowagiacdl.org
Michigan is gearing up to establish a template for schools and look forward to welcoming more K-12 institutions.
Funded (in part) with a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library of Michigan.
For more information contact Sonya Schryer Norris at the Library of Michigan at norriss2@michigan.gov or 517-373-4457.
