PLOW(ing) Begins Across Iowa

Directory and e-mail services training through the PLOW project met its half way mark on October 27 after staff finished 15 of the 28 classes.

Through the e-mail hosting service, regardless of the Internet service provider, 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.

The next PLOW class is optional - "Advanced E-mail."  Information will be provided on installing and configuring Outlook Express and Thunderbird e-mail clients; spam filtering; virus prevention; using mailing lists; and interpreting message bounces and other error messages.  This class is open to libraries participating in the PLOW project and other libraries that have their e-mail hosted by SILO.  Up to two people from the same library may attend.

Register for the "Advanced E-mail" class using the CE catalog.

Between January and March 2007, the State Library will begin training on "Getting Your Web Site Started."  Participants will learn Web site design principles; how to create a Web site with the content wizard; how to develop a home page that includes news, "About Us," "Contact Us", hours, subject guides, and a list of library trustees; and how to select a style for the site. 

PLOW libraries will be notified about locations for this required class.