Tag Archive for 'website'

Plinkit: Library Web Sites Made Easy

Colorado Supreme Court Law Library I am thrilled to announce the launch of two new Plinkit libraries. Please offer a warm welcome to the Salida Regional Library and the Colorado Supreme Court Law Library!

Over 20 public libraries in Colorado are using Plinkit to provide 24/7 online access to their library catalog, as well as to other online resources, a calendar of events, information about their services and much more. Plinkit is also being used by special and school libraries.

Learn more about what Plinkit can do for your library, sign up, or contact us for more information.

Fundraising 101: Attracting Donors to Your Library’s Homepage

Pay close attention to your library’s homepage. In less than 15 seconds, does it tell you:

  • Who you are?
  • What your library is trying to accomplish?
  • Does it have a tagline that explicitly summarizes what your library does?

The design and content on your homepage should address each question in a way that balances breadth and depth. Don’t overwhelm your reader with too much information. Install “read more” links that allow the reader to dive in deep should s/he decide to.

Keep your homepage content dynamic. Put a tickler on your calendar to change something significant on your homepage at least once per month. Consider using a modular or block design that allows certain features to be easily swapped out. So many of us are visual creatures, so build a library of reusable images that you can use to keep your homepage content fresh.

Simple, dynamic, and compelling content on your homepage will draw your donors in. Don’t forget to put a link to your giving page!

Plinkit wins Project of the Year

As they say, “Woot!”

The Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) recently honored the Colorado State Library’s Plinkit service with its “2009 Library Project of the Year Award” at the association’s annual conference in November.

This award recognizes a creative and innovative project which furthers library service within the state of Colorado. Continue reading ‘Plinkit wins Project of the Year’

An Introduction to Drupal for Libraries

An Introduction to Drupal for Libraries: August 28, 2009, 12-1pm PDT

Looking for a better way to manage your web site content?  Want more advanced functionality and/or social networking features?  Drupal is  an award-winning, open source content management system being used by  major corporations worldwide and is now being widely adopted by the  library community.  Learn more about the pros and cons of Drupal and how libraries are using it to make their web presences more effective and efficient.  Discover library-specific add-ons (modules) that can  make your new Drupal site even more extensible.

There is no charge for  this webinar.  Pre-registration is not required. Click here for more information and to participate. Continue reading ‘An Introduction to Drupal for Libraries’

Red Feather Lakes Community Library’s New Website

Red Feather Lakes Community Library HomepageRed Feather Lakes Community Library launched a brand new website today!

In addition to browsing the library’s online catalog, patrons can access the latest library news; check out upcoming events, view an online photo album for the library, and even access Red Feather’s Facebook account! Continue reading ‘Red Feather Lakes Community Library’s New Website’

Web site evolution

As some may know, the Colorado State Library’s web site and its parent site, Colorado Department of Education, has for a long time needed a serious interfacelift. I’ve only been at the state library for 21 months (so I may be wrong about this), but I understand that the site has been entrenched in its late 90s-style design for nearly a decade. Yikes.

I’m happy to report that the site has evolved (is now upright and ambulatory) and has become better organized! This is largely due to the coordinated efforts of Marcus Johnstone (CDE) and Michelle Gebhart and Sharon Morris (both from the Library Development Unit within CSL). These are three people who really know how to get things done.

Check out the new site and let any of us at the state library know your suggestions for improving things.