Overview

Plinkit stands for “Public Library Interface Kit” and refers to a Web authoring environment designed specifically for use by public libraries.

Plinkit allows library staff members (or volunteers) to create and maintain Web site content 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 of 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.

History of Plinkit

The development of Plinkit began in 2003 as a two-year Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant called “InformACTion” and was initially administered through the Oregon State Library. InformACTion was sponsored by the Multnomah County (Oregon) Library and developed by Eva Miller. In the fall of 2005, the Plinkit project was transferred to the Library Development Services organization at the Oregon State Library, where it is administered by Technology Development Consultant Darci Hanning. In the summer of 2006, the Plinkit Collaborative was formed to allow multiple state and regional library systems to pool their resources for the purpose of further developing Plinkit.

How It Works

The Plinkit Collaborative makes available to its members a master Plinkit site that is pre-populated with features and content that have been designed with the needs of public library Web site editors in mind. The Plinkit Administrator in each participating state or regional system copies and modifies this master site to create custom Plinkit Web sites for individual libraries. These individual library Web sites are hosted at the state or regional system level and administered by the state or regional system’s Plinkit Administrator, but the content on each site is maintained by Plinkit Editors at each library.

When your library’s Plinkit Web site is first launched, it will already contain a wealth of useful information and tools for your patrons. The specific content and features initially included by the Plinkit Administrator on your site will vary, but the following standard resources and sections are usually included: online resources for Kids & Teens, a collection of online information tools in Spanish, and an eShelf & Research section that includes links to news and reference sources and may also provide access to statewide databases and/or local library databases.

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 maintain a searchable list of community organizations, a calendar of upcoming public library events, a digital photo album, and a staff events calendar.