Click here for online instructions and tutorials for the old Plone Websites
Click here for online instructions for the new Concrete 5 PLOW Websites
SILO provides free hosted web sites for any public library in Iowa.
The Web sites are preloaded with a variety of local information specific to each library, including links to local catalogs, location, hours, contacts, and trustees. Through the library's website, users will be able access to state-wide resources and databases.
The PLOW program provides a preconfigured library website with sections for
- About the Library
- Library Services
- Events and Calendar
- Online Resources
- Local online catalog
The website features a professional design with high use of color and images.
The website uses Concrete 5 as the Content Management System. Concrete 5 includes
- Visual and intuitive editing
- Fewer steps to add content
- A WYSIWYG editor plus drag-and-drop capabilities
- A Responsive website for mobile and tablet users
There are 2 types of PLOW library websites for Iowa public libraries:
Full Library Website
This website many pre-made sections that can be fully customized by the library. While the basic design remains, library staff can add new sections, new tabs, new pages, new blocks and new images. The layout and colors can be changed. The front page boxes can be customized to content, layout, color and number. The website includes an image slider on the front page that can be easily updated and changed. The library can maintain a calendar of events and add widgets for Facebook and the library catalog.
This type of website is good for libraries that have tech-savvy staff and have the desire for a dynamic and attractive website. Click here to see an example.
Lite Site
The Lite Site is a pared down library website that does not offer the full range and depth of content as the full site. The boxes on the front page are set for certain types of content and there is no front page image slider. There are no tabs and no calendar of events. Library hours and a link to the library's online catalog is included. A library choosing the Lite Site works with the District LRT to provide some content, such as Policies, pictures, and a list of services. The LRT adds the content to the Lite Site as directed by the librarian. This type of site is good for libraries that basically want a library brochure on the web. Once the initial content is added it will not change very much.
Click here to see an example.
Training and Support
Library staff using SILO's website hosting get access to full support and training to enable them to add content and maintain the library's website.
Technical support and training is provided by the district library resource techs and available to public libraries by phone, e-mail and some in-person visits. Training is provided with remote computer sharing, phone and e-mail, through once-a-week webinars, individual in-person training at your library and in-person classes for hands-on learning.
Concrete5 Training Information
Concrete5 is easy to use but works differently than Plone, so library website editors will need training on how the system works.
Here is a recorded webinar that provides a tour of the Concrete5 platform, including a demo of a new PLOW library website with a walk-though of the pages and the way they are organized, and also a brief presentation on current best practices for websites.
Link to recorded webinar 55 minutes
Old PLOW Websites
In 2019 SILO moved to a new Content Management System (CMS) called Concrete 5. Libraries with PLOW websites using the old CMS, Plone are encouraged to request and build a new library website using the new, updated Concrete 5 CMS.
Plone and the hosting servers cannot be updated, so the system and the websites will need to be taken down. Current PLOW libraries are encouraged to move forward with the new Concrete5 website platform by June 1, 2021.
Are you ready to get a NEW PLOW Web site?
Contact a District Library Resource Tech to request a new PLOW website. A PLOW website can be created and delivered at any time. The District LRT will assess your library's readiness and make the necessary preparation for the new website.