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Do Iowa Public Libraries Want Their Own Web Sites?
The answer is…
a resounding yes! As of May 5, 2006, 286 libraries had sent letters-of-intent to the State Library stating their interest in Web site and e-mail hosting sponsored by the State Library through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since the original target for this project was 100 libraries, the State Library is delighted with the response.
Through the PLOW project – Putting Libraries on the Web, libraries will have Web sites preloaded with a variety of local information specific to each library, including links to local catalogs, location, hours, contacts, and trustees. Library customers will also have access to state-wide resources, such as EBSCOHost and FirstSearch databases, through their local library’s Web site. As library staff members are trained and become comfortable with their library’s Web site, they will be able to add their own content.
Through the e-mail hosting service, regardless of the ISP, each public library will be able to have consistent and stable e-mail addresses making it easier to communicate with customers. In other words, when a library changes ISPs, the library’s e-mail address will remain the same.
Participating libraries will also receive technical support provided by a full-time computer / technical support person available to public libraries by phone and e-mail. Starting this fall and continuing into 2007, training will be provided on Introduction to Directory and E-mail Services, Getting Your Web Site Started, Customizing Your Web Site, and more.
More information about the project can be found on the Staying Connected Web page.
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