What Is Plinkit

Plinkit stands for “Public Library Interface Kit” and refers to a Web authoring environment that is developed and maintained by the Oregon State Library for use by public libraries throughout Oregon.

Plinkit allows library staff members to create and maintain Web sites for their libraries quickly and easily, without learning HTML or purchasing special equipment or software. If you are comfortable using a mouse and a Web browser and you have used the basic editing features in a word processing program, you will be able to create and edit pages for your library’s Plinkit Web site in no time at all. All you need is an Internet-connected computer with a current Web browser installed, your Plinkit Web site address, and your login name and password.

When your library’s Plinkit Web site is first launched, it will already contain a wealth of useful information and tools for your patrons, including online resources for Kids & Teens, an eShelf & Research section that provides database searches and links to news and reference sources, and a collection of online information tools in Spanish.

Your Plinkit site will also include a number of areas for displaying information that is specific to your library. When you first view your Plinkit site on the Web, these areas of the site will contain placeholders. To update the site with information about your library’s location, hours, programs, and policies, simply enter your login name and password and use Plinkit’s intuitive editing tools to change the content directly on the Web. The information you add or change will be available on the Internet as soon as you save your edits!

As you become more familiar with Plinkit, you can create completely new pages within your site, add more resources to existing areas of the site, and post news items and event announcements to keep your patrons apprised of library activities. You can also use built-in Plinkit tools to build and maintain a searchable list of community organizations, a calendar of upcoming public library events, a digital photo album, an online forum for library staff members, and a staff events calendar.