Introducing Public Libraries on the Web - The PLOW Project

Nearly 250 librarians and trustees attended the March 17 ICN session on the Web and e-mail hosting services the State Library is offering to Iowa public libraries through the Bill & Melinda Gates "Staying Connected" grant.

The initiative now has an official name:  The PLOW Project (Public Libraries on the Web).

To-date, 157 libraries have signed letters of intent.  The State Library asks that interested public libraries sign and return the letters by April 28 in order to decide the best places around the state to hold training.  Letters of intent must be received on or before August 1, 2006.  After this date, the State Library may not be able to include a library in the project.

The PLOW Project will help libraries that:

• Want to improve library service to their community by having their own Web site, but don't know how
• Already have a Web site and are looking for ways to improve it
• Dislike having to change e-mail addresses each time they change Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Want to offer every library staff member their own e-mail address

For more information, contact Marie Harms, State Library, 515-281-3464; 800-248-4483; marie.harms@lib.state.ia.us.